If you’re searching for the best day trips from Bath, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s see what the surrounding area in Somerset and beyond has to offer.
Bath is rather beautiful isn’t it? The Georgian crescents, the steaming thermal baths, the honey-coloured stone – it’s all a little intoxicating. So much so that you might never want to leave. But what if I tell you that you should?
After you’ve finished exploring the Roman city, the sightseeing doesn’t stop there. Located nearby is the ever-popular city of Bristol and lesser-known villages like Avebury and Lacock that often fly under the radar.
So if you’re looking for the best day trips from Bath, this sightseeing guide has you covered. Here’s where to go when you’ve soaked in the waters, walked the Royal Crescent, and want to see what lies beyond.
A guide to the best day trips from Bath
I’ve purposely made this list eclectic to appeal to a wide range of interests. There’s something for everyone – nature and hiking, history and museums, art and architecture – the options are long, varied, and absolutely worth your time.
There are so many gems to discover within close proximity to each other. Unless you have a lot of time available to see them all, it’s actually hard to narrow down the places to visit. Fortunately, you really can’t go wrong with any of these attractions – they’re all wonderful and rather unique.
Where possible I’ve attempted to connect places that make sense to visit together. You’ll find that some of them are as little as 15 minutes apart. If you plan on using trains, I recommend booking in advance via the Trainline for best times and prices.
1. Wells – England’s smallest city
Wells is a city in name but feels more like a medieval film set. It is easily one best day trips from Bath (if not the best), and I’m confident that you will love Wells too.
The Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline. Its intricate facade dazzles with hundreds of medieval statues and things only get better inside. The scissor arches appear as a beautiful design feature, but it’s actually a feat of structural engineering, made to help prop the whole thing up.
Don’t miss the quirky clock inside — one of the oldest working clocks in the world — or the quiet charm of Vicars’ Close, said to be the oldest residential street in Europe.
Often dubbed, ‘England’s smallest city’ – Wells is compact enough to visit in just a few hours if you’re pinched for time. I recommend combining your visit with nearby Cheddar Gorge or Lacock Abbey.
Getting there: The easiest way to get from Bath to Wells is by car with a journey time of 45 minutes. There is also a bus service that takes approximately 1 hour 25 minutes.
2. Avebury – home to the world’s largest stones circle
While people flock to Stonehenge, the village of Avebury is criminally overlooked. Many people don’t seem to know the town exists nor the ancient stones that call it home.
In Avebury, you can walk right up to the stones, and feel 4,500 years of history humming beneath your palm. This Neolithic masterpiece is the largest stone circle in the world, swallowing an entire village inside its vast perimeter.
The landscape is otherworldly – a ditch and bank earthwork encircles the site, sheep wander lazily among the stones, and the pub (The Red Lion) sits right in the centre, inviting you in to have a pint surrounded by ancient history. Potter through the tiny village and you will find a lovely array of thatched-cottages. I love this place. It’s magical.
Getting there: Bath to Avebury takes under an hour by car. You have more than enough time to get out of the city and into Wiltshire’s rolling chalk downs.
3. Stonehenge – the Icon
While I personally prefer Avebury, Stonehenge is a world-famous bucket-list attraction that many people simply do not want to miss so why don’t you visit both? The two places are part of the same UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To help manage your expectations, it’s worth emphasising that this place can get busy so it’s good to try and avoid the crowds. If you can – book the special ‘Stone Circle Access‘ tour. It’s pricey, but the experience allows you to get up close and personal with the archeological site, therefore making the whole experience feel much more personal.
The standing stones rise out of the Salisbury Plain like sentinels, perfectly aligned to the solstices, and the visitor centre gives you the full sweep of history and archaeology. There’s a reason this mysterious stone circle has been drawing pilgrims for millennia.
Getting there: It’s 50 minutes by car and the onwards journey to Avebury is 45 minutes.
4. Salisbury – cathedral spires and medieval history
This medieval city is dominated by its spectacular cathedral, boasting the tallest spire in Britain and one of the best-preserved copies of the Magna Carta. The cathedral close is one of the loveliest in England – a wide, grassy space ringed with historic houses – perfect for a slow stroll or picnic.
