Best times to visit Bath

3 hours ago

4 min read

Bath has (unfortunately) become a very busy, touristy travel destination. It is now busier than ever. I was fortunate to have lived here for 7 years. I love the City, the Architecture and it's charm. I can completely understand the attraction and why it's so popular.

Every season brings it's own charm, which makes it difficult to say which is really the best time.

If you are a foodie, then Bath is definitely a good place to for you with so many wonderful restaurants.

For my fellow vegan foodies, here are my vegan restaurant recommendations.

SPRING

MONTHS: March - May

This is my favourite time in Bath. Everything is turning into a fresh, vibrant green and blossoms are appearing. The buildings in Bath already have a beautiful charm, but spring brings a welcoming splash of colour to the one-toned bath-stone city. The beginning of Spring is usually not as busy. My personal recommendation would be visiting between May and June.

HIGHLIGHTS: Flowers are in bloom in parks such as Sydney Gardens and the Royal Victoria Park. The days are starting to grow longer and the weather is mostly good.

Recommendation if you love being active: Walk the Bath Skyline with stunning views of Bath and beautiful nature. The walk takes you through farmlands, forrest and beautiful fields.

Spend time in Alexander Park or Prior Park for more fabulous views.

SUMMER

MONTHS: June - August

Nothing beats Summer in the UK. Summer is the busiest of all seasons. It used to be mostly overseas tourists visiting, but more and more people in the UK started traveling within the UK. Bath is currently one of the most popular destinations to visit. Do note that the hotels are at their most expensive rates during Summer.

HIGHLIGHTS: The long days and the warmest weather (average high temps between 22 C - 35 C).

Iced Coffees taste even better and taking a walk after dinner to get a Scoop of Swoon ice cream.

Recommendation: Walk or cycle from Bath to Bath Eastern via the Canal Path. It's about 9km one way. You can take a train back from there to Bath Station if you don't want to walk back.

Other fun activities are Stand-up boarding on the Avon River or rending a canoe to take on the River.

Have a picnic dinner in Victoria Park.

AUTUMN

MONTHS: September - November

The colours are changing and the foliage is turning from vibrant red to golden. Temperatures can still be fantastic, with wonderfully sunny days.

HIGHLIGHTS: The Autumn charm and less crowds, with the possibility of still very lovely, warm days.

Recommendation if you like being active: Walk or cycle from Bath to Avon Cliff via the Canal Path. The changing leaves are beautiful, reflecting on the Canal. It's about 9km one way. You can take a train back from there to Bath Station if you don't want to walk back.

WINTER

MONTHS: December - February

Christmas in Bath is magical, however January and February are probably my least favourite months in the city. The joy of Christmas is over. The days are short. After having already had a few months of short days and long nights, one does wait in anticipation for the change into Spring.

HIGHLIGHTS: Christmas Market aside, Bath is probably at it's least busy during January and February. Sunny winter days in Bath are beautiful.

For many the Christmas Market is high on their list.

Recommendation if you like being active: Take a hot yoga class.

CHRISTMAS

I love Christmas and I especially love Christmas in Bath. The twinkling lights at night are romantic. I love walking or running in the city when it's already dark outside. Thick coats, gloves and scarfs. Hot take-away coffees heating the cold fingers. The quick glimpses of Christmas trees in living rooms, visible from the sidewalks. Beautiful Christmas Wreaths hanging on front doors. Soft Christmas music playing in shops. Shop Window, pub and restaurant is decorated all Christmassy. Everyone is in a happy mood.

The Christmas Market in Bath is one of the most popular in the UK. The main city area is small and there are many stalls and many tourists. Although it is really lovely, it can get very crowded. I would suggest going on a weekday as the weekends can be insane. The last weekend of the Market is usually the busiest.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation in Bath is expensive. Booking a good time ahead of your visit might help you save a few pennies.

PARKING

Parking in Bath is always a nightmare. It really is. One of the many questions you will hear between locals is "does it have parking?".

Park and Rides are available and might help if you are staying central to avoid long walks.

GETTING AROUND

I recommend seeing the city on foot. However, I know not everyone loves spending all day on their feet. The local buses are really good to use and renting scooters/ bikes are also good options.