Nestled in the southwest of England, Bath has a deep history that can be traced as far back as the Ancient Roman period when one of the largest civilizations at the time took over several parts of what is now the United Kingdom. Whether you stay in a family-friendly hotel or a fancier accommodation, it’s a must to explore its highly popular attractions while in this city, particularly its Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent. There is so much to see and do in Bath that we know you’ll be busy, but we think it is really worthwhile to head out beyond its borders for the day to explore the surrounding areas. A few nights in one of the best places to stay won’t be complete without a memorable day tour. Here is our list of the best day trips from Bath for you to explore the true English countryside.
Quick rundown for 2024
Planning a trip and looking for what’s up and coming in Bath? Below are the hottest picks and happenings for all sorts of travelers to get your holiday plans rolling:
- Events/Festivals: The Bath Fringe Festival celebrates the many subcultures that makes all of us unique and incredible. From May 24 until June 9, 2024, the streets, parks, and halls of Bath come alive with refreshingly new theatrical, musical, and even comedy performances.
- Attractions: Admire the beautiful blooms of The Newt in Somerset, a lavish yet gorgeous 17th-century farm estate famous for its gardens. This spring of 2024, the all-new Four Seasons Garden will be opened to visitors, presenting four separate gardens each themed to spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
- Arts and Culture: From May 3rd to September 8th of 2024, The Holburne Museum will be dedicating a whole exhibit to Henry Moore, presenting miniature pieces of his many famous works and subjects. Though known for larger artworks, Moore also created many sculptures that could fit in a person's hand.
- Accommodations: Visitors to Bath planning a stay at The Francis Hotel can look forward to new features come mid-2024. The refurbishments are expected to finish around May 2024, so plan your itineraries and bookings accordingly.
1. Cotswolds (from USD 1170.35)
If your idea of a southwestern English vacation has to do with strolling around quiet villages, consider taking a day tour from Bath to the ever-scenic Cotswolds. From rolling green pastures in the countryside to the rows of stone houses lining up village after village, the Cotswolds offers travelers a refreshing change from the fast-paced city tours across London and other major UK cities.
Highlights of this tour include visiting Castle Combe - England’s prettiest village - exploring the buildings and landscapes that served as backdrops for several “Harry Potter” films in Lacock, and uncovering delightful finds along the shop-lined streets of Corsham. Cap the day off by strolling along the River Avon in Bradford-on-Avon.
From Bath: Private Tour to Serene Cotswolds with Pickup
Duration: 8.0 hour
2. Ancient Britain (from USD 384.0)
While Britain is known for its Medieval castle and knights, as well as Roman colonies and forts, there are also plenty of prehistoric wonders to be found. This tour will take travelers to three incredible sites near Bath. All three are recognized and protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The first is the Avebury henge and stone circles, believed to have been built sometime during the Neolithic period. The second site, the West Kennet Long Barrow, is a set of chambered tombs also located near Avebury. The third site is the iconic Stonehenge, a world-famous landmark and testament to early humans’ ingenuity and knowledge.
Ancient Britain Tour - Private Day Trip from Bath
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
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3. North East Somerset villages (from USD 577.0)
In this private tour from Bath, you’re treated to a fully tailored, once-in-a-lifetime experience, as you control which way you wish to go around the North East Somerset area. With the help of an attentive guide, you have the reins to explore what lies beyond Bath’s top attractions.
Interested in learning about the region’s collective history? Take a trip to the several museums, artifacts, and historic buildings found in areas such as Malmesbury. Feeling a little royal? You can head out to places that have been frequented by the British Royal Family, including Highgrove House, the King’s favorite vacation spot. By the end of the tour, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the amount of undiscovered places to go near Bath.
Private Tour of Quintessential English Villages
Duration: 8 hours
4. Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle, developed from an original, built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Warwick Castle is a popular day out for families, particularly during the many events hosted there. Re-enactment days bring the castle to life, with the sound of clashing swords, leaders shouting, tournaments and showcases, happening throughout the year. We recommend checking the website to see the event schedule and pricing. General ticket price for an adult is 22.60 GBP (30 USD).
Warwick Castle
Address: Warwick, CV34 4QU
Transport Options Car - Journey time: 2+ hours
Website: Warwick Castle
5. Stratford Upon Avon
This quaint market town, in the West Midlands, is the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare. Spending a day exploring Stratford Upon Avon, is a day well spent. Along with visiting the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the MAD Museum is well worth a visit, with its interesting collection of mechanical art. What’s mechanical art? We wondered the same thing at first and so they told us, “Think of the machines and gizmos used in Wallace and Gromit, Scrapheap Challenge and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” It’s a small but fascinating museum, especially for children, tickets are 7.50 GBP (9.70USD).
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Address: Waterside, Warwickshire, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6YF
Website: Royal Shakespeare Theatre
MAD Musem
Address: Above Lakeland, 4-5 Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6PT
Website: MAD Musem
Transport Options Car - Journey time: 2 hours / Train - Journey time: 3+ hours
6. Bristol
Bristol is a burgeoning cultural hub of the UK and, as such, it is well worth a visit. There are plenty of historical sites to explore beyond Bath, street art to discover and fantastic restaurants, for all you foodies out there.
