Discover Bath: 2 self-guided walks to discover the city’s famous sites and hidden gems

Overview

With our two self-guided walking tours of Bath you will discover more of this wonderful city and the history that has defined the area. Our first tour will explore Bath's ancient and medieval history, Bath's origins as a spring for pigs to bathe in, the Roman invasion and the mystical properties of Bath's water. Our second tour will uncover stories of Bath in the Georgian and Regency periods, from Jane Austen's writing to Beau Nash's parties. Wander through the Georgian Gardens and onto the Royal Crescent, walking in the footsteps of 18th century aristocracy. Poke your head in the Theatre Royal and Assembly Rooms to get a taste of how those living during the Regency liked to kick back and relax. Finish off the tour at the House of Frankenstein & Jane Austen centre on Gay Street, two museums dedicated to two of Bath's best known writers.

On our Welcome to Bath tour, we will take the following route:

This tour starts at the Visit Bath Information Centre. Katie and Colm will give you an overview of what to expect on this tour including the development of Bath and its early history up to the end of the 17th century.

We will then meander down to look down towards the river Avon and the spectacular view of Parade Gardens and surrounding hills as Katie sets the scene of Bath in 800BC and the legend of King Bladud.

After taking in the view, we will go past one of Bath’s major institutions - Sally Lunn’s tea shop – a key point of interest on our Jane Austen tour. The tea shops have become a key part of Bath’s history as it became a fashionable spa town.

Next, we stop at Bath’s most famous landmark – the Roman Baths – formed shortly after the Romans arrival.

Around the corned from the Roman Baths is Bath Abbey – we discover how the Baths were forgotten, how Bath changed during the Saxon period, the Christianisation of the country, Abbey foundation and crowning of King Edgar the Peaceful in 973AD – the birth of England!

As we continue through bath, we reach St John’s Hospital – a hospital steeped in history, particularly during medieval life in Bath.

We then reach the Cross Bath – Colm and Katie will tell the story of Mary of Modena and Bath’s reluctant role in the Glorious Revolution 1688!

Finally, we finish at Bath Thermae Spa where you can explore the Spa for yourself and “take the waters”

On our Jane Austen tour, we will take the following route:

This tour starts at the Pump Room/Roman Baths. Katie and Colm will discuss the rise in popularity in Bath as a spa resort during the 18th century. They will also introduce you to some of the more interesting stories about Jane Austen and here time in the city.

The tour then moves onto the Theatre Royal Bath Theatre - built in 1805 and a truly iconic landmark of Bath.

Next, we move to Queen Square and one of Jane Austen’s main residence. We’ll also discover John Wood the Elder and the unique architectural design of houses in the area.

Wander through the Georgian Gardens and onto the Royal Crescent, walking in the footsteps of 18th century aristocracy. We’ll explain the reason behind the wide streets and the role of “taking the air” in Bath life. Once you reach the Royal Crescent, take a moment to marvel at this world-renowned architecture.

As we continue our tour, we discover the Circus where we learn more about John Wood the Elder and neo-classical Georgian style.

We then come across the Assembly Rooms and gain a fascinating insight into evening life in Bath in the 18th and 19th centuries – from dances to card games. Jane Austen loved these social events and there was a strong emphasis placed on young women to gain husbands here.

Finally, we visit Gay Street – another one of Jane Austen’s residences – and finish up at the Jane Austen Centre – a great way for you to continue your learnings of Jane Austen and her life in Bath.

The Vidi Guides experience is enriched with on-screen photos and videos. We also point out where to take the perfect Instagram photos during the tour, and include recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. Don't worry, none of our recommendations are sponsored - they are simply favourites of the locals who helped craft the experience.

Vidi Guides creates immersive audio experiences that sound like podcasts. This is a self-guided audio tour that can be started or stopped at your own convenience. Download the Vidi Guides app & your Bath City Pack to explore the area independently and safely! Make sure to download your tour before you go to streamline your trip!