Whether you are a devoted fan of Jane Austen’s novels or simply have a soft spot for Colin Firth’s Mr. Darcy in the BBC’s Pride & Prejudice, 2025 is a landmark year for Austen lovers. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the author’s birth, and the city of Bath, where Austen lived from 1801 to 1806 and set many of her novels, is at the heart of the celebrations. While many travelers treat Bath as a day trip from London, there are plenty of reasons to linger in this UNESCO World Heritage city, where art, architecture and wellness come together.
Step into Austen’s Regency-era Bath at the Jane Austen Centre, where costumed staff share insights on her life as well as the impact of the city on the author and her novels. While the Jane Austen Centre, housed in a Georgian townhouse, is all about bonnets and floral dresses, the atmosphere turns dark and gothic at the adjacent Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein. The interactive space is a combination haunted house and museum, delving into the inspiration for Frankenstein and details the tangled, scandalous relationship between Shelley, her husband Percy Shelley, her half-sister Claire Clairmont and the infamous bad boy poet Lord Byron.
Bath’s natural hot springs brought the city to prominence as a Regency spa town, and the sprawling Roman Baths were the heart of it. The bathing complex is home to ruins dating back to 70 AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the world. A visit isn’t complete without taking a sip of the sulphuric water at the end of the tour, which is believed to have curative properties. But if you’d rather soak in thermal waters yourself, book a session at the Thermae Bath Spa. After exploring the hot and cold circuits, unwind in the rooftop pool while taking in panoramic views of the city, including Bath Abbey.
Beyond its baths, the city dazzles with its honey-colored Georgian architecture. Iconic landmarks include the 18th-century Royal Crescent, a sweeping row of 30 terraced houses, and the Circus, a row of townhouses inspired by the Colosseum in Rome. Bridgerton fans will recognize Bath’s architecture as the city served as a stand-in for London in the hit series. The Holburne Museum showcases fine and decorative arts, while its elegant façade doubled as Lady Danbury’s residence. The exterior of No.1 Royal Crescent, a museum depicting life in the 18th century, served as the Featherington family home.
Once you’ve explored the city’s architecture, it’s time to eat and shop. Bath is packed with design-focused, charming shops. Don’t miss Designworks Collective for colorful housewares and Sam Wilson for vintage items and prints. Bath’s literary roots run deep, and stop by Persephone Books, which publishes works by out-of-print female writers. Mark your calendar for the Bath Festival in May, which celebrates literature and music.
Photo by Veerle Evens
When hunger strikes, head to Beckford Canteen for modern British fare or Flute, a contemporary wine bar specializing in seafood. End your day with a nightcap at Dark Horse before retreating to your base, Hotel Indigo Bath. Perfectly situated within walking distance of Bath’s top sights, the hotel also serves up a lavish breakfast buffet and classic British fare at the charming Beau Brasserie. This colorful, design-forward hotel features whimsical interiors inspired by the architects and novelists who made Bath famous, with a wink and a nod.
Photography courtesy Visit Bath unless otherwise noted.
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