Bath named among top destinations in the world by New York Times

Bath, one of the UK’s oldest cities, has been named one of the top destination in the world to visit in 2025 by The New York Times.

This accolade coincides with the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, an event that has inspired a series of celebrations throughout the city.

Jane Austen, though born in Steventon, North Hampshire, resided in Bath during a significant period of her life, penning many of her renowned novels there. 

To honour her legacy, Bath has organised a variety of events for 2025. These include the Jane Austen Country Fair in July, a Grand Regency Costumed Promenade at the Jane Austen Centre, and themed balls such as the Persuasion Ball on 31 May, the Sanditon Ball on 28 June, and a birthday ball on 13 December. 

Additionally, historian Jane Worsley is scheduled to present talks about Austen’s life and works, and a retelling of “Pride and Prejudice” will be performed at the Theatre Royal Bath. Notably, No. 8 College Street, where Austen spent her final weeks, will open to the public for the first time.

The popularity of the Netflix drama “Bridgerton,” which features Bath as a filming location, has further increased interest in the city’s Regency era.