Amazing Day Trip to Bath from Bristol

Veganderlust contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. For more info, see the Disclosure Policy.

Facebook Tweet Pin Print Email

Bath is a charming city located in the southwest of England. It’s famous for its stunning Georgian architecture, natural hot springs, and rich history dating back to Roman times.

Most people visit Bath on a day trip from London, but a day trip from Bristol is far more convenient since it’s only 12 miles away. So, you spend less time on the journey and have more time exploring Bath.

I did a day trip to Bath from Bristol and loved it, the transportation was super cheap and I had plenty of time in Bath.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Bath from Bristol

The distance between Bath and Bristol is just about 12 miles (19 kilometres) which makes it super easy to get there.

Getting from Bristol to Bath by Train

The fastest way to get to Bath is by train, it only takes about 15 minutes! The train sets off at Temple Meads Station in Bristol and arrives at Bath Spa Station, which is just a short walk from the city centre.

Train ticket prices depend on the time of day you travel, but in general it’s always cheaper to buy a return ticket instead of two single tickets. You can simply buy the ticket at the train station, there’s generally no need to buy it in advance.

Tip: Make sure trains are running on the day of your trip. They were on strike the day of my day trip, that’s why I ended up taking the bus.

Outside of a train station in Bristol where day trips set off. You can see a few cars and people in front of the Victorian station building. — Bristol Temple Meads Station

Getting from Bristol to Bath by Bus

If you don’t mind a slightly longer journey for an even cheaper price, taking the bus from Bristol to Bath is another option. The journey takes around 45 minutes one way and it’s only £4 for the return journey.

There are multiple stops in Bristol where you can get on the bus and you can pay for your ticket by tapping your credit card when you get on the bus. Simply check the route on Google maps and find the closest bus station to you, otherwise there is one just outside Temple Meads Station.

Getting from Bristol to Bath by Car

The drive from Bristol to Bath takes about half an hour. It’s pretty straight forward but since the trains and buses are so affordable and convenient, I really don’t recommend taking the car since parking will probably cost you more than the bus tickets.

What to See and Do in Bath

Once you arrive, there are plenty of things to see and do in Bath. Here are some of my recommendations.

1. Roman Baths

The historic Roman Baths in Bath, UK, with its famous green waters and stone architecture, under a clear sky. Visitors can be seen exploring the area and admiring the grandeur of Bath Abbey in the background. This ancient site is a must-visit for those exploring things to do in Bath, UK. — The Roman Bath is the main attraction in Bath

No trip to Bath is complete without a visit to the famous Roman Baths. This ancient site showcases some of the best-preserved Roman baths in the world, and you can even try some of the mineral-rich thermal waters at the end of your visit.

You can walk through the ancient ruins and see how Romans bathed and worshipped. I particularly enjoyed the projections of Romans onto the ruins, helping you imagine how life used to be.

However, I do have to warn you the Roman Baths are the priciest and most crowded attraction in Bath. But they’re too iconic to miss.

🤩 Learn about Bath’s history on a walking tour!

2. City Center

A scenic view of Bath, England, taken from a high vantage point, showcasing the city's historic architecture and rolling hills in the background. Prominent buildings, a church spire, and bustling streets with buses and pedestrians are visible under a bright blue sky. Perfect representation of a day trip to Bath from London. — View from the rooftop at Bath Abbey

All the buildings in Bath are constructed with Bath stone, giving them a unique look that needs cleaning once a year. Take your time to stroll through the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy the stunning architecture.

The best view of the city is from Bath Abbey, the tallest building in the old town of Bath. Access to the tower is by guided tour only, with limited tours each day. If you want to join a tower tour, I recommend signing up early.

🤩 Visit the best places in Bath city centre on a walking tour!

