Five Top Tips for Travelling Around Bath

Bath is a vibrant city full of impressive sights, great people and good food, but travelling around can be tricky if you haven’t been before or aren’t prepared. From the introduction of the Clean Air Zone to the range of public transport options available, understanding the best way to travel around Bath isn’t always easy. That’s why in this guide, we’ll be discussing our five top tips for travelling around Bath, to help make your visit as straightforward and enjoyable as possible.

Plan Your Journey

Before you leave for Bath, you should plan your journey in advance. While there are a number of transport links, and the city is served well by road, there are some elements of your journey that might be more unpredictable. Make sure to check that the Cleveland Bridge renovation project won’t disrupt your travels, and plan your route to ensure that you’ll miss any temporary road closures that might be in place.

Look Out for the Clean Air Zone

Unfortunately, there are a number of places throughout Bath that currently exceed the legal limits of nitrogen dioxide pollution caused by vehicle emissions, and the local government has been working hard to reduce these to safe levels. The Clean Air Zone, which came into effect in 2021, introduced charges for those driving higher emission vehicles in the centre. Luckily, there are some ways to avoid these charges, and many residents have switched to electric cars that are exempt from them. If you’re looking to make the switch, you can find everything you need together in one place: ElectriX offer the car lease, charging point and insurance in a handy package.

Consider Using Public Transport

If driving isn’t your thing, or you aren’t planning to reach the city by car, then don’t worry. Bath has extensive public transport links that make it easy to find your way around. In the heart of the city, you’ll find a number of bus and railway stations that are served by regular trains and buses, and you can also use these links to travel a little further afield if you’re hoping to explore the outskirts. You can also make the most of a reliable taxi service from one of the city’s many providers.

Go Carbon Neutral

If you’re environmentally conscious, then you’ll be happy to discover that Bath is the perfect city for those who want to stay carbon neutral while visiting. Not only is the area walking-friendly, with plenty of suggested routes for exploring on foot, but you can also make your way around on modern e-scooters managed by Voi. These scooters are easy to locate and cover nearly four square miles of the city. You can use the Voi app to find the nearest parking stand, and take to the streets in a fun, environmentally friendly fashion.

Stop to See the Sights

However you’re travelling around Bath, you’ll be sure to pass a huge number of sightseeing opportunities and fascinating locations. As a UNESCO world heritage site, the city is home to a huge range of ancient ruins, museums, food jaunts and shops, so make the most of your visit by stopping to see the sights when you can. Some of the must-sees include:

The Roman Baths

No trip to the city would be complete without a visit to the famous Roman Baths. These well-preserved thermae let you walk in the footsteps of the ancients and are a must-do on your visit.

Fancy a dip? While the ancient baths aren’t open for leisure, you can still take a trip to the nearby Thermae Bath Spa for a more modern break.

The Jane Austen Centre

As one of Bath’s most famous inhabitants, Jane Austen lived a life filled with inspiration, and the city celebrates her work in a dedicated centre. In the Jane Austen Centre, you’ll find exhibits that tell the story of the author’s time in Bath, and how this experience translated into her work.

Bath Abbey

If you’re a history buff, then Bath Abbey is a must-see while you’re visiting the city. Built in 1499, the Abbey is the last of England’s great medieval churches, and you can even take a guided tour of the bell tower for a truly immersive experience.

Milsom Place Shopping Centre

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Bath’s busy centre is Milsom Place, perfect for those looking for upscale boutique stores and restaurants. Defined by its characterful charm, winding corridors and aesthetic terraces, this is the perfect place to take a break or plan your next stop.

Royal Victoria Park

Looking for a picturesque spot to relax, away from the busyness of Bath city centre? Then head up to Royal Victoria Park, where you’ll find something to do for all the family. Whether you’re looking for a serene spot surrounded by botanical gardens, or an area for the kids to play, the park has it all, with a café, skatepark and playground close by.

Bath is a fascinating city steeped in a rich culture and visiting to see the sights is a great opportunity. While travelling around the city can be daunting, by following this guide you’ll have everything you need for a successful trip.