Around an hour and 15-minute train ride from London, Bath offers families a delightful blend of history, culture, and fun. Known for its Roman baths and stunning Georgian architecture, I do believe this UNESCO World Heritage site is the perfect place for an unforgettable weekend getaway with kids.
And its closeness to London is both a good and a bad thing – good because it’s super easy to get here from the ‘big smoke,’ but the downside is that many overseas tourists tend to just visit Bath on a day trip from London, which is a shame because then you’ll have to rush through all its pretty streets and parks.
We visited Bath in December just passed, and we came here from Brighton (where you may already know – my husband’s family lives). We drove here, and it took us around 3 hours. And honestly, we were well and truly charmed by Bath – it’s such a photogenic, historic, and peaceful city. We didn’t feel the hustle and bustle here that many other U.K. cities have, and we loved that it’s so walkable – all the sights here are very close to one another.
So, here’s how we spent a weekend in Bath recently, including our top tips on how to make the most of your family-friendly adventure in Bath.
Day 1: Historic Sites and Pretty Parks
First things first – before you start ticking off the sights, make sure to spend at least an hour aimlessly strolling through the city center. It’s what I always try to do on my first morning in a new place, as I think it gives me a good feeling for the city and the locals who live there. Does that make sense?
Anyways, we found Queen’s Square, The Royal Crescent, and The Circus to be particularly memorable.
Morning: Bath Abbey and Roman Baths
Kick-start your weekend at Bath Abbey, this iconic Gothic cathedral with its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows, was one of our favorite sights in Bath. Our daughters were captivated by the stunning stained glass windows and the impressive fan-vaulted ceilings.
We actually got our 5-year-old to count the vibrant colors in the windows and see how many different shapes she could spot in the carvings.
You can also climb the abbey’s tower and take in the panoramic views of the city.
Roman Baths:
Afterward, take a very short stroll over to the iconic Roman Baths, a must-see in the city. Here you’ll get a captivating glimpse into ancient Roman Britain life, our girls loved feeling the heat of the natural thermal springs on the heated touchpads and tasting the water from the ancient spring via the fountain. (I thought it had a sharp, metallic taste – my girls didn’t notice any difference).
There are also aromatic installations throughout – you can literally smell how Roman Britain smelt. It smelt of massage oil to me.
Our daughters were also mesmerized by the steam rising from the Great Bath. And the audio guide narrated by a friendly Roman character was great for our 5-year-old, our 3-year-old not so much.
Lunch: Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House
For lunch, head to the charming Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House, famed for its delicious Bath buns. Constructed in 1482, this building is among the oldest in the city. It is famously known as the place where French refugee and baker Sally Lunn created the original Bath bun in the 1680s.
This cozy spot offers a delightful selection of sweet and savory buns, and we loved the quirky, quaint atmosphere. The buns are like a big English crumpet – they’re quite hard to describe (but delicious!), and you won’t taste one anywhere else in the world as the original recipe is with the deeds of the house!
Afternoon: Royal Victoria Park and the Botanical Gardens
Post-lunch, we let our girls burn off some energy at Royal Victoria Park. An expansive green space that boasts a great playground. There’s also a miniature golf and a boating pond here. You can also walk further into the park to the Botanical Gardens.
We also walked through the small Henrietta Park, which was quiet and peaceful. And locals told us it is bursting with color in the summer.
Evening: Dinner and Ghost Walk
For dinner, we went to Dos Dedos, a cool Mexican restaurant at Edgar Mews (I just love Mexican food). And it was amazing, they were also really great with our girls. We went early-ish for dinner, at 6 pm, and it was quiet.
After dinner, why not try something a bit spooky and join a guided ghost walk around the city? This tour is entertaining and informative, offering a unique perspective on Bath’s history, but it is best for older kids (12+).
Day 2: Famous Residents and a Farm Trip
Morning: The Jane Austen Centre
Begin your second day at The Jane Austen Centre to learn more about one of England’s most beloved authors. We didn’t even know this centre was here, but it turns out Jane Austen lived here for 5 years (from 1801 to 1806) – but interestingly, she didn’t love her time here. She wasn’t a fan of the city’s social scene. And although she didn’t do much writing here, she has said that Bath influenced Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.
Anyway, at the Jane Austen Centre, costumed guides will tell you all about Austen’s life in Bath. Kids (or adults) can dress up in period costumes and feel like they’re living in Regency England.
Brunch: The Boston Tea Party
This family-friendly spot was around the corner from our hotel, and we had earmarked it for brunch. At The Boston Tea Party, you can enjoy delicious pancakes, eggs, and smoothies in a relaxed setting.
Afternoon: Bath City Farm and Pulteney Bridge
This afternoon, you could head out to Bath City Farm, a hidden gem that offers kids the chance to meet farm animals and learn about sustainable farming practices.
Set up back in 1990, the farm spans 37 acres and is home to a variety of animals, including pigs, goats, chickens, and sheep. It also features vegetable gardens and conservation areas that highlight the importance of biodiversity and organic farming.
On your way back into the city center, make a stop at Pulteney Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in Bath. The sweeping views of the River Avon are breathtaking, and the charming shops along the bridge provide a perfect opportunity for some souvenir shopping.
We walked down into Sydney Gardens too this afternoon; this is one of the oldest public gardens in England. It was a cold day when we visited, and our girls loved running across the frosty grass.
Evening: Thermal Bath and Dinner at The Circus
Wrap up your weekend with a relaxing soak at the Thermae Bath Spa. While the rooftop pool is for adults only, the Cross Bath here is suitable for kids over the age of 12. So they too can enjoy the warm, mineral-rich waters.
For your final meal in Bath, head over to The Circus, a lovely restaurant located in, yep, you guessed it – the scenic Circus area. With a menu that celebrates local produce and caters to various dietary needs, it’s a perfect spot for a family meal.
Our tips for a stress-free family weekend in Bath:
- Bath is a compact city, and we walked everywhere. However, if you plan to visit Bath City Farm, you will need to drive or get a taxi.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes for everyone, as Bath’s cobblestone streets can be tricky to navigate. Don’t forget rain gear, as the British weather can be unpredictable.
- Get out for dinner early – we went out around 6 pm before the dinner rush, and it was better for everyone – us, other customers, and the servers 🙂
- Don’t pre-book too many activities; we find just ‘going with the flow’ the best option for us with young kids.
Where to Stay in Bath
We kept to a budget and stayed at the Premier Inn Bath City Centre – which was centrally located (it’s next to Kingsmead Entertainment Centre) and clean.
The Apex City of Bath Hotel is another good option if you’re visiting with kids, as it has an indoor heated pool and has a great location on James Street West.
Thanks for Reading!
Bath is an enchanting blend of history, beauty, and adventure that was perfect for our family of four. We loved Bath Abbey, wandering the historic streets and checking out all the amazing parks here.
Last Updated on February 23, 2026 by snaphappytravel