An Introduction to Bath
Bath is a city in Somerset in the south west of England, situated 97 miles west of London. The city was founded in the valley of the River Avon around naturally occurring hot springs where the Romans built baths and a temple, giving it the name Aquae Sulis. It became popular as a spa resort during the Georgian era, which led to a major expansion that left a heritage of exemplary Georgian architecture crafted from Bath Stone. There is much to see and do in this small, accessible city. The Roman Baths, the Abbey and the exquisite 18th Century Pulteney Bridge are just a few of the city’s historic sites. The city centre also enjoys a vast array of shops, restaurants and pubs.
Activities of Interest in Bath
Getting to Bath
Bath has excellent rail and road links from London. If travelling by car it is within easy reach of the M4 and M5 motorways. High speed trains operate to Bath from most major cities, taking just 90 minutes from London Paddington. National Express Coaches depart regularly from London Victoria. If flying, Bristol Airport is only 15 miles from Bath with scheduled flights from most UK and European cities.
By Road
Bath is located just 10 miles from junction 18 of the M4 motorway which runs direct from London and Heathrow. There are also excellent motorway links from the North and Devon and Cornwall via the M5 motorway, whilst Wales is just a short drive west on the M4.
By Rail
High speed trains operate to Bath from most major cities, taking an average of just 90 minutes from London Paddington and Waterloo. Bath Spa train station is located in the centre of Bath, just a short walk from Bath's shops and attractions. Bristol Temple Meads, just 15 minutes away by train, is also a major hub for travel to all other parts of the country.
For information on timetables visit https://www.nationalrail.co.uk
By Bus / Coach
National Express provides good-value coach travel linking all major towns and cities in Europe. Frequent services run from London Victoria Coach Station, London Heathrow and London Gatwick to Bath. For information on timetables visit https://www.nationalexpress.com
By Air
Bristol International Airport, just 20 miles from Bath, is one of Britain's fastest growing airports, serving over 200 destinations worldwide. For further information on the airport visit https://www.bristolairport.co.uk
The Bristol International Flyer express coach service picks up passengers outside the airport up to every 15 minutes, from 03.05 to 23.45, 7 days a week. The coach drops passengers at Bristol Temple Meads train station, where you can catch one of the many frequent train services into Bath. The complete journey time from Bristol International Airport to Bath is approximately 60 minutes. A combined ticket for the Bristol International Flyer and onward rail travel to Bath can be purchased online at http//www.thetrainline.com or separate tickets can be purchased on the day aboard the Bristol International Flyer for coach ticket and at Bristol Temple Meads train station for train ticket.
Travelling to Bath from Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport serves over 180 destinations worldwide and is just 100 miles east of Bath on the M4 motorway. A regular National Express coach service goes direct from the airport to Bath. This complete journey time from Heathrow Airport to Bath is between 120 and 180 minutes. Alternatively, a Heathrow Express train service runs between the airport and London Paddington train station where you can then pick up a direct train service to Bath Spa train station. This complete journey time from Heathrow Airport to Bath is approximately 135 minutes.
Travelling to Bath from Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport is the second busiest airport in the UK serving over 220 destinations worldwide. The airport is located in South London, approximately 140 miles east of Bath. You can take a train from the airport to Reading train station where you can pick up a train service to Bath Spa train station. This complete journey time from Gatwick Airport to Bath is approximately 180 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch a National Express coach from Gatwick Airport via Heathrow Airport to Bath. This complete journey time from Gatwick Airport to Bath is approximately 270 minutes.