48 hours in Bath – A 2 day Itinerary

Bath England – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is a city that effortlessly offers history, culture and stunning architecture. With its Roman baths, Georgian crescents and literary connections to Jane Austen, Bath, in the south-west of England, is a destination that promises a journey going back in time.

With only 48 hours to spare, this two-day itinerary for Bath will guide you through the city’s highlights, ensuring you cram the best of Bath into your visit. Bath might be a year-round destination, but spring and summer months – when the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities are in full swing – ticks all the boxes. 

On the first day in Bath, you’ll explore the Roman Baths, visit Bath Abbey, walk over to Pulteney Bridge, and watch a show at the Theatre Royal. On the second day, you can relax at the Thermae Bath Spa, discover The Jane Austen Centre, and enjoy the Bath nightlife. To ensure that you’ll be eating delicious meals while you spend your time in Bath, we will also suggestion spots to eat each day.

Overview Of 2 Days In Bath Itinerary

Ready for an adventure and a trip back in time? Here’s a brief overview of a fun weekend in Bath:

Day 1 in Bath

• Breakfast at Mokoko Coffee
• Explore the Roman Baths
• Lunch at The Pump Room
• Visit Bath Abbey
• Walk over to Pulteney Bridge
• Evening meal at Joya Italian Steakhouse
• Watch a show at the Theatre Royal

Day 2 in Bath

• Breakfast at Good Day Cafe
• Relax at the Thermae Bath Spa
• Lunch at Sally Lunn’s
• Discover The Jane Austen Centre
• Dine at The Elder Restaurant
• Enjoy the Nightlife in Bath

Day 1 in Bath

Breakfast at Mokoko Coffee

Start your 48 hours in Bath with a visit to Mokoko Coffee, a cosy and welcoming cafe that is perfect for fuelling up before a day of fun and exploration. Located in the heart of Bath, Mokoko offers exceptional coffee and scrumptious breakfast options. The friendly baristas are skilled in the art of coffee making and are ready to craft your perfect morning brew. No better way to start the day!

Explore the Roman Baths

After breakfast, head across the square to one of Bath’s most iconic attractions – the Roman Baths. These ancient thermal baths, once the social hub of Roman Britain, are an insightful journey into the past. 

A guided tour (or audio guide if that’s your preference) provides fascinating insights into the history and significance of this site. Take in the sight of the incredible Great Bath, a massive pool filled with steaming, mineral-rich waters, as well as the surrounding architecture, including statues and columns from Roman times.

The interactive exhibits allow you to virtually meet characters from ancient times and gain a deeper understanding of life in Roman Bath. You can even sample the waters from the sacred spring, which apparently have healing properties. 

Book in advance during peak times. Open every day. Prices: £28 on weekends or £26 on weekdays. 

Tour Pick

Roman Baths and Bath City Walking Tour

• 2 hours 
• Max of 15 people 
• Morning or afternoon tours

Check Price

Lunch at The Pump Room

After a morning exploring the Roman Baths, head next door to The Pump Room, an historic restaurant offering a dining experience that blends tradition, elegance and history, transporting you back to the era of Jane Austen and the Georgian period. Enjoy not just amazing food, but also its beautiful Georgian architecture and classical music performances. 

Visit Bath Abbey

Spend some time marvelling at the masterpiece that is Bath Abbey. This Gothic architecture stands as a testament to centuries of craftsmanship and faith, offering a profound and awe-inspiring experience. 

Inside Bath Abbey admire vaulted ceilings, graceful arches and beautifully crafted stained glass windows, while embracing the peaceful atmosphere, and allowing for quiet contemplation and reflection. 

While exploring Bath Abbey independently is a meaningful experience in itself, you might consider taking advantage of the guided tours that run throughout the day and last between 45 and 60 minutes. The knowledgeable guides provide valuable insights into Bath Abbey’s history, and share fascinating anecdotes and details that breathe life into the stones and carvings of the abbey which was founded in the 7^th century.

One of the highlights of your visit to Bath Abbey is the opportunity to climb the tower – climb 212 steps to gain access to its clock face, fan vaulted ceiling and historic bells. From the tower’s vantage point you’ll have an unobstructed view of Bath’s rooftops, historic landmarks and picturesque landscapes stretching into the horizon. This is a perfect opportunity to capture stunning photographs of Bath.

There is a £7.50 admission price per person, and is open every day except when it is closed for special events.

Walk Over To Pulteney Bridge

Following your visit to Bath Abbey, treat yourself to a leisurely stroll along the picturesque path leading to the iconic Pulteney Bridge. Designed by the renowned architect Robert Adam and drawing inspiration from the elegant Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Pulteney Bridge intertwines Georgian architectural style with a practical purpose.

Completed in 1774, this bridge is one of only four in the world with an array of shops spanning its entire length. As you walk along the bridge, enjoy the shopping experience looking out for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.  

Take a moment to appreciate the views from Pulteney Bridge – great for capturing memorable photographs of your trip.

Evening Meal at Joya Italian Steakhouse

Dine out at Joya Italian Steakhouse and encounter an exceptional dining experience that combines the rich flavours of Italy with the hearty satisfaction of a classic steakhouse. 

Nestled in the heart of Bath, Joya Italian Steakhouse offers an inviting ambience that welcomes you with its warm and elegant decor. The cosy yet chic setting creates the perfect backdrop for an evening of memories.

