Georgian crescents, Bath is a harmonious blend of past and present offering a stunning tapestry of history, culture and architectural splendour. Known for its Palladian architecture and honey coloured limestone, UNESCO World Heritage gave it their stamp of approval.
Bath's origins date back to the Roman era, around 60 AD, when it was established as a thermal spa. The Romans built extensive baths and a temple on the site, dedicating it to the goddess Sulis Minerva.
The city's golden age continued into the Georgian era, leaving a legacy of stunning architecture. The Royal Crescent, a row of 30 terraced houses laid out in a sweeping crescent, is an iconic example of Georgian grandeur. The Circus, another architectural marvel, consists of three curved segments of townhouses forming a circle with three entrances. Both structures showcase the elegance and symmetry that define Georgian design. A perennial location for bonnets and horse drawn carriages, most recently for the Netflix hit, Bridgerton and their 2022 Persuasion.
Bath City is a harmonious blend of past and present, where ancient Roman baths coexist with Georgian elegance and modern comforts. Whether you're looking for a smart townhouse in its vibrant centre or somewhere a little quieter in the surrounding villages, Bath is a unique and unforgettable City. Its rich heritage, cultural vibrancy, and natural charm make it a true gem in the heart of England.
From Bath Spa station trains take 10-20 minutes to Bristol, leaving every 15 minutes; 90 minutes to London, and 26 minutes to Swindon, leaving every half-hour. The M4 is only eight miles away, Bristol Airport 20 miles away and it’s a 90 minute drive to Heathrow.
Bath is known for its high-quality educational institutions, ranging from primary schools to universities. Bath is home to two universities, the University of Bath and Bath Spa University, which contribute to the city’s vibrant student life and academic reputation. For a comprehensive overview of education in bath, please click HERE to read our PDF
Bath is served by several healthcare facilities, with the main hospital being the Royal United Hospitals Bath. Here’s an overview of the key hospitals and healthcare facilities in Bath:
Royal United Hospitals Bath (RUH) Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG
Overview: RUH is the main NHS hospital in Bath, providing a wide range of medical, surgical, and specialist services. It serves the population of Bath and the surrounding areas, with a catchment area extending into Wiltshire and Somerset.
Specialties: The hospital offers services including accident and emergency (A&E), maternity care, cancer treatment (Bath Cancer Unit), cardiology, orthopaedics, and paediatrics. It also has a dedicated acute stroke unit and a wide array of outpatient services.
Facilities: The hospital is a teaching hospital and includes a range of facilities such as diagnostic imaging, intensive care units, and various specialized departments.
Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD)Location: Originally located in the city centre, the services have now been integrated into the RUH site.
Overview: Known locally as "The Min," the RNHRD specializes in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and complex conditions, including chronic pain, fatigue syndromes, and osteoporosis.
Services: It offers both inpatient and outpatient services with a focus on rehabilitation, pain management, and conditions like fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondylitis.
Circle Bath Hospital Foxcote Avenue, Peasedown St John, Bath, BA2 8SQ
Overview: Circle Bath is a modern, private hospital located on the outskirts of Bath. It offers a range of elective surgical services, diagnostics, and treatments.
Specialties: The hospital specializes in orthopaedics, general surgery, gynaecology, urology, and cosmetic surgery. It provides both NHS and private patient care.
Facilities: Circle Bath features state-of-the-art operating theatres, private patient rooms, and advanced diagnostic facilities, including MRI and CT scanners.
St Martin's Hospital Midford Road, Bath, BA2 5RP
Overview: St Martin's Hospital is a community hospital primarily providing outpatient services and rehabilitation care. It focuses on geriatric care, mental health, and community health services.
Services: The hospital offers physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and various clinics, including dermatology and pain management. It also has inpatient wards for elderly care and rehabilitation.
BMI Bath Clinic Claverton Down Road, Combe Down, Bath, BA2 7BR
Overview: BMI Bath Clinic is a private hospital offering a range of medical services, including surgery, diagnostics, and consultations.
Specialties: The clinic is known for its services in orthopaedics, cosmetic surgery, gynaecology, and general surgery. It also offers private consultations and diagnostics, including imaging and laboratory tests.
Facilities: The hospital features private patient rooms, operating theatres, and outpatient consultation rooms.
These hospitals provide comprehensive healthcare services, catering to both NHS and private patients in Bath and the surrounding areas.
Bath is a city with a rich sporting heritage and a variety of leisure activities that cater to all interests.
University of Bath Sports Training Village: A £30M state-of-the-art facility that serves as a training ground for both elite athletes and the public. It includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a gym, and a range of other sports amenities. It is also known for hosting national and international events.
Bath Rugby Club: One of the oldest and most renowned rugby clubs in England, Bath Rugby plays at The Recreation Ground ("The Rec") in the heart of the city.
Cycling and Walking: Bath is surrounded by picturesque countryside and offers several popular routes. The Bath Skyline Walk, a 6-mile circular route, provides stunning views of the city and surrounding area. For cyclists, the Two Tunnels Greenway, a 13-mile trail, takes riders through old railway tunnels and beautiful landscapes.
On the River: The River Avon, which flows through Bath, offers opportunities for rowing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The Bath Rowing Club is a well-established club on the river, providing options for both competitive and recreational rowing.
Golf: The city is home to several golf courses, including Bath Golf Club and Lansdown Golf Club, both offering beautiful settings and challenging courses for golfers of all skill levels.
Thermal Spa: Bath’s unique thermal waters have been attracting visitors since Roman times. Today, Thermae Bath Spa provides a modern twist on the ancient spa experience, featuring a rooftop pool with views of the city, steam rooms, and various treatments.
Parks and Green Spaces: The city has numerous parks, including Royal Victoria Park, which features botanical gardens, tennis courts, and a children's play area, perfect for a leisurely day outdoors.
Bath Racecourse is a well-known venue for horse racing in the UK, located on Lansdown Hill, just a few miles north of the city center of Bath. It’s the highest flat racecourse in Britain, standing 780 feet above sea level, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Alongside a packed flat-racing season it also stages various concerts, festivals and events throughout the year.
Shopping in Bath offers a unique experience that blends the charm of the city’s historic Georgian architecture with a wide variety of stores, from high-end boutiques and independent shops to well-known high street brands. Visit the quirky alleyways of Walcot's Artisan Quarter or The corridor, one of the world's first shopping arcades home to a host of independent shops. There is also a local Farner's Market every Saturday and of course, Bath's award winning Christmas Market will certainly bring a little festive happiness.
Bath’s exceptional food and drink scene has gained the city a reputation as a delectable destination for a foodie break. Take your pick of menus from pioneering chefs including Michelin-starred restaurants The Olive Tree and Restaurant Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park to ensure an extra special night to remember.
If you’re after a more casual place to eat, Bath has a great selection of welcoming gastropubs both in the city centre and in the surrounding countryside – some of which host live music, such as the regular jazz shows at Green Park Brasserie.
Bath also has its fair share of cosy cafés, chilled out bars, thriving local producers and passionate artisans. You can also learn how to prepare delicious dishes from cuisines across the world at Simi's Kitchen and Pasta Laboratory.
There are also various food festivals, markets and special dining events in Bath throughout the year.
Bath is renowned for its vibrant theatre and cultural scene, offering a diverse range of experiences that cater to all tastes. The city’s rich history, beautiful architecture, and thriving arts community create a perfect backdrop for a variety of cultural activities, from theatre and live music to museums, galleries, and festivals.
Theatre Royal Bath is one of the oldest and most historic theatres in the country with a stunning interior and full and varied programme. Amongst others, there is also the 1935 The Little Theatre, The Ustinov Theatre and Komedia Bath.
The town's Odeon cinema shows a wide range of films in 2-D & 3-D