Wander the narrow streets, pop into a traditional pub, and soak up the relaxed, historic atmosphere before heading back to Bath.
Getting there: Travelling from Bath to Salisbury takes around an hour by car or train. It’s also very close to Stonehenge (15 minutes away by car or bus) so you could combine the two places. In the summer months when the days are much longer it’s possible to fit Salisbury, Stonehenge and Avebury into one day trip.
5. Glastonbury – mystics, myths, and Arthurian legends
Whether you’re here for the New Age vibe, the ruined abbey where King Arthur was supposedly buried, or the hike up Glastonbury Tor, this town hums with myth and mystery. It’s equal parts spiritual pilgrimage site, quirky shopping haven, and old-fashioned English countryside town.
I recommend packing decent footwear to explore the labyrinth-like paths of the Tor. It takes about 20-30 minutes from the trail head to reach the top where you are blessed with a 360-degree panorama.
Nearby, you can also visit Chalice Well garden which is home to a natural spring. Some stories say the Holy Grail was hidden here by Joseph of Arimathea, and that the red-tinged water represents Christ’s blood. While I’m not sure I believe this, the myths and stories nevertheless add an atmosphere of intrigue. Finally, don’t miss the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, which has links to King Arthur and early Christian legends.
Getting there: You can reach Glastonbury from Bath in around an hour by either train or car.
6. Hauser & Wirth Somerset – contemporary art set within nature
If you’re looking for an art-filled day out from Bath, Hauser & Wirth Somerset is a must. This world-class contemporary art gallery (free to visit) is set in a converted 18th-century farm complex on the edge of Bruton – a pretty little Somerset town that’s become something of a creative hub.
The gallery’s exhibitions change regularly, showcasing bold, thought-provoking work from international artists, but the space itself is just as much of a draw. You’ll wander through beautifully restored barns and into the Oudolf Field, a stunning meadow designed by the celebrated landscape designer Piet Oudolf.
The on-site restaurant, Roth Bar & Grill, makes the trip even more worthwhile. It’s perfect for a long, leisurely lunch after soaking in the art, with seasonal dishes that highlight local Somerset produce.
Pair your visit with a stroll around Bruton or a stop at nearby King Alfred’s Tower for sweeping views of the countryside before heading back to Bath.
Getting there: Just a 45-minute drive from Bath. You can also catch the 55-minute journey train from Bath to Bruton. Once you arrive in Bruton the gallery is less than a 10-minute walk from the station.
7. Cheddar Gorge – caves, cliffs, and cheese
Want a bit of adventure? Head to Cheddar Gorge – England’s largest gorge – for dramatic limestone cliffs, hiking trails, and underground cave systems. If you’re into hiking and nature, Cheddar Gorge should probably be your number one place when planning day trips from Bath. The town itself is small and a little touristy, but once you get onto the trails, it’s all scenic views and winding paths for miles upon miles.
And yes, this is where Cheddar cheese was born, so you can sample it right where it all began. After all that hiking, indulging in some locally-made cheese and cider is perfect way to end the day me thinks.
Getting there: You can either drive or catch the train from Bath to Cheddar. From the centre of the town you will find lots of walking routes.
8. Lacock – a beautiful abbey and period drama backdrop
If Avebury feels like a portal to prehistory, Lacock is a window into the medieval past. This village, owned almost entirely by the National Trust, looks like it hasn’t changed since the 15th century. Its timber-framed houses and crooked streets have starred in everything from Harry Potter to Pride and Prejudice.
Lacock Abbey is a highlight of this small village. Once a nunnery, later a stately home, and birthplace of photography thanks to William Henry Fox Talbot. A museum is dedicated to the inventor inside a 16th Century barn.
Getting there: From Bath it’s a swift 35 minutes by car or 55 minutes by train to Lacock.
9. Bradford-on-Avon – Bath’s little sister
Want to see Bath in miniature form? Head to Bradford-on-Avon for a perfect half-day escape. Wander its narrow streets, cross the 14th-century bridge, peek inside the tiny Saxon church of St Laurence, and sit along the canal with a pint. It’s much quieter and smaller than Bath but every bit as pretty.
