Any amount of time spent in Bath with leave you wanting to revisit again and again. With some of the finest examples of architecture and a rich history you’ll be kept busy whilst exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. To help you out here are just a few ideas for how you could spend 48 hours in Bath.

Disclaimer: Thank you to VisitBath who kindly provided me with a Press Pass which gave me free access to the attractions marked **

Arriving

Bath is a city which is small enough to be walked around with ease so there really is no need to bring the car. I recommend travelling into the city by train – it’s around 90 minutes from Oxford (complete with a change at Didcot) and roughly the same if coming from London.

Book Your Train Here

Once you’ve arrived, check into the Abbey Hotel. Drop off your bags and then start exploring Bath by wandering some of it’s narrow cobbled streets and discover a multitude of independent shops as well the regular designer and high street brands. Bath has garnered a well-earned reputation with shoppers as it offers an impressive range of independent businesses and shops – supporting local artists, designers, makers and food producers – offering unique products in a wonderful setting.

Read: My Review of The Abbey Hotel, Bath

The council is currently working to make Bath “the UK’s most walkable city” which means a growing number of areas are becoming wonderfully pedestrianised. Another reason why leaving your car at home might be a good idea.

One of my favourite things to do when walking around a new city is to discover the local bookshops and Bath is no exception – there are two that you should definitely visit.

Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights – with friendly and knowledgeable staff, beautiful alcoves full of an incredible range of titles and there’s the claw-foot bath of books!

Toppings and Company is the other bookshop you need to visit. It was bitterly cold when I was in Bath so I was thrilled when I walked in and immediately handed a cup of hot coffee. If floor to ceiling bookshelves, tables piled with titles of all genres and a warm, inviting environment interests you then you’ll be happy to spend a few hours here.

After this walking (and shopping) and you’re feeling peckish then refuel by stopping for a bite to eat at Yen Sushi.

Meticulous Ink is an ideal destination if you’re looking for a gift (or something for yourself) as it stocks the most beautiful stationery. Head to The Corridor, a beautiful indoor arcade which houses both high street brands and independent specialists. 

If you’re still hungry later on then you need to stop at Dough pizza restaurant, a family-run business that offers a really impressive menu. Finally, finish your evening at The Canary Gin Bar with a delicious cocktail.

Full Day

After breakfast (and a short walk from the hotel) head to Bath Abbey**, with its stunning high ceiling, beautiful flagstone flooring and impressive pillars. The real highlight though is the Tower Tour – for just £8:00 you will be led up the 212 steps of the tower to the rooftop and be provided with the stunning views of the city and beyond.

Next door to the Abbey are the famous Roman Baths** – this was actually the only part of the city that I had been to (multiple times) due to school trips. the actual baths haven’t changed – they’re still impressive and fascinating but what has changed considerably are the indoor features and the audio commentary – a vast improvement from fifteen years ago.

At lunchtime head to The Scallop Shell for some of the most amazing fish and chips (I highly recommend the sea bass and the rice pudding!)

If you want to take a lovely walk amongst a beautiful setting then wander towards Royal Victoria Park and its Botanical Gardens. Up the road from the park is the world-famous Royal Crescent – a row of 30 palatial Georgian townhouses sweeping around a lovely lawn. At the eastern end of the row is Number One** which operates as a museum.

Once you’ve made your way back to the hotel hunger will have hit, so you need to grab a table at Koffmann & Mr White’s for a delicious meal, then finish the evening with a drink at the Abbey Hotel’s ArtBar.

Departing

Begin your final morning by heading for a walk along the River Avon, through Parade Gardens towards Pulteney Bridge. Keep walking through the beautiful streets of the city until you reach the Fashion Museum, this is a fascinating building, with the most impressive collection.

Finally, before you head home there’s one more stop you need to make – lunch at the famous Sally Lunn’s – try one of their delicious buns, either with a savoury or a sweet topping (or both) then take a quick detour upstairs to the Historic Eating House Museum** to learn the history of what is believed to be the oldest house in Bath.

Have you been to Bath? How did you spend your time?

Let me know in the comments.