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Top 13 Must See Places in Bath, England (2026 Guide)

Paola Tambo1 Comment

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a booking through them.

Located in the rolling hills of Somerset, Bath, England is one of the most beautiful and historically rich cities in the United Kingdom. Best known for its ancient Roman baths, elegant Georgian architecture, and literary connections to Jane Austen, Bath has been attracting visitors for over 2,000 years.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath offers far more than just its famous thermal waters. Visitors can expect impressive abbeys, grand crescents, charming streets, independent shops, and a thriving café culture. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, a spa retreat, or a literary inspired trip, Bath is a destination that rewards slow and meaningful travel. It is also a wonderful day trip option from London by train (I talk more about it in this article)

In this guide, you will discover 13 iconic places you must see in Bath, along with practical travel tips and ideas to help you plan your visit!

1. Jane Austen’s Bath Home at 4 Sydney Place

Jane Austen lived in Bath between 1801 and 1806, and although she resided in several houses, the most famous is 4 Sydney Place, located near Sydney Gardens. While the home is privately owned, many visitors stop to see the exterior and imagine Austen’s life in the city that inspired scenes in Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.

This property is occasionally available as a holiday rental, offering a rare opportunity to stay in a genuine literary landmark.

Click here to book a stay in Jane Austen’s Family Home in Bath from 1801 to 1805

  • 4 Sydney Place

2. The Royal Crescent

The Royal Crescent is Bath’s most iconic architectural landmark. Built in the 18th century, this sweeping curve of 30 Georgian townhouses overlooks a manicured lawn and offers one of the finest examples of Georgian design in Europe.

The Royal Crescent is also home to the No.1 Royal Crescent Museum and the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, both worth visiting. You can find several tours in Bath here!

  • View of the Royal Crescent in Bath, England

3. The Georgian Garden

Hidden behind the Royal Crescent, the Georgian Garden recreates an authentic 18th century pleasure garden. With symmetrical planting beds, herbs, and traditional landscaping, it offers a peaceful retreat and a deeper look into Georgian lifestyle.

It is free to enter and makes a lovely addition to a Royal Crescent visit.

Click here to book a walking tour of Georgian Bath!

  • A lovely example of a Georgian Garden in Bath, England

4. The Jane Austen Centre

Located on Gay Street, the Jane Austen Centre explores Austen’s years in Bath through exhibitions, costumed guides, and interactive displays. Upstairs, the Regency Tea Room serves traditional cream teas in period style. This is one of Bath’s most popular attractions for literature lovers!

Click here to book the “Jane Austen’s Bath And History Trail” tour, which includes FREE entry to the Jane Austen Centre

  • The Jane Austen Centre & Regency Tea Rooms

5. The Circus

The Circus is a perfectly circular terrace designed by John Wood the Elder. Its three curved segments represent classical orders of architecture and are decorated with symbolic carvings.

Famous former residents include painter Thomas Gainsborough, who lived here during the height of his career.

The Circus connects naturally to the Royal Crescent, making it an essential stop on any Bath walking route. For an architecture focused city tour, check this guided tour out here and discover Bath’s most beautiful historic buildings!

  • Partial view of The Circus in Bath, England

6. Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House

Sally Lunn’s is one of the oldest houses in Bath and one of the most famous tea rooms in England. It is known worldwide for the Sally Lunn bun, a light brioche style bread served with sweet or savory toppings.

It is an ideal place to experience traditional Bath food culture.

7. The Pump Room

Once the social heart of Georgian Bath, the Pump Room was where visitors gathered to drink the mineral rich spa water and be seen by society. Today, it operates as a refined tea room offering afternoon tea and live music.

Visitors can still sample the historic spa water from the fountain!

8. Bath Abbey

Bath Abbey dominates the city’s skyline and is one of the most impressive Gothic churches in the country. Its fan vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows, and historic monuments make it a must visit attraction.

The tower tour offers panoramic views over the rooftops of Bath.

Tickets can be purchased online or from the Welcome Desk on arrival at the Abbey.

