Bath is a quaint, charming town in the rolling countryside of southwest England.
Best known for its historic Roman and Georgian spa town, you can actually bathe in natural thermal hot springs here, hence the name “Bath.”
Many tourists visit Bath on a day trip, but it’s definitely worth staying in Bath for a night or two.
Not only does Bath offer a relaxing getaway, but it’s also a vibrant town that offers shopping, history, and lots of fun!
Unsure of where to stay in Bath? We’ve covered the three best areas below and why you should stay in each.
Whether you want to base yourself close to the spas and top attractions, trendy shops, or bar life, we’ll break where to stay in Bath!
Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Bath
- Where to stay in Bath on your first visit – City Centre
- Best area to stay in Bath for nightlife – Walcot
- Coolest place to stay in Bath – Walcot
- Best neighbourhood in Bath for families – Oldfield Park
In a hurry? Here’s my top neighborhood for first timers:
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- Walk across and admire the architecturally exquisite 18th century Pulteney Bridge
- Browse 20th century works of art by British and International artists at the Adam Gallery
- Shop painting by local contemporary artists at the Fine Sight Fine Art gallery
Where to Stay in Bath
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Bath.
Best Hostel in Bath: Bath YMCA
This three-star hostel is located right in the heart of Bath. Within walking distance of the city’s top tourist attractions, this Bath YMCA is surrounded by restaurants, bars, cultural sights, boutiques, and parks.
Offering a wide variety of rooms, this hostel is perfect for travellers of all styles and budgets.
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Best Hotel in Bath: Abbey Hotel Bath
This charming and historic hotel is located in the heart of Bath City Centre. Ideally situated for sightseeing and exploring, this hotel is within walking distance of the village’s top attractions.
Each historic room comes with bottled water, modern amenities, and tea and coffee making facilities. Enjoy comfortable and spacious rooms at this elegant three-star hotel.
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Best Airbnb in Bath: Elegant central Georgian apartment
Enjoy the best of Bath by staying in this charming and elegant one-bedroom apartment. Located in the centre of Bath, this flat is in a beautiful and historic Georgian Townhouse.
A short walk to the train and bus station, this Airbnb is in close proximity to all the city’s top attractions.
Perfect for small families or couples, this flat features two beds, a full kitchen, spacious rooms and modern conveniences.
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Bath Neighborhood Guide
Quick Summary: The Best Places to Stay in Bath
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First Time in Bath
City Centre
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Nightlife
Walcot
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Coolest Place to Stay
Walcot
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For Families
Oldfield Park
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Bath is a small and charming town in the English County of Somerset. It is a historic Roman and Georgian spa town and is the only place in the UK where visitors can bathe in natural thermal hot springs.
Bath is much more than a destination for wellbeing, rest and relaxation. It is a vibrant town overflowing with shopping, culture, history, and fun.
Home to more than 88,000 people, Bath welcomes more than 4.4 million visitors each year to experience its wide range of restaurants, activities, museums and galleries.
For a relatively small town, there’s a lot of things to see, do, experience and explore.
The majority of Bath’s cultural and historic attractions can be found within the city centre. A vivacious city, Bath is where heritage buildings and contemporary architecture coexist and meld seamlessly.
This part of the city is where you’ll find the famous Roman Baths, the impressive Bath Abbey as well as the picturesque Pulteney Bridge.
North of the city centre is the cool and trendy neighbourhood of Walcot. As the city’s most alternative area, this is where you’ll find an array of speciality shops and independent boutiques.
With its heritage houses and stunning architecture, this borough of Bath oozes character and style.
Walcot is also where you’ll find the most exciting nightlife in Bath. From small pubs to underground clubs, Walcot is home to Bath’s hottest restaurants and liveliest nightspots. Enjoy good food, great drinks, and cool atmosphere in this hip city district.
For families and travellers looking for a slower and quieter pace, there’s no better place to stay than Oldfield Park. A 20-minute walk west of the city centre, Oldfield Park is a residential area that caters to families, young professionals as well as students.
Home to top quality shops and independent eateries, this neighbourhood has all the convenience of downtown without the hustle and bustle.
Still not sure where to stay in Bath England? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered below!.
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Read our full review!
3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Bath
Bath is a charming, attractive city. It is well connected to London, Bristol and the rest of the UK via train, bus and roadway. The town itself is easy to navigate on foot or by bike, but is also well served by train and bus.
