Today, I’m going to take you on a trip to Bath – a charming city in the south west of England, famous for the Roman baths, the abbey and traditional buns. It’s a perfect destination for a weekend day trip from London. Stunning architecture, historically significant sites and great food – this city has it all! It’s been a while since I went on a trip to Bath, but I never wrote a post about it. Time to revisit that trip – join me as I relive those memories.

Getting to Bath from London

As always, my day trip journey included a train ride. I took a direct train from London Paddington to Bath Spa. The journey took about 1 hour 30 minutes. From Bath train station, it was just a 10 minute walk to my first destination.

Stepping Back in Time at the Roman Baths

I started the day with a visit to the Roman Baths, and honestly, they didn’t disappoint. Walking through this ancient site, you can almost hear the echoes of the past – Romans chatting, relaxing in the warm waters, and making their offerings to the goddess Sulis Minerva. The Baths are incredibly well-preserved, with steaming thermal water still bubbling up from the springs. The museum attached to the site is packed with fascinating artefacts, including ancient coins and sculptures, which give you a real sense of what life was like here nearly 2,000 years ago.

Standing by the Great Bath, surrounded by those iconic pillars and the beautiful, weathered stones, I couldn’t help but imagine what it must have been like to soak in those waters back in the day. It’s not hard to see why this place was a social hub for the Romans! If you’d like to visit the Roman Baths in Bath, check out the official website for opening times and prices: https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/.

Bath Abbey

After the Roman Baths, I took a short stroll over to Bath Abbey. This stunning piece of Gothic architecture dominates the city centre, and it’s just as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside. The intricate stained-glass windows and soaring ceilings are absolutely breathtaking. I took a moment to sit quietly inside, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

If you’re up for it, you can climb the tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city – I thoroughly enjoyed that guided tour. But even from ground level, the Abbey is a sight to behold and a must-visit when in Bath. If you’re interested in visiting Bath Abbey, check out its website for opening times and prices: https://www.bathabbey.org/.

A Stroll Around the City Centre

With history ticking all the boxes, I wandered around Bath’s city centre, which is as charming as it gets. The honey-coloured Georgian buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant shops make it a joy to explore. My walk took me to Pulteney Bridge, one of only four bridges in the world with shops spanning both sides, which often features on postcards from Bath. The bridge itself is a bit of an architectural gem and offers some lovely views of the River Avon.

I also bought a traditional Sally Lynn Bath, sold in the Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House – located in Bath’s oldest house, dating back to around 1483! You can have a sit down meal there and try sandwiches made with the traditional buns, but there was a pretty long queue outside of the restaurant all day. Luckily, you can buy plain buns for takeaway, each packed in a beautiful box, without a need to queue, and that’s what I did.

Royal Crescent and Botanical Gardens

Next, I headed towards Royal Victoria Park to see the Royal Crescent, one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks. The walk through the park was beautiful, with lush greenery all around, and then, suddenly, there it was – the Royal Crescent, a sweeping curve of grand Georgian houses that make you feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of a period drama.

Standing in front of the Crescent, it’s easy to see why it’s such a sought-after address. The architecture is stunning, and the view over the park is just as impressive. I also took a little detour to the Botanical Gardens within the park, which was a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. The gardens are beautifully maintained, with a variety of plants and flowers that make it a perfect spot for a quiet stroll.

Prior Park Landscape Garden

I decided to conclude my trip to Bath with a visit to the Prior Park Landscape Garden, to see the Palladian Bridge. The garden – a large, green space on the outskirts of Bath – doesn’t seem too far from the city centre if you look on the map. What I didn’t know was that the one and only entrance to that National Trust site was at the far end of the Garden, looking from the centre of Bath. I ended up walking for a long time before I reached it – and it was an uphill walk. I was exhausted when I got there! Luckily, the views were worth the effort. Thanks to the uphill walk, I ended up on top of a hill, with a lovely panoramic view. The gardens are set in a picturesque valley, with stunning views over Bath, and the main attraction here is the Palladian Bridge.

The bridge is a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture, and standing on it, surrounded by the serene beauty of the park, was pure magic. The whole garden feels like a step back in time, with its rolling lawns, tranquil ponds, and carefully placed classical statues. It’s a place where you can easily lose track of time, just wandering and taking in the scenery. If you’d like to visit the Prior Park Landscape Garden, check out the opening times and ticket prices on its website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bath-bristol/prior-park-landscape-garden. One word of advice, though: take a bus to get there! The long walk from the city centre isn’t a good idea.

As this was the last point in my trip’s agenda, I had a picnic in the Garden, surrounded by nature and lovely views. That’s when I tasted the two traditional buns: Sally Lunn bun and the Bath Bun.

The Bath Bun was a small, sweet bun, sprinkled with lumps of sugar. It was really tasty on its own! The Sally Lunn bun resembled a brioche bun, but it was massive – a size of a dessert plate, or even a little larger. It tasted alright on its own, but I saved it to make sandwiches at home – and those turned out divine! A toasted Sally Lunn bun was a perfect base for a lavish sandwich. Yum!

Final Thoughts

After a day packed with history, architecture, nature, and some tasty treats, I hopped back on the train to London, feeling like I’d experienced a little slice of everything that makes Bath special. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a beautiful place to explore, Bath has something for everyone.

If you’re in London and fancy a day out, I can’t recommend Bath enough. It’s a city that feels like a walk through history, with surprises around every corner. And with its proximity to London, it’s the perfect destination for a day trip that’ll leave you refreshed and inspired.

Also see:

• Travel