Bath, with its stunning Georgian architecture, historic Roman baths, and vibrant cultural scene, is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding areas of the South West of England. Whether you’re interested in beautiful countryside, charming villages, or historic landmarks, there are plenty of fantastic day trips you can take from Bath. In this article, we will explore the top 10 Bath day trips for 2025, offering a comprehensive one-day itinerary for each destination and practical advice for making the most of your time.
1. Stonehenge and Salisbury
Why Visit Stonehenge and Salisbury?
Stonehenge, one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, is located just a short drive from Bath. The ancient standing stones have mystified visitors for centuries, and a trip to Stonehenge is a must for anyone visiting the region. Salisbury, just 10 miles away, offers an opportunity to explore medieval streets and visit one of the most stunning cathedrals in England.
One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to Stonehenge. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and take a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and mystery surrounding the monument. The visitor center also has an exhibition that delves into the history of Stonehenge and its significance.
Lunch: After your visit to Stonehenge, head to Salisbury for a delicious lunch. The city is filled with charming cafés and restaurants offering traditional English fare. The Market Square is a lovely spot to enjoy your meal while taking in the sights.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring Salisbury Cathedral, famous for its stunning spire, which is the tallest in Britain. You can also view one of the original copies of the Magna Carta, which is housed inside the cathedral.
Late Afternoon: After visiting the cathedral, stroll around the picturesque streets of Salisbury, exploring its timber-framed houses and independent shops. If you have time, visit the Medieval Hall or take a walk along the River Avon.
Practical Advice
How to Get There: You can reach Stonehenge in about an hour by car from Bath, or take a bus or guided tour that combines both Stonehenge and Salisbury.
Best Time to Visit: The early morning is the best time to visit Stonehenge to avoid crowds. Salisbury is lovely to explore in the afternoon.
2. The Cotswolds
Why Visit The Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a picturesque region of rolling hills, charming villages, and historic market towns. With its honey-colored limestone cottages, scenic walking trails, and quaint tearooms, the Cotswolds is one of the most iconic regions in England. It’s only a short drive from Bath and offers a delightful rural escape.
One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Start your day in the Cotswolds with a visit to Bourton-on-the-Water, often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” due to its picturesque riverside setting. Spend some time strolling along the tranquil river, visiting the Motor Museum, or simply enjoying the charming atmosphere of the town.
Lunch: For lunch, head to Stow-on-the-Wold, a lovely market town with a wide range of pubs and cafés. Stow is known for its antique shops, so take some time to browse the local stores.
Afternoon: After lunch, drive to Chipping Campden, a quintessential Cotswold town known for its beautiful high street lined with elegant buildings. Walk through the town’s historic areas, and if you’re in the mood for a bit of nature, explore the nearby Hidcote Gardens, which are famous for their beautiful, well-maintained flower beds.
Late Afternoon: Conclude your day with a visit to Broadway, a village known for its charming high street, historic buildings, and lovely walking routes. Broadway Tower, located on a hill, offers panoramic views over the Cotswold hills.
Practical Advice
How to Get There: The Cotswolds can be reached in about 40 minutes to 1 hour by car from Bath. Alternatively, a guided tour can take you to several towns in one day.
Best Time to Visit: April to October offers the best weather for exploring the Cotswolds. The villages are less crowded early in the morning.
3. Bristol
Why Visit Bristol?
Bristol, just 12 miles from Bath, is a vibrant and eclectic city known for its maritime history, street art (including works by Banksy), and cultural scene. Whether you’re into museums, shopping, or just soaking in the city’s artistic atmosphere, Bristol has plenty to offer for a one-day adventure.
One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Start your day at Brunel’s SS Great Britain, a historic ship and museum that showcases the maritime history of Bristol. Explore the ship, walk through its exhibits, and learn about its fascinating history.
Lunch: Head to Clifton Village, a charming area with beautiful Georgian architecture, cafes, and restaurants. Enjoy lunch in one of its many independent eateries and browse its quirky shops.
Afternoon: Take a walk across the Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. This iconic structure offers breathtaking views of the Avon Gorge.
Late Afternoon: Spend your afternoon at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. The museum offers a variety of exhibits, including archaeology, fine art, and natural history. Afterward, explore the Harbourside area, where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of cafes, bars, and galleries.
Practical Advice
How to Get There: Bristol is just a 15-minute train ride from Bath, or a 30-minute drive.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April) and summer are ideal times to visit Bristol, with many outdoor events and festivals taking place.
4. Wells and Glastonbury
Why Visit Wells and Glastonbury?
Wells, the smallest city in England, is home to a stunning cathedral and medieval architecture. Just a short distance away is Glastonbury, known for its mystical legends and association with King Arthur. The two cities make an excellent day trip for those interested in history, spirituality, and mythology.
One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Start your day in Wells, visiting the Wells Cathedral, one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture in England. Explore the cathedral’s intricately carved entrance, the stunning interior, and the tranquil grounds.
Lunch: Head to the Market Place in Wells for a traditional English lunch. There are several charming pubs and cafés offering local produce.
Afternoon: After lunch, drive to Glastonbury. Begin your exploration at Glastonbury Abbey, the ruins of a once-magnificent medieval church. From there, head to the Glastonbury Tor, a hill with a tower that offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. According to legend, the Tor is connected to the myths of King Arthur and Avalon.
Late Afternoon: Explore the mystical town of Glastonbury, known for its alternative shops, crystal stores, and spiritual energy. Visit the Chalice Well, a historic well thought to be the site of the Holy Grail.
Practical Advice
How to Get There: Wells is a 45-minute drive from Bath, and Glastonbury is a further 20-minute drive.
Best Time to Visit: Spring is a great time to visit both cities, as the weather is mild, and the crowds are manageable.
5. Cheddar Gorge
Why Visit Cheddar Gorge?
Cheddar Gorge is one of the most impressive natural landmarks in the UK, offering dramatic cliffs, caves, and stunning scenery. The gorge is also famous for Cheddar cheese, one of the country’s oldest and most beloved cheeses. If you love outdoor activities, history, or just want to enjoy breathtaking views, Cheddar Gorge is a fantastic day trip from Bath.
One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to Cheddar Gorge, exploring its dramatic cliffs, caves, and rock formations. You can take a guided walk or hike to the top for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Lunch: After your hike, stop for lunch in the town of Cheddar, where you can sample the famous Cheddar cheese at one of the local cheesemongers or restaurants.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Wookey Hole Caves, located just a short distance from Cheddar. These fascinating caves are full of stalactites and stalagmites, and you can take a guided tour to learn more about their history.
Late Afternoon: If you have time, head to the Cheddar Gorge and Caves Museum to discover more about the geology and history of the area.
Practical Advice
How to Get There: Cheddar is a 40-minute drive from Bath, or you can take a guided tour that combines the gorge and caves.
Best Time to Visit: Spring is an ideal time to visit, as the weather is pleasant and the gorge is not as crowded as in the summer months.
6. Oxford
Why Visit Oxford?
Oxford, home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, is a beautiful city full of history, stunning architecture, and scholarly tradition. It’s a great day trip destination for those interested in education, history, and picturesque surroundings.
One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Start your day with a walking tour of Oxford University, visiting iconic colleges like Christ Church, Magdalen College, and Balliol College. Don’t miss the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of Oxford’s historic pubs, such as the Eagle and Child, where famous writers like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis once gathered.
Afternoon: Spend your afternoon exploring the Ashmolean Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art, archaeology, and ancient artifacts. You can also visit the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Late Afternoon: Take a stroll through University Parks or along the River Thames for a peaceful and scenic end to your day.
Practical Advice
How to Get There: Oxford is about a 1.5-hour drive from Bath, or you can take a train from Bath to Oxford.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, as the university grounds are less crowded, and the weather is ideal for walking tours.
7. Bristol and Clifton Village
Why Visit Bristol and Clifton Village?
Known for its artistic vibe and vibrant atmosphere, Bristol is a city full of creativity, history, and culture. It’s a short distance from Bath, making it an excellent destination for a day trip that combines modern and historic attractions.