We recommend visiting the Brunel’s SS Great Britain, for an insight into life on this former passenger steamship. She was the longest passenger ship in the world from 1845 to 1854 and advanced our ship design, with her new technology. Ticket prices are 14 GBP (18 USD) per adult. There are regular train services to Bristol Temple Meads Station.
Brunel's SS Great Britain
Address: Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol BS1 6TY
Transport Options Train - Journey time: 12 mins
Website: Brunel’s SS Great Britain
7. Wells
Wells is a cathedral city, in the lush green of Somerset, and it’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon visiting the cathedral, Bishop’s Palace and the adjoining gardens. If you have children with you, be sure to visit the Old Penny Pier Arcade in Wookey Hole, on the outskirts of Wells. The Old Penny Pier Arcade is a traditional arcade that has many slot games that will keep children entertained for a while!
Wells Cathedral
Address: Cathedral Green, Wells, BA5 2UE
Website: Wells Cathedral
Bishops Palace
Address: Market Pl, Wells BA5 2PD
Website: Bishops Palace
Victorian Penny Arcade
Address: Wookey Hole, Wells BA5 1BB
Website: Victorian Penny Arcadee
Transport Options Car - Journey time: 1 hour / Bus - Journey time: 1.5 hours
8. Glastonbury
This is the site of the famous Glastonbury Festival, also home to the Chalice Well, one of Britain’s most ancient wells. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and orchards, visiting the well is a calming experience, always nicely followed by a visit up Glastonbury Tor to look over the surrounding nature.
Chalice Well
Address: Wellhouse Lane, Glastonbury BA6 8BL
Transport Options Car - Journey time: 1 hour / Bus - Journey time: 2 hours
Website: Chalice Well
9. Salisbury
Salisbury is another village on our list, which is typically English. Expect pretty gardens, windy backstreets and lots of cafes. We recommend the cathedral, which is a prominent feature of the landscape, but for something a bit older, head to Old Sarum, the location of the earliest settlement of Salisbury.
Salisbury Cathedral
Address: 6 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EJ
Website: Salisbury Cathedral
Old Sarum
Address: Castle Rd, Salisbury SP1 3SD
Website: Old Sarum
Transport Options Car - Journey time: 1 hour / Train - Journey time: 1 hour
10. Lacock
This interesting village is almost entirely owned by the National Trust. You can visit Lacock Abbey and get lost in the gardens - it’s one of the prettiest villages in England, so be sure to walk around!
Lacock Abbey
Address: Lacock, Chippenham, SN15 2LG
Website: Lacock Abbey
Transport Options Car - Journey time: 38 mins
11. Avebury
Not far from Lacock is Avebury, which itself is a prehistoric area. The Alexander Keiller Museum is a must visit, if you pass through Avebury, because it hosts one of the most important collections of prehistoric artefacts in Britain, with pieces coming from many World Heritage Sites. Entrance fee to the museum is 4.40 GBP (5.70 USD) per adult.
Alexander Keiller Museum
Address: North Wessex Downs, High St, Avebury, SN8 1RF
Website: Alexander Keiller Museum
Transport Options Car - Journey time: 1 hour
12. Stonehenge (from USD 288.0)
At 39.9 miles (64.2 kilometres) away from Bath, this world renowned, prehistoric monument is one of the wonders of the world and is not to be missed. There are various attractions at Stonehenge site including the Stone Circle - a feat of architecture, with a history spanning 4,500 years, Neolithic Houses - where you can discover the tools and objects of everyday Neolithic life and an audio-visual 360-degree view from inside the stones. You are no longer permitted inside the stone circle, but with this exhibition, you can picture it! Finally, the Stonehenge Exhibition has over 250 archaeological artefacts.
Bath to Stonehenge All-Inclusive Full-Day Small-Group Tour
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
13. Cardiff (from USD 411.0)
There is so much to do in Cardiff, you’ll have to make sure that you don’t get sidetracked! Here’s are our suggestions: a trip to the Doctor Who Experience is great for all of you science fiction fans out there, or a visit to Cardiff Bay, to explore Cardiff from the water with a boat tour is another fun choice.
Doctor Who Experience
Address: Discovery Quay, Porth Teigr, Cardiff CF10 4GA
Website: Doctor Who Experience
Transportation Options: Car - Journey time 1 hour 20 minutes/ Train - Journey time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Private South Wales Day Trip from Bath
Duration: 9 hours
All in a day
Bath is the perfect location to head out from the town and experience a quieter and more tranquil side of England. Villages with their beautiful stone buildings, gentle streams, and soothing tea shops are easy to reach and make a great day trip.
Whether you’re flying in from Liverpool or taking a trip from London by train, these day tours are best enjoyed by anyone who wants to uncover the gorgeous English countryside. If you’re looking for a fast-paced trip, these options might not be for you, but we still recommend doing at least one of these day trips while you are down in Bath!
Frequently asked questions about the best day trips from Bath, England
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