As my travel style has evolved, I’ve come to appreciate the leisurely pace of overnight stays rather than rushing through day trips. While Bath, a picturesque city in England, is often visited as a day trip from London, I opted to spend a night there, splitting my exploration across two half-days.
This relaxed approach allowed me to experience the city’s charm without hurry before continuing my journey.
My Bath adventure began on a promising note, starting with my overnight stay in London. I chose the Holiday Inn London Kensington Hotel because of its convenient location near Paddington Station and the added perks I could get as an elite IHG member.
The hotel staff exceeded expectations by not only accommodating my early arrival with immediate check-in but also throwing in a complimentary breakfast.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, I gathered my belongings for the journey ahead. The short walk to Paddington Station became a delightful autumn experience, as October had painted the trees in vibrant hues.
Crisp morning air accompanied me while I strolled past streets lined with fallen leaves, setting a perfect mood for my upcoming exploration of Bath.
What's Covered in this Post
How to Travel to Bath from London by Train
Before arriving in London, I had booked my train tickets through the Trainline website and app. This proved to be a convenient way to get my tickets, as I could simply present them on my phone to board the train. The journey from London Paddington to Bath Spa station was a brief 1 hour and 18 minutes.
My seat in the quiet zone of the GWR train provided a pleasant journey, and I enjoyed watching animals grazing on lush countryside pastures through the window as we passed by.
Where to Stay in Bath, England
Upon arrival at Bath Spa, I made the 20-minute walk to my hotel rather than taking a bus. I had chosen the Holiday Inn Express for its excellent value, which proved perfect for this trip. Mirroring my experience in London, the staff accommodated my early arrival with immediate check-in – a gesture I greatly appreciated.
After taking a short time to settle in, I eagerly headed out to explore the city!
What to Do in a Day in Bath
Working with my limited time, I focused my exploration around Bath’s city centre. The city proved to be wonderfully walkable, eliminating any need for public transport. Starting from Queen Square, I ventured outward, winding my way through the historic streets.
My path took me from the elegant Gay Street to the architectural marvels of The Circus and The Royal Crescent. I wandered past Bath Abbey and its bustling square, pausing to enjoy street performances.
A Walking Tour of Bath: Bath Abbey, The Circus & The Royal Crescent
Rather than paying to tour the Roman Baths, I opted for a free-form exploration of the city streets. While I regret missing the modern Thermae Bath Spa, it’s given me the perfect excuse for a return visit!
Another attraction that was hard to miss during my wanderings was Pulteney Bridge. Like countless other tourists, I stopped to photograph the picturesque river below.
Later, as I rounded the corner toward the shops lining the north side of the bridge, I found myself drawn to the irresistible pastry displays in the window of the Pulteney Bridge Coffee Shop.
Pulteney Bridge
Though the coveted riverside seats were occupied, I made the best of it. I grabbed a pastry to go and found my own peaceful spot on a park bench in front of The Holburne Museum, creating an impromptu afternoon treat.
The Holburne Museum
My curiosity peaked as I watched people disappear behind the museum building. After finishing my lunch, I decided to investigate and was delighted to discover Sydney Gardens, Bath’s oldest park.
Sydney Gardens
This place was absolutely stunning, particularly on this beautiful, sunny autumn day. I lingered for a while, watching families with their children and dogs stroll past, and found myself entertained by residents enjoying casual tennis matches on the court.
Henrietta Park
Then it was time to head back to the hotel. I confidently thought I could navigate without Google Maps, but I clearly overestimated my sense of direction. Instead, I found myself in Henrietta Park, where I took a welcome break to recalibrate before attempting the journey again.
My brief tour in Bath turned out to be a delightful series of unexpected discoveries. From the architectural grandeur of The Royal Crescent to the tranquil Sydney Gardens, every wrong turn led to a new adventure. I found that simply wandering through Bath’s charming streets, stopping for pastries, and getting momentarily lost offered its own kind of magic.
As I made my way back to the hotel, I spotted two hot air balloons drifting across the horizon – a final reminder of how this small city packed such an abundance of experiences. I had only scratched the surface of Bath’s offerings, but this taste of the city left me eager to return, next time with a bit more time – and perhaps a better sense of direction!
