How to Spend a Short Visit in Bath

When traveling on a tight schedule, it can be challenging to see everything a city or town has to offer. If you're staying in London, consider a day trip to Bath. The entire city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 mainly because of its Roman archeology and 18th century architecture. Bath is about 115 miles from central London. You can easily get there by car, bus or train. Because it can take up to 3 hours one way (depending on mode of transportation or traffic), you may only get a short amount of time to explore. Here's a list of five must-see stops and how you can make the most of the time you're there—even if you have as little as three hours.

The Roman Baths

Suggested 1-2 hours

The Great Bath is the centerpiece of the Roman Baths bathing complex.

If you're visiting Bath for any particular reason, it's most likely to visit the Roman Baths. Located in the center of the city, the historic site is one of the best preserved ancient Roman spa and religious centers. You'll likely spend at least an hour walking through the museum. It's a self-guided tour with a headset, but there are also hourly guided tours starting from the Great Bath at no extra cost. As you enter, you are brought onto the terrace overlooking the Great Bath, which is below street level. Then you make your way back through the museum exhibits that feature artifacts, such as the head of Sulis Minerva and remains of the temple's sacred altar. Finally, you are now level with the Great Bath, and the changing pools, heating rooms and the Sacred Spring on the east and west sides. You can finish your visit by tasting the spa water.

Bath Abbey

Suggested 5-45 minutes

The west front of Bath Abbey depicts angels climbing ladders.

Right next door to the Roman Baths is Bath Abbey. Depending on how much you're pressed for time, the very least you can do is admire the church's beautiful exterior architecture. A unique aspect of Bath Abbey's west front is the sculptures of angels climbing up ladders to heaven. It's said that the Bishop of Bath, Oliver King, had a dream about angels ascending and descending heaven, which inspired the design and rebuilding of the church beginning in 1499. Bath Abbey is open to visitors if you wish to go inside. There is no admission fee, but suggested donations are encouraged. You could also opt to go on a 45-minute guided tour of the tower for £6 (or £3 for children), which involves a 212-step climb to the top.

Sally Lunn's

Suggested 5-30 minutes

The entrance welcomes visitors to the oldest house in Bath and home of the Sally Lunn bun.

Sally Lunn's is not only known for its famous buns, but it is claimed to be the oldest house in Bath. If you're hungry, there are both daytime and evening menus in addition to selling the bun itself. According to Sally Lunn's website, the story behind Sally Lunn and her buns is that she moved to Bath from France in 1680 to escape persecution. She found work in a bakery and started making buns, which quickly became popular. The house itself, however, predates Sally Lunn's time; the website says excavations have discovered findings from the Roman times. If you're interested in touring the house, you can check out the kitchen museum for 30 pence, or free with purchase of a refreshment.

Pulteney Bridge

Suggested 5-15 minutes

The Pulteney Bridge crosses the River Avon in the distance.

With shops built across on both sides, the Pulteney Bridge is one of four bridges in the world (others being in Florence, Venice and Erfurt) to have such a design. The Palladian style bridge was designed by Robert Adam and was completed by 1774. In 1936, it was designated as an ancient monument, and since 1955 has been classified as a Grade 1 listed building (which means it's a building of exceptional interest). The unique architecture is what draws tourists to visit the bridge. Fun fact: It was a filming location for the movie Les Misérables.

The Circus

Suggested 5-15 minutes

One segment of townhouses that make up the famous Circus.

While the other four places are in close proximity of each other, the Circus is just a short 10-minute walk away from the center of Bath. No, it's not a circus with animals and clowns. The Latin word 'circus' means 'circle,' so it makes sense that the Circus is made up of three segments of townhouses that form a round shape. John Wood the Elder designed the residential area, but he died before construction started. His son, John Wood the Younger, finished the design in 1768. Famous celebrities, such as Nicolas Cage and Johnny Depp, have bought townhouses at the Circus. The Royal Crescent, which is another well-known residential area of Bath, is five minutes away.