Watch a Show at Theatre Royal

To finish off your first evening of your 48 hours in Bath, head over to the iconic Theatre Royal in the city centre for a dose of culture and entertainment at this historic venue.  It offers a diverse range of live performances, from classic dramas to contemporary shows. Before the show, enjoy the theatre’s stylish bars and lounges for a pre-show drink. 

Inside, the theatre’s intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics ensure a memorable experience, leaving you with fond memories and a desire to return to Bath for more cultural experiences.

Day 2 in Bath

Breakfast at Good Day Cafe

Kickstart your second morning in Bath with a visit to the Good Day Cafe, a delightful breakfast spot promising an enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee to set the mood for a good day. 

From cappuccinos to lattes – and even tea – you’ll find a selection of your favourite hot drinks to choose from. And the menu? Expect a celebration of breakfast classics with a twist.

Relax at the Thermae Bath Spa

Thermae Bath Spa stands as a contemporary sanctuary in the heart of Bath, and is Britain’s only natural thermal spa, merging the city’s ancient Roman heritage with modern day relaxation and luxury. 

Alongside the thermal pools, Thermae Bath Spa offers an array of spa treatments, from massages to holistic therapies, tailored to your well-being. The Wellness Suite also features steam rooms and saunas to enjoy.

The spa’s crowning jewel is its rooftop pool, where you can unwind while gazing upon the panoramic views of Bath’s skyline. By day or by night, the rooftop pool offers a memorable experience. Open every day from 9am until 9pm.

Lunch at Sally Lunn’s

Sally Lunn’s is a renowned restaurant tucked away in one of Bath’s oldest and most charming buildings, dating back to the 15th century. 

Sample an iconic delicacy named the Sally Lunn Bun. The bun – a light, fluffy bread – is believed to have been introduced to Bath by a young French refugee named Sally Lunn in the 17th century. Sweet or savoury, the experience is equally memorable. Sweet variations might feature cinnamon and sugar, while savoury options include classics like smoked salmon and cream cheese.

Discover The Jane Austen Centre

After lunch, discover the Jane Austen Centre – a museum that whisks you back to the Regency era, the backdrop of Austen’s novels. Take a guided tour, and dive into the special connection between Jane Austen and Bath. This helps you understand how much Bath meant to her, which she beautifully wrote about in her books, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. 

The guides, who wear old-fashioned period clothes, tell stories about Austen’s life in Bath, her friends and the characters in her stories. Open every day from 10am until 5.30pm. Admission costs £14.75 per person.

Dine at The Elder Restaurant

For a final night special dinner in Bath, check out The Elder Restaurant situated in Bath city centre. Whether you like meat, seafood or veggies, they have something for everyone, and all made with fresh local ingredients. 

They also offer a great wine selection from all over the world. Ask the staff to help you pick the perfect one to go with your food.

Enjoy the Nightlife in Bath

To finish off your weekend trip to Bath, enjoy a night out in the city. When the sun goes down, the city comes alive with a different kind of energy.  

Bath boasts several pubs and bars for a leisurely evening, plus it’s a chance to unwind, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a refreshing drink. 

Whether you’re inclined towards a local beer or prefer your favourite cocktail, Bath’s nightlife has something to please every palate.

Tour ideas if you have extra time in Bath

Roman Baths and Bath City Walking Tour

Uncover the history and culture of Bath, including its iconic Roman Baths, on a morning or afternoon walking tour. As you make your way through the city’s historic streets, you’ll unravel the reasons why it’s a UNESCO-listed site. Admire the city’s architectural marvels such as Bath Abbey and the Royal Crescent, and take a dip into the Roman Baths.

Bridgerton Walking Tour of Filming Locations & Storylines – Bath

Take a journey through Bath that transports you into the realm of the hit Netflix series Bridgerton. Explore multiple filming locations, including Lady Danbury’s residence, Gunter’s tea shop, and Lady Dee’s Hat Emporium, all while strolling through the city’s picturesque streets. 

Discover how parts of Bath have been cleverly transformed into London settings like Grosvenor Square, and gain insights into the backstory of each location from your knowledgeable guide.

Stonehenge, Avebury, Cotswolds. Small guided day tour from Bath

Create memories on a full-day trip from Bath to UNESCO World Heritage sites, picturesque Cotswolds villages and ancient England wonders. Begin your adventure with a visit to the world-famous Stonehenge (admission at your expense), where you will enjoy a crowd-free experience guided by an audio guide.

Explore other nearby highlights, including Avebury Stone Circle, Silbury Hill and the Tudor era Lacock Village. Your day ends in the charming Castle Combe, one of Cotswolds’ most beautiful villages. With all the planning and logistics taken care of, this stress-free tour offers a hassle-free way to explore these remarkable destinations.

Other Recommended tours in Bath:

• Walking Tour of Bath with Blue Badge Tourist Guide
• Prosecco Boat Trip – over 18’s
• The Comedy Walk
• Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours
• City Sightseeing Bath Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

2-Day Itinerary for Bath Wrap-up

A 48-hour trip to Bath is plenty of time to tick off all the amazing cultural and historical attractions the city has to offer. 

From the Roman Baths to the iconic Royal Crescent to the world of Jane Austen, Bath offers a wealth of memorable moments to be enjoyed on a weekend getaway that promises a delightful blend of history and culture. One weekend in Bath leaves you with a lifetime of cherished memories and a deep appreciation for this city.