Bath: Tootbus Bath Discovery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

If you’re thinking about seeing Bath without the hassle of walking endless streets or catching multiple taxis, the Tootbus Bath Discovery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour might just be what you need. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on plenty of reviews and detailed info, this tour offers a convenient way to get around one of England’s most photogenic and historic cities. It’s especially appealing if you want to see top sights at your own pace and with minimal fuss.

What we really like about this experience is how flexible it is—you’re not tied down to a strict schedule, and the two-day validity means you can take your time soaking in the sights. The panoramic views from the open-top bus are another highlight, perfect for snapping photos or just marveling at Bath’s stunning architecture. The detailed audio commentary enriches the experience, making every stop more meaningful.

A possible consideration is that the tour doesn’t include entry tickets to attractions—so you’ll need to plan those visits separately. Also, some reviews mention that the headphones can be tricky for those with hearing aids, something to keep in mind if that’s relevant to you.

This tour suits travelers who want a relaxed, rundown of Bath, especially if walking long distances isn’t ideal or if you love having a guide’s insights while enjoying the scenery. Families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy a flexible schedule will find it particularly useful.

Key Points

• Flexible two-day ticket allows you to hop on and off at your leisure across two routes.
• Open-top buses offer great views and photo opportunities of Bath’s iconic landmarks.
• Audio commentary provides interesting facts about the city’s sights, available in multiple languages.
• Multiple stops enable easy access to top attractions like the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and Pulteney Bridge.
• Walking tours are included, perfect for exploring areas on foot after the bus ride.
• Wi-Fi onboard helps you stay connected and use the Tootbus app for real-time tracking and self-guided walks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail: What You Can Expect

Starting with a simple hop-on, hop-off approach, this tour allows you to explore Bath’s highlights at your own pace over two days. The buses run every 15 minutes for the City Tour and every 30 minutes for the Skyline Tour, so waiting times are generally manageable—something many reviewers appreciated, noting that “good timings between buses” made the experience smooth.

The City Tour: Classic Bath Landmarks

This route covers Bath’s most recognizable sights. You can board at any designated stop, which are conveniently located around the city. Highlights include:

• Bath Abbey: An ancient church nestled right in the city center, perfect for photos and soaking up the city’s spiritual vibe.
• Roman Baths: No visit to Bath is complete without a look at these ancient relics. While entry isn’t included, the stop itself is a good starting point for further exploration.
• The Royal Crescent & The Circus: These stunning Georgian architectural gems are best appreciated from the open-air top deck, especially with plenty of opportunities for photos.
• Pulteney Bridge: Often called one of the most picturesque spots in Bath, this bridge lined with shops is a must-see. One review even mentioned how “fantastic” it was to get photos at this location.

A local favorite is Sally Lunn’s, where you can try the famous Bath Bun—a treat that’s been delighting visitors for centuries. The bus stops here, making it easy to indulge without the hassle of walking far.

The Skyline Tour: Views from the Other Side

This route takes you away from the city center to the outskirts, providing a different perspective on Bath. Highlights include:

• Prior Park Landscape Gardens: Offering panoramic views over the city, these gardens are a peaceful retreat with a historic charm.
• The University of Bath: A modern contrast to the historic core, worth a quick look for architecture buffs.
• American Museum & Surrounding Views: Here, you’ll get to see Bath from above, which many reviews describe as “breathtaking” and “well worth it.”

The Skyline Tour is especially appreciated by those wanting to see more of the countryside and the city’s outskirts without the effort of walking or driving.

Audio and App Features

The tour’s audio guide is praised for being informative and engaging. It’s available in numerous languages, catering to international visitors. Some reviews noted that the recorded commentary is “really interesting,” adding depth to the sightseeing experience. The Tootbus app, included with your ticket, enhances this further, offering real-time bus tracking, self-guided walking tours, and a wallet for your e-tickets, making your day more organized.