One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, which offers amazing views of the Avon Gorge. Take a leisurely walk through Clifton Village, known for its beautiful Georgian buildings and boutique shops.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of Clifton’s chic cafés or pubs, many of which offer locally sourced ingredients and contemporary cuisine.
Afternoon: Visit Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, which offers collections of fine art, archaeology, and natural history. Afterward, head to Brunel’s SS Great Britain, a maritime museum housed in the world’s first iron-hulled, steam-powered passenger ship.
Late Afternoon: Explore the artistic side of Bristol by visiting its street art areas, especially in the Stokes Croft area, which is known for its vibrant murals and urban art scene.
Practical Advice
How to Get There: Bristol is just a 15-minute train ride from Bath.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer are ideal times to explore the city’s cultural highlights.
8. Windsor and Eton
Why Visit Windsor and Eton?
Windsor is most famous for Windsor Castle, the official residence of the British royal family. Just across the Thames is Eton, home to the prestigious Eton College. These charming towns are rich in history, royal tradition, and picturesque views.
One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Begin your day at Windsor Castle, exploring the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and the beautiful castle grounds. The changing of the guard is a must-see if you’re visiting in the morning.
Lunch: After your visit to the castle, walk across the river to Eton for lunch. Eton has a selection of lovely cafés, restaurants, and traditional English pubs.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring Eton College, one of the most famous schools in the world. You can tour the historic college and learn about its distinguished alumni.
Late Afternoon: Stroll along the Thames Path for beautiful views of Windsor Castle, or take a boat tour on the River Thames.
Practical Advice
How to Get There: Windsor and Eton are approximately 1.5 hours from Bath by train, with a change at London Paddington.
Best Time to Visit: Early spring or late autumn when the castle and town are less crowded.
9. Highclere Castle
Why Visit Highclere Castle?
Famous as the filming location for the television series Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into aristocratic life. The castle is set amidst beautiful parkland and gardens, providing a picturesque and historically rich experience.
One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Start your visit at Highclere Castle, where you can take a guided tour of the rooms used in Downton Abbey and explore the castle’s extensive gardens and grounds.
Lunch: Have lunch in the castle’s café or pack a picnic to enjoy in the picturesque grounds.
Afternoon: After touring the castle, take a walk through the Walled Garden and explore the Egyptian Exhibition, which showcases Highclere’s fascinating Egyptian collections.
Late Afternoon: Spend your last few hours walking through the castle’s extensive parkland or head to the nearby village of Newbury for some shopping and exploration.
Practical Advice
How to Get There: Highclere Castle is located about an hour and 15 minutes from Bath by car. You can also take a train to Newbury and then a short taxi ride to the castle.
Best Time to Visit: Spring is an excellent time to visit, as the gardens are in full bloom.
10. Portsmouth
Why Visit Portsmouth?
Portsmouth, a historic port city on the south coast, offers a range of attractions for history buffs and maritime enthusiasts. From historic ships to world-class museums, Portsmouth makes an excellent day trip destination.
One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Start your day at the HMS Victory, Admiral Nelson’s flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar. Explore the ship and learn about Britain’s naval history.
Lunch: Head to Gunwharf Quays, a waterfront shopping and dining area, for a delicious lunch with views of the harbor.
Afternoon: Visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you can tour other famous ships like the HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose Museum, home to the remains of the famous Tudor warship.
Late Afternoon: Take a walk along Southsea Common for a peaceful end to your day, or visit the D-Day Story Museum for a moving look at Portsmouth’s role in the D-Day landings during World War II.
Practical Advice
How to Get There: Portsmouth is about a 2-hour drive from Bath or a 2.5-hour train journey.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer are ideal, as the weather is perfect for exploring the waterfront and museums.
Conclusion:
Bath is the perfect base for exploring some of the most beautiful and historic destinations in the UK. Whether you’re looking to explore natural wonders like Cheddar Gorge, delve into British royal history in Windsor, or enjoy the vibrant culture of Bristol, the surrounding area has something for everyone. Use this guide to plan your ideal day trips in 2025, and immerse yourself in the history, beauty, and charm of this enchanting region.
