The 6 Best Walking Tours in Bath
Bath is a city that practically invites you to explore on foot. Its compact streets are lined with Georgian architecture, Roman ruins, and storybook bridges, making it ideal for walking tours. We especially love the guided tours that combine history, architecture, and pop culture, like the Bath: Guided City Walking Tour with Entry To The Roman Baths, which immerses you in Bath’s ancient past while visiting its most iconic sights. A good walking tour can turn a simple stroll into a memorable experience, and Bath offers a variety to suit different interests and budgets.
We’ve rounded up the best options, from comprehensive city explorations to fun, humorous sides of Bath’s past. Whether you’re after a deep dive into Roman history, a Regency-era adventure, or a Bridgerton-themed walk, there’s something here for every traveler. Keep reading to find out which tour best matches your style.
1. Bath: Guided City Walking Tour with Entry To The Roman Baths
At number 1, this 2-hour guided tour explores Bath’s major sights with an experienced Blue Badge Tourist Guide. It’s a fantastic way to see the Royal Crescent, Circus, Pulteney Bridge, and hear stories about Jane Austen’s connection to the city, as well as where Bridgerton is filmed. The highlight is the Roman Baths, where you can wander through the ancient site and learn about Bath’s origins as a Roman spa. The guide’s knowledge brings these ruins to life, making history engaging rather than dry.
Guests consistently praise the guide’s expertise—one reviewer noted, “Chess has enormous knowledge about Bath’s history,” and others appreciated the storytelling about Bath Abbey and The Pump Room. For about $87.55, this tour offers a solid mix of landmarks and stories in a manageable time. It’s best suited for first-time visitors wanting a rundown with entry included, making it a good value for the depth of experience.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded introduction to Bath’s highlights, perfect for history and architecture lovers who want a guided behind-the-scenes look.
2. Bath: The Bad of Bath Walking Tour
Looking for a twist on history? This 2-hour humorous tour focuses on Bath’s darker side and its “sinful” past. It’s a lively departure from standard sightseeing, revealing Bath’s corrupt and scandalous stories, all set against the backdrop of famous sights like the Royal Crescent, The Circus, and Pulteney Bridge. The tour is led by Simon, who is noted for his engaging, funny storytelling. He shares fun facts and stories about the city’s less noble moments, making history approachable and entertaining.
Guests rave about Simon’s personable nature and humor, with one reviewer saying, “Simon told us more than a regular guide, with a great sense of humor.” For just $29.63, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable, lighthearted perspective. It’s excellent for those who appreciate quirky stories and want to see Bath through a different lens without sacrificing landmarks.
Bottom Line: A lively, humorous tour that uncovers Bath’s mischievous past—ideal for travelers who enjoy stories with a side of fun.
3. Bath: Private Bridgerton Walking Tour for Up to 20 People
For fans of the hit series Bridgerton, this private 2-hour tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at Bath’s filming locations from seasons 1, 2, and 3. Led by a Blue Badge certified guide, you’ll explore spots like the homes of the Featheringtons and Lady Danbury and walk past Royal Crescent and the Holbourne Museum, which served as stunning backdrops. The guide shares insights into societal rules of the Regency period while comparing real locations to scenes from the show.
Priced at £220 for up to 20 people, it’s ideal for Bridgerton fans or groups wanting a tailored experience. Reviewers mention guides like Fred who “kept us engaged and well-informed,” making the tour both fun and educational. The tour’s focus on series filming sites makes it especially attractive for pop culture enthusiasts, but it also offers a good overview of Bath’s regency architecture.
Bottom Line: A private, tailored experience perfect for Bridgerton fans or groups eager to combine sightseeing with TV series lore.
4. Bath: Bridgerton Filming Locations Walking Tour with Music
This 1.5-hour small-group tour immerses you in Bridgerton’s enchanting world, with a unique twist: headphones that let you listen to the series’ soundtrack and commentary simultaneously. You’ll visit 10 filming locations, including the Guildhall and Featherington house, while your guide shares stories about scenes and actors. The music adds an extra layer of atmosphere, making it not just a sightseeing tour but an audio-visual experience.
Guests often mention how well the guide, Ruby, combines entertainment with insight, and how the music enhances the atmosphere. For about $22.90, this tour offers great value, especially for younger viewers or those who love a multimedia approach to sightseeing. It’s perfect for Bridgerton fans who want to see Bath’s Regency sights with a soundtrack that transports you into the series.
Bottom Line: An engaging, entertaining tour that combines visual sights with the series’ soundtrack, making it especially fun for TV fans.
5. Bath: Walking Tour of Bath and Guided Tour of Bath Abbey
For a more in-depth exploration, this 2.5-hour guided walk covers Bath’s main sights and includes a dedicated visit to Bath Abbey. Led by a professional guide, it’s a comprehensive introduction to the city’s architecture, stories, and notable residents. Highlights include Pulteney Bridge, The Royal Crescent, and The Circus, with the guide sharing anecdotes about Jane Austen’s influence and the city’s Roman origins.
Guests describe the guide as knowledgeable and engaging, and the tour is well-paced for those wanting a detailed experience. Priced at $54, it offers good value for a thorough introduction to Bath’s cultural and historical highlights. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy in-depth stories and want a guided experience that includes access to Bath Abbey.
Bottom Line: A detailed and immersive introduction, ideal for first-time visitors wanting a full-picture tour with entry to Bath Abbey.
6. Bath: Guided Walking Tour of Historic Sights & Pubs (3h)
Combine sightseeing with a taste of Bath’s pub scene on this 3-hour walk. Led by an experienced local guide, you’ll stroll through Queen Square, Royal Crescent, The Circus, and Pulteney Bridge while stopping at three historic pubs to sample local ales and cider. The tour balances history and culture with relaxed pub visits, making it especially fun for those who enjoy socializing along the way.
Reviews highlight the guide’s fun personality and tailored approach, with many saying it was an informative and enjoyable experience. For $51.19, it’s a good value for the combination of sightseeing, history, and craft drinks. It’s perfect if you prefer a more casual, social atmosphere and want to see major sights while enjoying some local drinks.
Bottom Line: A lively mix of history and pub culture, perfect for those who want to experience Bath’s social side alongside its sights.
How to Choose the Best Bath Walking Tour
When selecting a walking tour, consider your interests and pace. If you’re a history enthusiast, the Bath: Guided City Walking Tour with Entry To The Roman Baths offers a deep dive into Bath’s Roman and Georgian past. For those seeking a lighthearted experience, The Bad of Bath Walking Tour provides humor and darker stories.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the affordable Bridgerton film locations tour for its fun and cinematic appeal, while groups wanting a private experience might prefer the Private Bridgerton Walking Tour. If you’re interested in a mix of history and local culture, the Bath: Guided Walking Tour or the Historic Sights & Pubs are excellent options.
Booking early, especially in peak season, ensures you secure a spot on your preferred tour. Check the availability and times, as some tours fluctuate seasonally or require advance booking.
Final Thoughts
Bath’s diverse walking tours showcase its timeless beauty and quirky stories. From a comprehensive city tour that includes entry to the Roman Baths to fun, themed walks like the Bridgerton filming locations or the humorous “Bad” tour, there’s a perfect fit for every traveler. If you’re a history lover, the guided tours with in-depth stories will be your best bet. For pop culture fans, Bridgerton-themed walks combine scenery with series trivia.
For most visitors, a combination of a guided city tour and a more relaxed, themed walk will provide a full picture of Bath’s charm. Whichever you choose, booking early will make sure you don’t miss out on these engaging ways to experience one of England’s most elegant cities.