Bath is one of the most architecturally stunning and historically rich cities in the UK. With its UNESCO World Heritage status, the city is famous for its Roman Baths, Georgian townhouses, and its literary links to Jane Austen and Mary Shelley. But what’s it really like to live here? I’ve spend over 10 years living in Bath and in this guide we’ll cover everything from house prices to transport links, things to do, and the pros and cons of making Bath your home.
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Things to Do in Bath
Living in Bath means having plenty to explore, whether you’re into history, culture, or the outdoors. You can visit the famous Roman Baths and unwind at the Thermae Bath Spa, the only place in the UK where you can bathe in natural hot springs.
The city’s iconic Georgian architecture, including the Royal Crescent and The Circus, is essential viewing, while Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge add to the city’s historic charm. As a local it’s sometimes easy to take such settings as normal, everyday, but spend any amount of time away from the city and you’re soon reminded of Baths beauty!
If you enjoy walking, Bath is a city for you. Not only is it practical to walk in large parts of the city, the Bath Skyline Walk offers stunning views over the city. For shopping, Bath is full of independent shops and a host to various markets. Throughout the year, the city hosts popular events like the Bath Festival, the Jane Austen Festival, and the Christmas Market amongst others, making it a vibrant place to live. Plus, the Cotswolds and Mendip Hills are nearby, perfect for countryside escapes.
The city of Bath may be small, but it’s packed with culture and a decent night scene. With a host of live music venues, clubs, bars and year-round festivals, Bath proves that a small city can still offer big nights out.
Despite its urban charm, Bath is packed with green spaces. Royal Victoria Park is a favourite among locals, offering botanical gardens, open lawns, and a skate park. Parade Gardens provides a beautifully maintained riverside setting, while the National Trust-owned Prior Park Landscape Garden offers breathtaking views. There are also plenty of green spaces and parks across the suburban areas.
House Prices in Bath vs. the Rest of the UK
Bath is one of the most expensive cities in the UK outside London. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS):
• The average house price in Bath and North East Somerset was £410,000 (December 2024) Source: ONS. This is significantly higher than the UK average which is £291,000 as of December 2024. Source: HM Land Registry
• Rent is also pricey, with average monthly rent costing £1,692 per month as of January 2025 according to ONS
If you’re moving from London, Bath can feel like good value for money, but compared to most UK cities, it’s on the pricier side.
Transport and Links: How Well Connected Is Bath?
There’s no escaping the fact that traffic in Bath is a real issue and it can get congested frequently. knowing when and where you can maneuverer with a car while trying to avoiding traffic is a skill you learn as you live here. But the city is very walkable, even with all the hills, and the city does provide frequent bus services to all areas of the city.
The city has three Park & Ride sites designed to lower congestion and make life easier for anyone travelling to the city, and they are reliable, frequent (every 15 mins) and located to the north (Lansdown), west (Newbridge) and South (Odd Down).
Over the years its also become much more cycle friendly with dedicated cycle lanes popping up, as well as Baths electric bikes and scooters scheme, making travelling around the city easier.
Bath Spa train station, situated in the centre, offers direct services to London Paddington (1h 20m) Bristol (15mins) and Cardiff (1h 10m). The city is close to the M4, making access to London, Bristol, and South Wales relatively easy.
Cultural Scene
Bath boasts a thriving cultural scene. The Theatre Royal Bath hosts everything from West End productions to experimental performances. Art lovers can explore the Holburne Museum and Victoria Art Gallery, and the city’s numerous festivals, such as the Bath Festival and Bath Literature Festival, draw world class talent.
Music is another highlight and contemporary gigs at venues like Komedia. Independent cinemas like The Little Theatre Cinema offer a refreshing alternative to mainstream multiplexes.
The Food Scene
One of the things I love about Bath is the range of places to eat. The city boasts a vibrant food scene that caters to all tastes, from classic pubs to elegant fine dining establishments showcasing creative cuisine.
You can expect to enjoy everything from traditional afternoon tea to contemporary international dishes. Whether you’re craving a cosy meal in a traditional pub, or Michelin starred experiences, Bath is well-equipped to satisfy every palate.
Is Bath a Safe City?
While crime statistics can vary depending on time frames, in general yes, Bath is a safe place to live.
I’ve lived in a range of residential areas around the city and I have felt safe in all of them. There’s a good sense of community in all of the neighbourhoods I’ve lived in.
Pros and Cons of Living in Bath
Bath offers a high quality of life, with beautiful surroundings, a strong sense of history, and plenty of things to see and do. The excellent schools and universities, along with its safe, friendly atmosphere, make it popular place to live.
The city’s compact size means you can walk to most places, and there’s a great selection of pubs, restaurants, and independent shops to enjoy and offers most of the things you would expect from a city.
However, living in Bath comes with downsides, primarily the high cost of housing, which is well above the national average. Traffic congestion together with parking can also be frustrating, especially in the city centre, and while Bath has good transport links, job opportunities in certain sectors of the market can be limiting.
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as such gets very busy during the peak tourist season from June to September. The city’s hilly terrain can also be challenging for cycling or walking long distances, and while the nightlife is decent, it’s much quieter compared to Bristol or London, although depending on how you look at it this could be a good thing. Ultimately, while pricey, Bath is one of the most desirable places to live in the UK.
