Bad of Bath fun Walking Tour of Bath

If you’re visiting Bath and want to go beyond the usual sightseeing, a tour that mixes humor with the less-glamorous tales of the city might be just what you’re after. The Bad of Bath walking tour has earned rave reviews for offering a fresh, sometimes cheeky perspective on Bath’s history — one that many visitors overlook in standard guides. It promises to reveal the city’s secrets, crimes, scandals, and sins while taking in some of the most iconic sights.

What we love about this experience is how entertaining and informative it manages to be at the same time. The guide, Simon, has a knack for sharing stories that are both hilarious and a little bit shocking, making history feel more alive than ever. Plus, since the tour combines famous landmarks like the Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge with tales of corruption and misdeeds, it feels like a journey through Bath’s hidden past rather than just surface-level sightseeing.

However, a heads-up for those who prefer a quick, strictly time-managed experience: some reviews mention the tour running longer than initially scheduled—closer to three hours instead of 90 minutes. If you’re tight on time or have mobility considerations, this might be something to keep in mind. Also, the tour is quite small, capped at 15 participants, which makes for a more personal experience but less flexibility in group size.

This tour is perfect if you’re after something fun and different from the usual, especially if you enjoy a bit of humor mixed with history. It suits travelers who appreciate storytelling and aren’t afraid of a slightly mischievous take on the city’s past. Families and those with children might want to consider the tone of the stories, but overall, it’s a flexible experience for most visitors looking for a memorable way to explore Bath.

Key Points

• Unique Perspective: Combines historical landmarks with tales of crimes, scandals, and sins.
• Engaging Guide: Simon’s humor and storytelling keep the tour lively and memorable.
• Well-Reviewed: A perfect score of 5.0 with over 350 glowing reviews.
• Good Value: At just over $30, it offers a lot of entertainment and insights for the price.
• Small Group: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a personal experience.
• Flexible Timing: Usually booked about 26 days in advance, with the possibility of running longer than planned.

Exploring Bath’s Darker Side: The Complete Guide

When planning to visit Bath, most people think of Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and the elegant Royal Crescent. While these are undeniably stunning, they only tell part of the story. The Bad of Bath walking tour steps into the shadows to uncover the city’s less-clean secrets. This isn’t just about admiring architecture; it’s about understanding the city’s guilty pleasures, crimes, and scandals that shaped its history.

What’s Included and How It Works

This tour lasts roughly two hours and starts at Abbey Churchyard at 10 a.m. You’ll walk through central Bath, visiting notable sights like The Circus, No. 1 Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge. But instead of just admiring their beauty, you’ll hear about the stories behind these sights—stories of thieves, gamblers, and even an infamous preacher, John Wesley, with a reputation for stirring trouble. The tour is designed to be both humorous and informative, offering a different lens on Bath’s past.

What’s especially convenient is that it’s a mobile ticket experience, so you can keep your phone handy to show your ticket, and the tour is near public transportation, making it accessible without hassle. Plus, with a maximum of 15 travelers, the group stays small enough for personalized storytelling.

The Stops: A Closer Look

Stop 1: The Circus
Here, you’ll get a quick but fascinating rundown of the architecture and history of this iconic circular street. The reviews mention that Simon’s stories bring the buildings alive, shedding light on the darker side of the Georgian era. Expect to hear about secret societies or illicit activities that might have taken place behind closed doors.

Stop 2: No. 1 Royal Crescent
Most visitors admire the grand façade, but with this tour, you’ll learn about the scandalous stories and lesser-known facts associated with this historic home. The lively anecdotes make history feel relevant and compelling.

Stop 3: Pulteney Bridge
While its architecture is a sight to behold, here you’ll also hear tales of criminal activities and corruption that have been part of Bath’s shadowy past. The guide’s storytelling makes the stone arches seem like silent witnesses to centuries of human folly.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviewers are uniformly enthusiastic, often mentioning Simon’s humor, knowledge, and personable nature. Comments like “Simon was fantastic at enthralling us with the dark murky history of Bath” and “extremely knowledgeable about all Bath history, especially bad Bath” highlight how much they enjoyed the storytelling style. One reviewer even said, “You won’t regret booking with him,” emphasizing the tour’s high entertainment value.

Some note that the tour overran its scheduled time—almost 3 hours instead of 1.5—so if you’re in a hurry, be prepared for that possibility. But many found this extra time to be well worth the relaxed pace, especially those interested in more stories or who enjoyed a more leisurely stroll.

The Practicalities

At just $30.20 per person, the tour offers great value considering the quality of storytelling and the number of sights covered. The small group size means you get personalized attention, and the tour is accessible for most travelers, including those with service animals.

Booking is typically about 26 days in advance, so if you’re set on a specific date, it’s wise to reserve early. The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, giving some peace of mind if your plans change.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience hits the sweet spot for curious travelers wanting more than just the surface of Bath’s history. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a humorous, storytelling approach and enjoy uncovering the seedy side of historic cities. It’s suitable for most adults but might be a little gritty for very young children, given the tone of some stories.

If you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, you’ll find this tour engaging and personable. And if you’re traveling with friends who love history with a twist, this is a fantastic choice.

Final Thoughts

The Bad of Bath walking tour is a clever way to see Bath through a different lens—one that highlights its scandals, crimes, and secrets alongside its stunning architecture. Simon’s storytelling skills, combined with the small-group setting, make it feel like an insider’s glimpse into the city’s less-glamorous past.

For anyone who enjoys a good story and isn’t afraid of a little mischief, this tour offers value, entertainment, and a memorable experience. It’s perfect for history buffs looking for a humorous twist or travelers who want to add some spice to their Bath visit.

While it might run longer than expected and isn’t suited for those seeking a quick overview, its blend of humor, history, and sightseeing makes it a standout choice for those wanting a fun, honest, and revealing walk through Bath.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally aimed at adults, especially given its focus on crimes, scandals, and darker stories. Families with older children might find it entertaining, but younger kids may find some stories a bit too mature.

How long does the tour last?
It’s scheduled for about 2 hours, but some reviews mention it running up to 3 hours, so be prepared for a longer experience if the guide chooses to extend.

What sights are included?
You’ll visit major landmarks like The Circus, No. 1 Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge, but the main appeal is the stories behind these sites.

Do I need to print my ticket?
No, it’s a mobile ticket, which is convenient for travelers on the go.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation option up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Is it accessible for most travelers?
Yes, the tour is designed to be suitable for most, with near public transportation options and a small group size.

What is the tour price?
It costs just over $30 per person, offering an enjoyable mix of humor, story, and sightseeing at a fair price.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Absolutely — reviews praise Simon’s expertise, humor, and personable style, making the stories engaging and memorable.

Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book about 26 days in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak times.

If you’re after a fun, humorous, and slightly mischievous way to explore Bath, this walking tour will not disappoint. It’s a chance to see the city’s landmarks while uncovering its secret sins and scandalous past, all told with a smile and great storytelling.