The majority of the main tourist attractions fall within walking distance of the city centre, making it easy to see and explore Bath. From world-class restaurants to historic sights, there’s so much to see and do in this charismatic village, so we reommend spending a night in Bath to truly explore it.
To help you plan your trip, here are the top three places to stay in Bath broken down by interest.
1. City Centre – Where to Stay in Bath for First Timers + on a Budget
The centre of Bath is where you’ll find the vast majority of the city’s major historic and cultural tourist attractions. One of the oldest districts in town, Bath City Centre is famous for its striking Georgian architecture, impressive and innovative buildings, and its enchanting atmosphere.
It’s its atmosphere that makes the City Centre one of the best areas to stay for your first time.
Stretching from the River Avon to lively George Street, Bath’s City Centre is where you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, bars, museums and galleries.
Boasting wide a range of accommodation styles and options, this is where to stay in Bath if you’re looking to save a little money.
There are also a lot of free and inexpensive activities to take advantage of in the city centre. From museums to outdoor activities, there’s a lot to see and do in Bath without breaking the bank.
Below I’ll cover some of the best things to do in Bath for your first visit, and then list accommodation that matches. Then I’ll cover the best free/cheap things to do in Bath and great budget hostel/hotel options too!
Things to See and Do in Bath City Centre for First Timers
– Visit the Roman Baths, a well-preserve Roman bathing house built atop the remains of one of the finest religious spas of the ancient world.
– Take a voyage of discovery and explore the universe at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, dedicated to the Herschels, a family of celebrated astronomers and musicians.
– Be amazed by the size and scale of Bath Abbey, one of the most impressive churches in the region.
– Delve into the life and stories of Bath’s most famous resident at the Jane Austen Centre.
– Walk across and admire the architecturally exquisite 18th century Pulteney Bridge.
– Browse 20th century works of art by British and International artists at the Adam Gallery.
– Marvel at the impressive masonry and the spacious interiors of St. Michael Without Church.
– Shop painting by local contemporary artists at the Fine Sight Fine Art gallery.
– Dive deep into history and track the timeline of British post from the mail coach to air transport at the Bath Postal Museum.
Best Hostel in Bath City Centre: St. Christopher’s Inn Bath
Enjoy the convenience of the city with the tranquility of the countryside at this charming Bath hostel. Centrally located, this hostel is a short walk from all the city’s major tourist attractions, world-class restaurants and coolest bars.
Offering on-site tour services, you can experience the best of Bath and beyond by staying at this quaint hostel.
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Best Hotel in Bath City Centre: Abbey Hotel Bath
This charming and historic hotel is located in the heart of Bath City Centre. Ideally positioned for sightseeing and exploring Bath, this hotel is within walking distance of the village’s top attractions.
Each historic room comes with modern amenities, and tea and coffee making facilities. Enjoy comfortable and spacious rooms at this elegant three-star hotel.
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Things to See and Do in City Centre for Cheap or Free
– Visit the British Royal Literary and Scientific Institution and browse their free exhibitions.
– Meander along Bath Street enjoying the shops, pubs, and pleasant atmosphere.
– Relax and enjoy a peaceful afternoon in Queen Square, a green space in the heart of the city.
– Sample award-winning cheese and learn how it’s made at Bath Soft Cheese.
– Relax and people watch in Parade Gardens, built on the site of a 18th– and 19th-century pleasure garden.
– Visit the Bath Abbey Heritage Vaults and trace the thousand-year history of the iconic church.
– Sample local and award-winning ales at the Bath Ales Brewery.
– Get a hilarious and entertaining tour of the town with Bizarre Bath, a comedy walking tour.
– Visit the Royal Crescent, an iconic set of 30 Georgian row houses built during the 18th century.
– See a special collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts, including a portrait of King Henry VIII, at the Victoria Gallery.
– Enjoy one of the best views in the city by trekking the 6-mile circular Skyline walk.
Best Hostel in City Centre: Bath Backpackers
This hostel can be found at the epicenter of downtown Bath. Just two minutes from the train and bus station, this hostel is just a stones throw away from the town’s main attractions, including the Roman Bath and the Abbey.
Offering comfortable dorm rooms and a relaxing lounge, this charming and historic hostel is ideal for budget travelers and backpackers.
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Best Hotel in City Centre: Travelodge Bath Central Hotel
Located in the south of Bath’s city centre, this hotel is perfect for travelers on a budget. Each of this hotel’s 66 rooms is equipped with everything you need for a wonderful stay.
Within walking distance from Bath’s top attractions, this hotel is close to the restaurants, bars, museums and more. Enjoy comfortable beds and relaxing and spacious surroundings at this charming centrally located hotel.
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Best Airbnb in City Centre: Central and Cozy Private Room
Stay in a private room in a traditional Georgian architecture building situated in the center of Bath. With a shared bathroom and fully equipped kitchen, the house is centrally located near UNESCO attractions such as the Roman Baths, Royal Crescent, Circus, Bath Abbey and some of the cities best restaurants, bars, shops and cafes.
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2. Walcot Neighborhood – Where to Stay in Bath for Nightlife and Good Vibes
Bath’s lively and diverse nightlife scene is scattered along and even beneath the streets; in this section of town, you’ll find everything from cosy and quiet pubs to trendy bars and nightclubs.
Here’s an insider’s guide to the bars and nightclubs in Bath, including the best for jazz, folk and live music as well as old fashioned pubs and popular cocktail bars. By Fred Mawer, Telegraph Travel’s Bath expert.
You’re spoilt for choice for good old-fashioned pubs in Bath, and there’s a growing number of smart and/or trendy bars. Here’s a quick insider’s guide to the best bars in Bath, including best for jazz, folk, live music, and pubs.
Walcot isn’t just a neighbourhood known for its nightlife. This funky little borough is one of the coolest places to stay in Bath. You will find independent shops and boutiques as well as the Fashion museum in this trendy ‘hood.
Hidden within the Walcot borough is an eclectic mix of world-class restaurants and independent eateries; Bath’s most inventive and innovative restaurants can be found here serving up delicious dishes from around the world.
Top Things to do in Walcot by Night
– Drink sophisticated cocktails at The Dark Horse Bar, an impossibly cool subterranean speakeasy.
– Pop into the cute and quirky Circo Bar and Lounge and enjoy everything from tea and treats to food and drinks.
– Get straight to the punchline at the Walcot House, home to Bath’s premier comedy night.
– Sit riverside as you enjoy great views of Bath from the Be At One Bath bar and lounge.
– Dance the night away at Second Bridge, a popular night club playing different types of music and boasting an outdoor, heated terrace.
– Sample a selection of classic and home-brewed gin at the Canary Gin Bar.
– Grab drinks at the vibrant and intimate Sub 13, Bath’s premier cocktail bar.
– Enjoy international beers and vintage cocktails at Opium Bar.
– Choose from more than 150 whiskeys and a wide range of international spirits at The Hideout, a rustic hidden gem in Walcot.
Best Hostel in Walcot: Bath YMCA
Located in the centre of Bath’s liveliest neighbourhood, this hostel is perfect for travelers looking to enjoy a night on the town. It is surrounded by the city’s top restaurants and bars, and is a short walk from Bath’s premier underground clubs.
Great for travelers of all styles, this hostel has comfortable beds, a welcoming lounge, and a lively and diverse atmosphere.
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Best Hotel in Walcot: Loch Fyne Hotel and Restaurant Bath
You won’t find a hotel closer to the heart of Bath’s nightlife scene than the Loch Fyne Hotel and Restaurant. Set just off George Street, Bath’s main nightlife thoroughfare, this central hotel is within walking distance of Bath’s trendiest restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Enjoy great food and a lively atmosphere at the best place to stay in Bath for nightlife.
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Best Airbnb in Walcot: Private Room in Georgian Flat
Stay with a local in the heart of Bath. The flat located inside a 200-year-old house has a minimalistic bedroom with double bed, small clothes rail and a shared bathroom. The host doesn’t provide breakfast but there are quirky cafes in the neighborhood.
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Coolest Things to See and Do in Walcot
– Selling screen prints, painting, sculptures and works made on a myriad of media, Gallery and Barrow is the place to find a contemporary piece of art.
– Learn all about Bath’s rich architectural history and the men who revolutionized this pastoral town at the Museum of Bath Architecture.
– Gain an appreciation for historical fashion and style by engaging with the world-class collections at the Fashion Museum Bath.
– Riffle through the racks finding troves of treasures at Vintage to Vogue, a secondhand clothes shop.
– Take a stroll through the lovely Georgian Garden, a replica of a Georgian town garden from the 1700s.
– See a well-preserved and artfully displayed collection of Oriental Art and Treasures dating back to 5000 BC at the Museum of East Asian Art.
– Browse the high street and artisan shops that line the stylish and chic Milsom Place Arcade.
Best Hostel in Walcot: St. Christopher’s Inn Bath
Located between the city centre and the hip Walcot neighbour, this hostel is the ideal base for exploring Bath.
It’s within walking distance of the city’s top shopping and nightlife areas and is close to bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes. Have the best of bath at your doorstep by staying in this delightful and centrally located hostel.
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Best Hotel in Walcot: Hilton Bath City
This luxurious four-star hotel is located just outside the city centre in the trendy Walcot neighbourhood. It provides easy access to the city’s tourist, shopping and nightlife areas.
With relaxed and spacious rooms, state-of-the-art features and a cosy lounge bar, you won’t find a better hotel in Walcot.
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Best Airbnb in Walcot: Luxurious Georgian Apartment with a garden
This private apartment with one bedroom is perfect for 2 guests. With one bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and complimentary WiFi. It’s the perfect choice for a getaway with a luxurious feel, stunning views of Bath & use of the garden. The apartment has recently been refurbished.
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3. Oldfield Park – Where to Stay in Bath for Families
West of the city is the borough of Oldfield Park. A short walk from the centre, Oldfield Park is a residential community home to students, families and young professionals.
Well-connected to Bath and beyond, this neighbourhood is perfect for anyone looking for a quiet and relaxing stay in the city.
A great base for families with children, Oldfield Park is where you’ll find a lot of the city’s green space. From parks and playgrounds to child-friendly activities, kids of all ages will love staying in this delightful Bath neighbourhood.
Things to See and Do in Oldfield Park Bath
– Rent bikes and cycle the green and lovely towpath along the River Avon.
– Browse the shops on Moorland Road.
– Enjoy gourmet burgers and shakes for the kids, and cocktails for the adults at MeatBusters.
– Root for the home team and take in a Bath F.C. football match.
– Pack a picnic and spend a day enjoying the sun in lush Brickfields Park.
– See the St. James viaduct, an impressive feat of engineering and part of the Great Western Railway.
– Pick up a new book or three at the quaint Oldfield Park Bookshop, where the owners are knowledgeable, passionate, and incredibly welcoming.
– Take a spooky tour of Oldfield Park on a Ghost Walks of Bath tour.
– See another side of the city by hopping on a boat and cruising down the River Avon on a traditional river cruiser.
– Learn to stitch, sew, craft and cut by taking a fun workshop at the Makery.
Best Hostel in Oldfield Park: Bath Backpackers
Located in the city centre, the Bath Backpackers is the closest hostel to Oldfield Park. A two-minute walk from the train and bus station, this hostel is well connected to boroughs throughout Bath.
Surrounded by the city’s main attractions, this hostel is within walking distance of the most fun and exciting family-friendly activities the city has to offer.
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Best Hotel in Oldfield Park: Holiday Inn Express Bath
This hotel is conveniently situated mid-way between Bath’s town centre and Oldfield Park. A short walk to the Oldfield Park Railway Station, this hotel is well connected to Bath and other parts of Somerset.
Enjoy modern facilities, private bathrooms and a relaxing environment at this three-star hotel just a 20-minute walk from the centre.
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Best Airbnb in Oldfield Park: Manhatan Design Inspired Studio
Industrial inspiration, blended with home comforts, this quirky apartment (with a shared garden), sleeps 2 to 4 with a double bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom with shower. It’s located on a popular suburb high street.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Bath England
Bath is a town located in Somerset, England, known for its natural hot springs and 18th-century Georgian architecture. Visiting Bath is a geat addition to any trip to the U.K. Here’s 12 reasons why.
Both a lively and relaxing town set among historical sites and a buzzing modern life, Bath caters to all types of travelers. But where to stay in Bath?
To recap our favorite hostel is Bath YMCA because it’s walking distance to Bath’s top attractions, surrounded by sites, restaurants, bars, parks, and more!
We really like Abbey Hotel Bath, as it’s a charming and historic hotel in the heart of Bath City Center.
Have you been to Bath? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t forget to sort your travel insurance! We’ve put together a roundup of the best travel insurance for backpackers – check it out here, or if you’re low on time, get a quote from World Nomads now, our favourite travel insurance provider.
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