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Amazing Day Trip to Bath from London by Train
Bath is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United Kingdom, known for its stunning Georgian architecture, ancient baths, and relaxing thermal spas.
You can easily visit Bath on a day trip from London, it takes about 1.5 hours one way by train. I’ve actually taken my Bath day trip from Bristol, which is only 15 minutes by train. But I’ve taken many other train trips from London, so I can still give you inside tips.
On the best day trip to Bath from London by train you can experience all the best things this beautiful city has to offer, from visiting the famous Roman Baths, soaking in thermal water, to crossing the iconic Pulteney Bridge, and more.
How to Get to Bath from London by Train
The easiest way to reach Bath from London is by a 1.5-hour train ride from Paddington Station. The Bath train station is a short walk from the city center, making it perfect for a day trip if you’re staying in London for four days or more.
There are many different ticket options to choose from, it mainly depends if you travel during peak-time or not. Whatever option you choose, prices tend to be lower if you buy your ticket in advance. And you’ll also safe a bit of money if you buy a return ticket instead of two single tickets.
Alternatively, you can also take a bus from London Victoria which is way cheaper but the journey takes twice as long.
London to Bath train fares are quite pricey, so last time I visited Bristol, I took the chance to do a day trip from Bristol to Bath. The journey cost just Ā£2 one way and took only 15 minutes, making it an excellent day trip from Bristol.
What to Do in Bath for a Day
Visit the Roman Baths
I’ll be honest with you, the Roman Baths are the most expensive, most crowded attraction in Bath but they are so iconic they can’t be missed. The famous baths are over 2000 years old and have been preserved in excellent condition.
The baths gave Bath its name and they’re the reason Bath is one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
You can walk through the ancient ruins and see how the Romans used to bathe and worship their gods. I really like the projections of Romans onto the ruins, so you can really imagine how life used to be.
Towards the end of the visit of the Roman Baths you can even try some natural thermal water, it tastes a little bit like sulphur and it reminded me of the thermal water they drink in Budapest for health reasons.
Stroll Through the City Center
All the buildings in the city of Bath are constructed with so called Bath stone which has a very unique look and needs to be cleaned once a year. So, take your time to stroll through the city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in the stunning architecture.
The best view of the city is from Bath Abbey, the tallest building in Bath’s old town. You can visit the tower only with a guided tour, and there are limited tours each day. If you want to do a tower tour, I recommend going early to sign up for one later in the day.
Explore Bath Abbey
Whether you want to take a tower tour or not, Bath Abbey is one of the best things to see in Bath. You have to buy a ticket at the entrance if you want to go inside the abbey. Inside you can admire the beautiful stained glass windows.
If you’re not in the mood to visit the abbey, you can simply sit down on one of the benches at Kingston Parade, the square right next to the abbey and the Roman Baths, and enjoy the view. You might even catch some live music. There was a street musician performing when I visited.
Cross Pulteney Bridge
One of the most iconic landmarks in Bath is Pulteney Bridge, which was built in 1774. It’s one of only four bridges in the world that has shops on both sides. You can walk across the bridge and you won’t even realise you’re on a bridge!
The best views of Pulteney Bridge are when you walk up to it from either side, not from the bridge itself.
Visit the Jane Austen Centre or a Bookshop
Did you know that Jane Austen used to live in Bath? If you’re a fan of her books, you should visit the Jane Austen Centre dedicated to her and her work.
Alternatively, if you love bookstores as much as I do, make sure to stop by one of the many independent bookshops in Bath. My personal favorites are Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights and Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath.
Relax at Thermae Bath Spa
After all the sightseeing, it’s time to relax at one of Bath’s most famous attractions ā Thermae Bath Spa. This modern spa uses natural thermal water from a nearby spring and offers various treatments, rooftop pool with stunning views over Bath, and different steam rooms.
I highly recommend booking your spa session in advance, as tickets can sell out.
Where to Eat in Bath
Bath has a great selection of restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering delicious food from all over the world.
There are even two all vegan cafĆ©s. I had lunch at The Green Rocket. They have great outdoor seating if you want to be surrounded by the bustling city life. Plant. Eat. Licious looks more quiet and calm but super cute, unfortunately I didn’t have time to try it out though.
All in all, obviously the vegan food can’t compete with the vegan food in London but I was still pleasantly surprised by the options.
Final Thoughts: Bath Day Trip from London
Overall, one day trip to Bath from London is definitely worth it for anyone interested in history, architecture, and relaxation. You can easily see the main sights, get a taste of the city’s unique atmosphere, and enjoy some delicious food in one day.
You can also combine a trip to Bath with a visit to Stonehenge, but in that case I would recommend taking a tour for the best experience as getting to Bath and Stonehenge by public transport would be too difficult for a day trip.
š¤© Combine a day trip to Bath and Stonehenge from London on a tour!
Read more about London:
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