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Service and Comfort

Reviewers frequently comment on the friendly, helpful staff and drivers, with one describing the driver as “funny and welcoming.” Buses are wheelchair accessible, which broadens the tour’s appeal. The Wi-Fi onboard is a bonus for those who want to share their photos or get quick info during the ride.

Timing and Practicalities

Tour timings are generous—first departures are around 9:45 am for the City Tour and 10:30 am for the Skyline. The last departures are around 6:30 pm and 5:30 pm, respectively. Buses run at regular intervals, so you won’t spend long waiting. Plus, with the ticket valid for 2 days, you can spread out your sightseeing, which many reviews highlight as excellent value and flexibility.

Pricing and Value

At just under $30 for two days of unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel, this tour offers good value. Since it does not include attraction entry fees, you should budget for those separately, but the convenience of transportation and the guided information make it worthwhile. Several travelers pointed out that booking in advance or through platforms like GetYourGuide can even save you some money.

Potential Drawbacks

While most feedback is positive, some minor issues crop up. A few travelers found the headphones tricky to adjust, especially those with hearing aids. Others mentioned that the tour’s commentary can be a little hard to hear at times, but raising the volume usually helps. The route on the app could also use a bit of updating, especially during heavy traffic or roadworks, which can occasionally cut short parts of the Skyline route.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for visitors who want a relaxed, informative overview of Bath without the physical strain of walking long distances. It’s great if you prefer to stay seated while enjoying panoramic views and learning about the sights. Families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate the flexibility of hopping on and off as they please will find this especially useful.

If you’re on a tight schedule or visiting Bath for the first time, the two-route system helps you cover both the city’s core and its outskirts efficiently. And with the included walking tours, you can further explore on foot after your bus ride.

Final Thoughts

The Tootbus Bath Discovery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour offers a comfortable, flexible way to soak in the beauty and character of Bath. Its two-day validity means you can take your time, and the variety of stops lets you tailor your experience to match your interests—whether it’s marveling at Georgian architecture, visiting historic sites, or enjoying spectacular views from above.

The combination of friendly staff, reliable service, and engaging commentary makes it a solid choice for those new to Bath or anyone who prefers a guided approach to sightseeing. It’s not a package deal with attraction entries, so plan to visit the Roman Baths or other sites separately, but the ease of transportation and comprehensive route make it a practical choice.

Overall, if you want a stress-free way to see Bath at your own pace, this tour delivers a lot of value—especially given the two-day flexibility and plentiful stops. It’s perfect for travelers who prioritize comfort, convenience, and a bit of local insight.

FAQ

Is the ticket valid for two days?
Yes, once you validate your ticket on the first day, it remains valid for 48 hours, allowing you to hop on and off as you please.

Can I start the tour at any stop?
Absolutely. You can redeem your ticket and begin the tour at any of the designated bus stops listed in the route.

Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the tour.

Does the tour include entry tickets to attractions?
No, the ticket covers transportation and commentary only. You’ll need to purchase separate tickets for attractions like the Roman Baths.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The audio commentary is available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Polish, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese.

What are the departure times?
The City Tour starts as early as 9:45 am and runs until 6:30 pm. The Skyline Tour begins at 10:30 am and ends at 5:30 pm.

How often do buses run?
Every 15 minutes for the City Tour and every 30 minutes for the Skyline Tour, ensuring minimal waiting time.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the open-air buses and flexible schedule make it convenient for travelers with children, provided they’re comfortable sitting for intervals.

Can I book this in advance?
Yes, booking online allows you to reserve your spot and sometimes find better rates. Plus, it helps avoid the hassle of finding tickets on the day.

What should I bring on the tour?
A hat, sunblock, and sunglasses if the weather is sunny, and a camera or phone to capture the sights. The Wi-Fi onboard can help you share your photos instantly.

If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable way to see Bath’s highlights and enjoy the city without too much walking, the Tootbus Hop-On Hop-Off seems like a solid choice. It balances comfort, scenic views, and useful info—perfect for a relaxed day of exploring.

You can check availability for your dates here: