Uncover 2,000 years of history step by step through self-guided and expert-led walking tours of Bath.
From the healing waters of the Romans to the elegance of the Georgian era, Bath is a city shaped by its people and preserved in stone. As a compact and pedestrian-friendly city nestled in a natural amphitheatre, Bath lends itself beautifully to exploration on foot. Unlike larger cities, here you can trace a near-continuous historical timeline—from ancient ruins and medieval alleys to neoclassical crescents—in the space of a few miles.
Walking allows you to pause, admire the creamy Bath stone, listen to buskers under vaulted colonnades, and uncover details easily missed when travelling by car or bus. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture lover, or simply in search of a peaceful meander, Bath offers walking tours for every interest.
Best for: Ancient history lovers
Length: 1.5–2 hours
Start Point: The Roman Baths
Sights:
The Roman Baths & Sacred Spring
Bath Abbey (site of the earlier Roman temple)
Cross Bath and the lesser-known Thermae complex
The ancient city wall remnants near Upper Borough Walls
What You’ll Learn:
Explore Bath’s origins as Aquae Sulis, a spiritual and therapeutic hub during Roman Britain. Learn how the baths were more than spa resorts—they were religious centres, community gathering places, and political spaces.
Tip: Pair this with a visit to the Roman Baths Museum and interactive exhibits.
Best for: Architecture and literature fans
Organised by: The Mayor of Bath’s Honorary Guides (Free daily tours)
Sights:
Queen Square
The Royal Crescent
The Circus
Assembly Rooms
Pulteney Bridge
What You’ll Learn:
Discover how 18th-century architects like John Wood the Elder transformed Bath into Britain’s most fashionable city. Trace Jane Austen’s personal experiences of Bath, and spot locations that inspired scenes from Persuasion and Northanger Abbey.
Self-Guided Option: Download the Jane Austen Walking Map from the Jane Austen Centre or Visit Bath.
Best for: Curious explorers and photographers
Organised by: Bath Insider Tours or Sulis Guides
Sights:
Quiet passageways near Walcot Street
St. Michael’s Church Courtyard
Historic coaching inns and alleyways
Guildhall Market back entrances
What You’ll Learn:
Hear local legends, ghost stories, and quirky facts while exploring streets often overlooked by tourists. Perfect for those who’ve “seen it all” and want to uncover Bath’s lesser-known past.
Best for: TV fans and aesthetes
Sights:
Royal Crescent (Featherington House)
Bath Street (Lady Danbury’s exterior)
Holburne Museum (Lady Danbury’s residence)
Abbey Green and Trim Street
What You’ll Learn:
Get behind-the-scenes insights into how Bath became the star of Netflix’s Bridgerton, plus details about other productions filmed here like The Duchess and Vanity Fair.
Self-Guided Option: Visit Bath’s Bridgerton Trail Guide
Best for: Nature lovers and seasoned walkers
Length: ~6 miles (circular)
Start Point: Bathwick Hill
Sights:
Prior Park Landscape Garden
Sham Castle
Smallcombe Cemetery
Rich woodland, meadows, and panoramic city views
What You’ll Learn:
This tranquil route combines nature, heritage, and sweeping views over Bath. Ideal for decompressing after a city-centre tour, especially in spring when wildflowers are in bloom.
Organised by: Bizarre Bath Comedy Tour, Bath Ghost Tours
Best for: Night owls and the theatrically curious
Sights:
Old Orchard Street Theatre
Bath Abbey Square at night
Paranormal “hotspots” like The Garrick’s Head Pub
What You’ll Learn:
Dive into Bath’s darker history, including 18th-century scandal, haunted mansions, and Victorian myths—all brought to life with actors or seasoned storytellers.
Visit Bath Audio Tours: Includes “World Heritage Site Walk,” “Jane Austen Walk,” and more.
Bath Skyline PDF Trail: Available via the National Trust
Maps & Trails: Pick up free walking maps at the Bath Visitor Centre (Abbey Churchyard)
What to Bring:
Good walking shoes (cobbled streets can be tricky!)
A refillable water bottle (lots of refill points around the city)
Weather-proof layers or an umbrella—Bath is beautiful in the rain, but damp!
Best Time to Walk:
Early mornings for quieter views
Late spring and early autumn for the best light and comfortable temperatures
If you're visiting Bath to explore on foot, Pass the Keys offers a handpicked collection of short-term rental properties perfect for walkers:
Georgian townhouses near the Royal Crescent
Hidden garden flats off Walcot Street
Family-friendly homes within steps of the city centre
Pet-friendly options for those bringing their dog along on the Skyline Walk
All properties are fully managed and professionally cleaned, with self-check-in and digital guidebooks—so you can relax and focus on soaking up Bath’s stories, one step at a time.