Getting there: Bradford-on-Avon is only a 15-minute train ride from Bath. Once you’ve pottered around you should have more time to hit up another nearby attraction like Lacock or Wells.
10. Castle Combe – England’s ‘prettiest village’
Castle Combe is the Cotswolds distilled into one picture-perfect village. Its honey-stone cottages, babbling brook, and medieval market cross have made it one of England’s most swooned-after places.
Stroll the main street, stop for cream tea, and try to imagine a more postcard-worthy scene in England. I doubt you will! If you want to know more about this charming little village, take a peek at my guide to Castle Combe. You’ll soon see what the fuss is about.
Getting there: Just half an hour from Bath by car, and around 50 minutes by train and bus.
11. Bristol – Banksy, ships, and seriously good food
Bristol is Bath’s cooler, livelier neighbour. A city of creativity: Banksy murals hide in plain sight, independent cafés and breweries hum with life, and the regenerated harbourside buzzes with restaurants and bars.
Climb aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain, wander through Stokes Croft for street art, or grab a table at one of the city’s award-winning restaurants. Art lovers should make a bee-line Arnolfini, one of the best contemporary art museums outside of London.
Getting there: It takes only 15 minutes on the train to get from Bath to Bristol.
12. Oxford – a city for bookworms
Now we’re going a bit further afield, but an Oxford day trip from Bath is totally doable. Known as the “City of Dreaming Spires,” Oxford is home to one of the world’s most famous universities – and the architecture alone is worth the trip.
Spend the day wandering its cobbled streets, visiting historic colleges like Christ Church and Magdalen, and soaking in the academic atmosphere. Other highlights include a tour of Bodleian Library, the world-class Ashmolean Museum, and the quirky Pitts River Museum. Read my guide to Oxford for the full list of things to do.
Getting there: Just over an hour and a half from Bath by train or car – I said it was doable!
13. Winchester — England’s ancient capital
If you don’t mind a slightly longer journey (about 90 minutes by train), Winchester makes for a brilliant day out. Once the capital of Anglo-Saxon England, this cathedral city is packed with history. Visit Winchester Cathedral – one of the largest in Europe – and see the legendary Round Table hanging in the Great Hall, said to be King Arthur’s.
The town itself is a delight: riverside walks, historic pubs, and a lively market scene make it a perfect mix of culture and countryside charm. If you’re into literature you will have the opportunity to retrace the footsteps of Jane Austen who called Winchester her home up until her untimely death at just 41 years of age. I’ve written up a day-trip guide to Winchester for more insight.
Getting there: From Bath it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to Winchester is by car. There’s also a fast train that runs between Bath and Winchester that takes around 1 hour 40 minutes.
Day trips from Bath: guided tours
If you would prefer to let someone do planning for you, there are numerous guided day trips from Bath. You don’t have to worry about bus routes, catching the right train or looking for parking spaces. These tours are designed with your comfort in mind.
Below I’ve selected a few tours which I think look great, aimed at maximising your time and enabling you to see the best attractions from Bath.
Stonehenge and Cotwolds Day Tour – A small-group tour that includes Stonehenge, Avebury, Lacock and Castle Combe. So many of the region’s highlights in one day – it doesn’t get much better than that.
Salisbury and Jurassic Coast Small Group Tour – Want to experience one of the most scenic spots along England’s south coast? Along the way you will stop at historic Salisbury before reaching Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. This trip would be very difficult to do using public transports so a tour like this is ideal if you don’t have a car.
Private Cotswold Tour: Now this one is rather plush I must say! If you would prefer to experience the Cotswold in a private group, with just your family or friends, this tailored tour might be up your street. Your knowledgeable guide will take you to the best spots in the Cotswolds.
Stonehenge Private Sunset Tour with Lacock and Bath – In this tour you will get up-close and private access to Stonehenge at arguably the prettiest time of the day and after the crowds have dispersed. Also includes a visit to Lacock and access to the Roman Baths. Please note that this tour departs from London and lasts 12 hours.
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