  • The glorious Bath Abbey

9. The Roman Baths

The Roman Baths are the reason Bath exists. Built around Britain’s only natural hot springs, this ancient bathing complex dates back nearly 2,000 years.

Visitors can explore the Sacred Spring, Great Bath, Roman temple ruins, and museum galleries. The site is especially atmospheric in the evening.

Click here to book a Roman Baths and Bath city walking tour and explore Bath’s top historic sights with a local guide

  • The iconic Roman Bath in the city of Bath, England

10. Bath City Centre

Bath’s city centre is a UNESCO protected area filled with honey coloured stone buildings, independent boutiques, museums, cafés, and historic streets.

Popular areas include Milsom Street, SouthGate, Stall Street, and Walcot Street, known for its artisan shops and vintage stores.

You can book an Afternoon Tea at The Regency Tea Room here

  • A stroll around Bath city centre

11. Pulteney Bridge

Pulteney Bridge is one of only a few bridges in the world with shops built across its full span. Inspired by the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, it crosses the River Avon and offers beautiful views in both directions.

The nearby riverside walks and boat tours add another dimension to a Bath visit.

  • Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon

12. Parade Gardens

Parade Gardens sits along the riverbank and offers landscaped lawns, floral displays, and excellent views back toward the Abbey and Pulteney Bridge.

It is an ideal place to rest after sightseeing or to enjoy a picnic.

  • The lovely and relaxing Parade Gardens

13. Sweet Little Things Tea Room

Sweet Little Things on Old Bond Street is a modern favorite for visitors seeking a stylish afternoon tea or brunch. Known for its floral decor, homemade cakes, and bottomless tea experiences, it appeals strongly to social media driven travel audiences.

Best Time to Visit Bath

The best months to visit Bath are April to June and September to October. During these seasons, the weather is mild, gardens are in bloom, and crowds are lighter than in peak summer.

Winter visits are also popular due to Christmas markets, spa experiences, and festive lights.

How to Get to Bath, England

Getting to Bath, England is simple and convenient.

By train

Direct trains run from London Paddington to Bath Spa in about 90 minutes. Bristol, Cardiff, and Birmingham also have excellent connections.

You can also use Welcome Pickups transfers from London or Bristol Airport.

By car

Bath is approximately two hours from London. Park and ride services are strongly recommended.

You can compare car rental options through Expedia or Booking.com. You can also check here for taxi transfers.

By coach or bus

National Express, FlixBus, and Megabus provide regular and affordable services into Bath.

Where to Stay in Bath

Bath offers outstanding accommodation options including:

Luxury spa hotels such as The Gainsborough Bath Spa and The Royal Crescent Hotel
Boutique guesthouses such as The Yard in Bath and Leighton House
Well rated budget stays including Bath YMCA Hostel and YHA Bath

Looking for more Bath accommodation? Explore listings on Booking.com!

Find this guide helpful? You can buy me a drink and support my work here.

Visiting Goathland Railway Station in Goathland Village, North Yorkshire (2026 Guide)

Paola Tambo2 Comments

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to make a booking or reservation, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue creating detailed travel guides.

Goathland Railway Station serves the picturesque village of Goathland in the heart of the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire, England. Surrounded by rolling moorland, stone cottages, and scenic walking trails, Goathland is one of the most charming villages in northern England and a popular stop for visitors exploring Whitby, the Yorkshire coast, and the North York Moors.

The station first opened in 1865 under the name Goathland Mill, chosen because of its location near a watermill on the Murk Esk River. With very few alterations over the last century, Goathland Railway Station has beautifully preserved its historic character and remains an active stop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Today, it attracts visitors from all over the world who come for its heritage trains, nostalgic atmosphere, and famous television appearances.

Whether you plan to ride a steam train or simply explore the platform and surrounding countryside, Goathland Railway Station is a wonderful place to include in any North Yorkshire itinerary. If you are building a North York Moors road trip, this is also a great place to base yourself.

