Top 3 Itineraries in Bath

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Photo of the Pulteney Bridge River Avon in Bath, England.
Photo of historic Bath Abbey and roman baths building in Bath Old town center, England.
Top 3 Itineraries in Bath
Top 3 Itineraries in Bath
Top 3 Itineraries in Bath
Top 3 Itineraries in Bath
Top 3 Itineraries in Bath
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By Jillian Rickly

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Introduction

Get ahead of planning with the top 3 itineraries in Bath! From iconic landmarks like The Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa to local hangouts tucked away in charming neighborhoods, these itineraries cover it all. Keep reading to learn more!

What all great itineraries in Bath have in common is a unique ability to combine iconic tourist attractions with authentic experiences. Striking that perfect balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural immersion should be the ultimate goal of every travel itinerary.

To make planning easier, we've curated the top 3 itineraries from the biggest selection of travel packages in Bath. This way, you can skip ahead and focus on the details.

Deciding between the many top things to do in Bath is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process.

Popular Types of Trips to Bath

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Bath.

If you only have a few days, Bath weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Bath offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Bath are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Bath’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Bath offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover England's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Bath truly unforgettable!

Find Trips to Bath

If you’re as convinced as we are that Bath belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Bath are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Bath and start planning your next trip!

The Top 3 Best Bath Travel Itineraries

Discover the perfect Bath itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Bath for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Bath without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Bath!

3. The Ultimate 12-Day Road Trip Itinerary Through Bath and Beyond

Photo of the Pulteney Bridge River Avon in Bath, England.

A scenic 12-day road trip through Bath, Woodstock, Oxford, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Buxton is one of the best ways to experience England. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 12-day itinerary means that Bath can easily be combined with other top destinations in England without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Bath, Woodstock, Oxford, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Buxton by public transport, renting a car in England opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 12 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Bristol

  • Arrival city: Bath, Woodstock, Oxford, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Buxton
Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Bristol. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Bristol

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Brunel's SS Great Britain, Cabot Tower, and Clifton Suspension Bridge. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Bristol, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Bath

  • Destinations: Bath
  • Driving distance: 23.85 km, approx. 1 hour and 5 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Thermae Bath Spa, Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, Royal Victoria Park Bath, and Bath Abbey
  • Recommended tour: Best of Bath Walking Tours - Georgian Tour
Spend the day exploring Thermae Bath Spa, Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, Royal Victoria Park Bath, and Bath Abbey. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Castle Combe, Rendcomb, and Holwell

  • Destinations: Castle Combe, Rendcomb, and Holwell
  • Driving distance: 140.12 km, approx. 2 hours and 23 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Cotswolds AONB, and Castle Combe - Water Lane
Continue your journey through Castle Combe, Rendcomb, and Holwell, where you can explore Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Cotswolds AONB, and Castle Combe - Water Lane. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Woodstock, Bourton-on-the-Water, Snowshill, and Bibury

  • Destinations: Woodstock, Bourton-on-the-Water, Snowshill, and Bibury
  • Driving distance: 136.11 km, approx. 2 hours and 37 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, National Trust - Bibury, Blenheim Palace, and National Trust - Snowshill Manor and Garden
Drive through Woodstock, Bourton-on-the-Water, Snowshill, and Bibury, stopping to visit Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, National Trust - Bibury, Blenheim Palace, and National Trust - Snowshill Manor and Garden. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Oxford

  • Destinations: Oxford
  • Driving distance: 47.26 km, approx. 1 hour and 6 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Christ Church Meadow, Magdalen College, Oxford Botanic Garden, Christ Church Cathedral, and Christ Church
  • Recommended tour: 90 Minute Classic Walking Tour of Oxford
Spend time discovering Christ Church Meadow, Magdalen College, Oxford Botanic Garden, Christ Church Cathedral, and Christ Church, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Oxford

  • Destinations: Oxford
  • Driving distance: 3.67 km, approx. 49 minutes
  • Sightseeing: The Covered Market, Radcliffe Camera, Oxford Castle & Prison, University Church of St Mary the Virgin, and Carfax Tower
  • Recommended tour: Oxford | Alumni-Led Walking Tour w/opt New College
Explore The Covered Market, Radcliffe Camera, Oxford Castle & Prison, University Church of St Mary the Virgin, and Carfax Tower at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Stratford-upon-Avon

Continue your road trip through Stratford-upon-Avon, enjoying the flexibility to explore Hall's Croft, Stratford Butterfly Farm, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Holy Trinity Church, and Shakespeare's Birthplace and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Bakewell and Edensor

  • Destinations: Bakewell and Edensor
  • Driving distance: 200.84 km, approx. 2 hours and 48 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Peak District National Park, Bakewell Bridge, and Chatsworth House
Visit Peak District National Park, Bakewell Bridge, and Chatsworth House as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye.

Day 10: Uncover Buxton and Castleton

  • Destinations: Buxton and Castleton
  • Driving distance: 41.75 km, approx. 1 hour and 3 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, Buxton Museum & Art Gallery, and Peveril Castle
Continue your exploration of Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, Buxton Museum & Art Gallery, and Peveril Castle, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure.

Day 11: Journey Through Salisbury and Larkhill

Take in the highlights of Stonehenge, Lord's Walk, and National Trust - Stonehenge Landscape, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings.

Day 12: Bid Farewell to Bristol

  • Departure city: Bristol
  • Driving distance: 762 metres, approx. 10 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Bristol Cathedral
Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Bristol. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Bath for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

2. The Top Recommended 8-Day Bath City Itinerary

Photo of historic Bath Abbey and roman baths building in Bath Old town center, England.

Enjoy a 8-day city break in Bath with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Bath and Bath's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 8-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Bath without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Bath

Arrive in Bath and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Bath Deep Lock (8/9).

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Ole Tapas is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Bath's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Bath by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Thermae Bath Spa, Parade Gardens, Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum, Pulteney Bridge, and Bath Abbey.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Bath. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Bath in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Bath

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. The Circus, Fashion Museum Bath, and National Trust - Bath Assembly Rooms are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Bath.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Bath. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of England!

Day 6: Connect With the Local Culture in Bath

No Bath itinerary is complete without learning something about the local culture. The large selection of cultural tours in Bath has something for every traveler.

If you prefer sightseeing on your own, head out to explore The Holburne Museum and Bath Skyline, other popular attractions in Bath.

End the day with a sunset walk and dinner around The Holburne Museum.

Day 8: Savor Your Final Moments in Bath

Spend your last few hours in Bath soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Bath in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Bath, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Bath travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

1. The Perfect 3-Day Bath Weekend Itinerary

Photo of Vintage house in Royal Victoria Park, Bath, UK.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Bath offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life. But with so many things to see and do in Bath, fitting it all into a short visit can easily feel overwhelming.

However, with a well-planned Bath itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Bath weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Bath

Arrive in Bath around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.
  • Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
  • Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, and soak in the surroundings.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Bath’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Bath with sightseeing, food, and drinks.
  • Morning: Visit Thermae Bath Spa early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Pulteney Bridge, stopping by Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum for a break and some photos.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
  • Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Bath and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Depart from Bath

Make the most of your last few hours in Bath before your departure.
  • Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
  • Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
  • Tip: Schedule an airport transfer from Bath in advance to enjoy a stress-free end to your trip in Bath.
For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Bath. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Bath itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

What To Discover Next in Bath

As you explore Bath, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered. For those curious about the city’s highlights, our guide to the best things to do in Bath offers plenty of inspiration.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Bath for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Bath in a way that feels truly unforgettable!

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