3. Bath Abbey

The majestic exterior of Bath Abbey with its gothic architecture and detailed stonework, a prime example of the best historical attractions in Bath, England. — Admiring the outside of Bath Abbey is one of the best free things to do in Bath

Stunning interior view of Bath Abbey, showcasing its intricate fan vaulting ceiling and expansive stained glass window, highlighting one of the best things to do in Bath, England. — Admiring the outside of Bath Abbey is one of the best free things to do in Bath

Whether you take a tower tour or not, Bath Abbey is a top attraction in Bath. To enter, buy a ticket at the entrance and admire the beautiful stained glass windows inside.

If you don’t feel like visiting the abbey, sit on a bench at Kingston Parade, the square next to the abbey, and enjoy the views of the church. You might even catch a street musician performing on the square, as I did on my day trip.

🤩 This amazing walking tour sets off in front of Bath Abbey!

4. Pulteney Bridge

Scenic view of Pulteney Bridge reflecting on the River Avon, a picturesque highlight for anyone visiting Bath from London on a day trip. — Pulteney Bridge is one of the best things to see in Bath

Pulteney Bridge is one of the most beautiful bridges in England, and it’s a must-see in Bath. The bridge was built in 1774, spans over the River Avon and is lined with shops on both sides, giving it a unique charm.

Take some time to walk across the bridge, and find the best viewing spot on either side of the bridge. Crossing the bridge doesn’t even feel like you’re on a bridge with buildings on both sides.

🤩 This guided walking tour also visits the Royal Crescent!

5. Jane Austen Centre or a Bookshop

Exterior view of the Jane Austen Centre in Bath, decorated with vibrant flowers and featuring figures in period costumes, a popular cultural site in Bath, England. — Entrance to the Jane Austen Centre, one of the most popular attractions Bath has to offer

Bath is famous for being the the home of Jane Austen’s for a few years and the inspiration for two of her novels. If you’re a fan of her work, make sure to visit the Jane Austen Centre, dedicated to celebrating her life and works.

If you prefer browsing through books instead, Bath also has some amazing bookshops that are worth checking out. I highly recommend Toppings & Company Booksellers and Mr B’s Emporium Bookshop.

6. Thermae Bath Spa

Two people relaxing in the steamy rooftop pool of the Thermae Bath Spa with the stunning backdrop of Bath Abbey, a perfect rejuvenating experience during a day trip to Bath. — You have the best views from the rooftop pool; photo credit to Thermae Bath Spa

After a day of sightseeing, relax at Thermae Bath Spa. This spa features natural thermal waters and offers a range of treatments and experiences to choose from.

I personally loved the rooftop pool with views of the city, it was the perfect way to end my day trip to Bath before heading back to Bristol.

The whole experience in the thermal bath is very relaxing as there are no phones allowed anywhere in the bath.

7. Vegan Food

Enjoying a vegan sticky toffee pudding with ice cream and a matcha latte at an outdoor café in Bath, with a view of the bustling city center and Bath Abbey, a perfect treat during a one day visit to Bath. — Matcha latte and a sticky toffee pudding with ice cream at The Green Rocket

There are two all-vegan cafés in Bath. I had lunch and a dessert at The Green Rocket. They have great outdoor seating if you want to be surrounded by the bustling city. Plant. Eat. Licious looks quieter and calmer but super cute, unfortunately, I didn’t have time to try it.

Overall, the vegan food can’t compete with Bristol’s vegan restaurants, but I was pleasantly surprised by the options.

Final Thoughts: Bath Day Trip from Bristol

A day trip from Bristol to Bath is a must-do if you’re in the area, it’s the best day trip from Bristol. The journey is easy and affordable, and there’s plenty to see and do in Bath.

With its rich history, charming architecture, and relaxing thermal spa, it’s the perfect escape from the modern city of Bristol.

🤩 Visit the best places in Bath on a guided walking tour!

Pin it for later:

A promotional image for an epic day trip to Bath from Bristol, featuring Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths with their green water. The text "Epic Day Trip to Bath from Bristol" overlays the image, highlighting the historic and scenic attractions of Bath. — Best Day Trip from Bristol to Bath