You can browse charming inns, countryside hotels, and cozy cottages in and around Goathland on Booking.com, Expedia, or Vrbo.

A Ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Goathland Station is one of the most popular stops along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a preserved heritage railway that runs between Pickering and Whitby. The journey takes passengers through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region, including open moorland, deep valleys, and forested countryside.

You can check the official timetable and pre book tickets here if you would like to ride one of the historic steam or heritage diesel trains. Many visitors choose to travel between Whitby and Goathland, making this station a perfect addition to a Whitby day trip. Guided heritage railway experiences and North York Moors tours that include Goathland are often available through platforms like Viator.

The Goathland Station Café

One of the highlights of a visit is the Goathland Station Café, a unique tea room located inside the station within a converted 1920s style goods shed. The café is walker friendly and dog friendly, and guests are welcome to sit indoors or outside on the platform to watch the trains arrive and depart.

The café serves a variety of hot and cold drinks, savory items, homemade cakes, sweet treats, and ice creams. Their sandwiches, classic scones, and hot chocolate are especially popular. It is a perfect stop after a countryside walk or before boarding a train.

Opening times vary according to the railway timetable. Because hours change seasonally, it is always a good idea to check ahead if you are planning a visit around the café. You can check opening times HERE.

  • Inside the Goathland Station Café

Film and Television Appearances

Goathland Railway Station is famous for its on screen roles and has appeared in several major film and television productions.

It was used as Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films, making it a must visit spot for Harry Potter fans. The station is also well known as Aidensfield Station in the long running British series Heartbeat. In addition, it has featured in All Creatures Great and Small, Keeping Mum, and Carrington.

Because of this, Goathland is often included on themed film and television tours of North Yorkshire. A private tour like this one is a great option if you would like deeper insight into the area’s film and television appearances.

  • View of Goathland Railway Station from the top of the red bridge

Stay in a Vintage Train Carriage at Goathland Station

One of the most unique experiences in Goathland is the opportunity to stay overnight in a vintage camping coach located just behind the station platform. This restored carriage offers a truly memorable way to experience the railway and countryside.

The camping coach includes a living area, a kitchen, a twin bedroom, a double bedroom, and a shower room. Staying here allows you to wake up surrounded by moorland scenery and historic trains, making it a fantastic option for families, couples, and railway enthusiasts.

If you prefer a traditional stay, there are also beautiful guesthouses, inns, and countryside cottages throughout Goathland and the surrounding villages, many of which can be booked through Booking.com and Vrbo.

Click here to check availability and book the camping carriage

  • A green vintage train carriage at Goathland Railway Station

Parking and Practical Information

There is a car park located next to Goathland Railway Station that allows all day parking for a single fee. This makes the station an easy stop for visitors exploring the North York Moors by car.

Public buses also connect Goathland with Whitby and other nearby villages, making it accessible even if you are not driving. If you are arriving from a nearby airport such as Leeds Bradford or Manchester, Welcome Pickups and Kiwitaxi are convenient options for arranging private transfers.

Things to Do Near Goathland Station

A visit to Goathland Railway Station pairs perfectly with exploring the rest of the village and surrounding countryside. Consider adding these nearby experiences to your itinerary:

• Walk through Goathland village to see traditional stone cottages and local tea rooms
• Visit the famous Goathland Waterfall, also known as Mallyan Spout, located about a mile from the village
• Hike across the North York Moors for sweeping views and peaceful nature trails
• Take a scenic train journey to Whitby and spend the afternoon exploring the harbor, abbey, and historic streets
• Explore Heartbeat filming locations throughout the village

Outdoor tours, walking excursions, and North York Moors day trips are often available through Tripadvisor, Viator, and GetYourGuide.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Goathland Railway Station is like stepping back in time. Between the historic platform, scenic railway, cozy station café, and famous filming history, it offers one of the most atmospheric experiences in North Yorkshire.

Whether you are a Harry Potter fan, a railway enthusiast, or simply looking to explore one of the most beautiful corners of the North York Moors, Goathland is well worth adding to your travel plans.