Founded by the Romans and polished into honey-colored grandeur by the Georgians, the ancient spa city of Bath is renowned for its stunning architecture. Whether you’re in search of Bridgerton backdrops or ancient Roman marvels, Bath’s historic buildings make this one of the prettiest cities in southwest England.
With a staggering 5,000 or so listed buildings and UNESCO World Heritage status, Bath’s rich history comes alive at every turn. This narrative takes us back to the 1st century CE, when the Romans established the town of Aquae Sulis around the natural hot springs here.
In the 18th century, those same hot springs enticed the Georgian aristocracy as the rediscovered health fad of “taking the waters” boomed among the elite. Consequently, Bath evolved from a small medieval city into a fashionable metropolis, expanding in size and showcasing uniformly constructed local, gold-beige limestone buildings.
It is due to this meticulous Georgian town planning that Bath enjoys its prestigious reputation today. The spa city’s 18th-century streets have provided an ideal backdrop for both grand cinematic productions and popular period dramas, most recently featuring as Georgian “London” in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton.
Soak up the City’s History at the Roman Baths
Bath’s Roman origins are an integral part of its architectural heritage. Unlike typical Roman garrison towns, Aquae Sulis was a sanctuary for relaxation and healing.
Today, the Roman Baths in the city center feature some of the best-preserved ancient Roman architecture in the world. Visitors can explore the 2,000-year-old pavements, plunge pools, and temples of this religious spa, all constructed around 70 CE. Following an excellent audio guide enhances the experience with insightful narratives.
The centerpiece is the large rectangular bathing pool, surrounded by a picturesque colonnaded walkway. Notably, this pool is still replenished by 1,170,000 liters (309,000 gallons) of 46°C (115°F) spring water each day.
Enjoy a Movie-Star Backdrop at Royal Crescent
Overlooking the Royal Victoria Park, the Royal Crescent stands as one of the most iconic sights in Bath, exemplifying 18th-century Palladian architecture. This elegantly curved line of 30 terraced houses was envisioned by local architect John Wood the Younger, who, alongside his father, significantly shaped the architectural character of Georgian Bath.
Moreover, this magnificent crescent is a favored filming location, with appearances in productions ranging from Vanity Fair (1967) to The Duchess (2007) and Bridgerton (2020).
Be sure to visit No. 1 Royal Crescent to explore interior architecture and design characteristic of the Georgian era. Now opened as a public museum, its rooms are furnished as they would have been by affluent families in the late 18th century.
Discover Bath’s Georgian Palladianism at the Circus
John Wood the Elder aimed to revive Bath to its ancient Roman prestige by designing several of the most exquisite streets and buildings in the city, chief among them the Circus. Originally named King’s Circus, this circular arrangement of terraced townhouses features three curved segments, creating a harmonious architectural circle with three entrances.
Wood the Elder masterfully blended his fascination with ancient history and Palladianism. He designed the Circus with the same diameter as Stonehenge, drawing inspiration from the Roman Colosseum. Interestingly, it is believed that both John Woods had ties to the Freemasons; a closer inspection of the frieze above the columns of the Circus reveals various masonic symbols among other emblems.
Browse the Shops on Pulteney Bridge
Constructed in 1774, Pulteney Bridge overlooks a picturesque horseshoe-shaped weir in the River Avon. This bridge exemplifies the Palladian style that Bath is renowned for. Interestingly, it is one of the few bridges globally featuring shops that line both sides.
For the finest view of the bridge and weir, head to the riverside opposite The Empire on Grand Parade. After crossing the bridge, continue east along the grand Great Pulteney Street, where Georgian properties line both sides.
Take a Turn Around the Assembly Rooms
While numerous architectural marvels in Bath can only be appreciated from the outside, visitors are welcome to enter the Assembly Rooms, gaining a fascinating glimpse into the social lifestyle of high society in Georgian England.
The Assembly Rooms encompass a Ball Room, Tea Room, and Card Room, once the epicenter of the 18th-century social scene. Today, these elegant rooms—complete with characteristic Georgian decor and original crystal chandeliers—are still utilized for special events but can be toured when not booked.
Climb Bath Abbey Tower for a Dazzling Cityscape
Bath Abbey has roots that trace back to the 7th century. The current structure was rebuilt in 1499 in the Perpendicular Gothic style and, although not completed until 1620, stands as one of the few medieval buildings visible in Bath’s city center post-Regency reign.
Visitors can admire the Abbey’s breathtaking fan-vaulted ceilings, crafted in the 1500s by the king’s master masons. Additionally, taking the Tower Tour offers one of the finest views of Bath’s city center. Alternatively, enjoy a magnificent view of the Abbey’s tower from the rooftop pool at the popular Thermae Bath Spa.
Call on Bridgerton’s Lady Danbury at the Holburne Museum
Those visiting Bath in search of Bridgerton filming locations shouldn’t miss a visit to the Holburne Museum. The museum’s grand exterior, adorned with pillars and a covered loggia, featured as Lady Danbury’s residence in the Netflix production.
Previously the prestigious Sydney Hotel, this Grade I listed building has been home to Bath’s first public art gallery since 1916. Visitors should also explore the Sydney Gardens behind the museum, which date from 1795 and represent one of the few surviving Georgian pleasure gardens in England.
Eat a Bath Bun at Sally Lunn’s
One of Bath’s oldest establishments, dating back to at least 1482, Sally Lunn’s is a beloved institution. While much of “Old Bath” was transformed during the 18th century, this charming little shop serves as a unique reminder of medieval Bath.
Sally Lunn’s became famous as the original home of the Bath Bun, a delightful, cake-like pastry akin to brioche, believed to have been conceived by its namesake in 1680. Today, it operates as a cozy tearoom over several floors, still serving Bath Buns prepared according to Sally Lunn’s original 17th-century recipe.
Learn More at the Museum of Bath Architecture
Visitors intrigued by Bath’s architectural history can gain a comprehensive understanding at the Museum of Bath Architecture. Situated within the Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, this museum is notable in its own right, exemplifying one of the rare post-medieval Gothic structures in Bath. Built in 1765 for Selina Hastings, the Countess of Huntingdon, it was part of her broader campaign to spread Methodism across England.
