Bath, UK

I'm not sure how long it takes to get there but you'll want a full day in Bath. It is delightful. I took a day trip from London and went to Bath, Stonehenge, and Salisbury several years ago. Since then, I have returned to Bath for several days and also to Salisbury.

The train is about 90 minutes from London and the trip is well worth it.

There's lots to do and see, and I'd suggest making a full day out of it--leave Paddington early and get back in the evening.

Hi Megan,

When we were there in September for a week, we had planned on doing a day trip to Bath. What stopped us though, was the fact that it would have cost us something like $400 (I don't remember exactly, but it was really high) in train fare since we were booking last minute. We were loathe to give it up but decided that it wasn't worth the cost and would plan better next time. So if you want to go, you should book ahead. Unless there's a secret way to get the cheap that Rick Steves fans know that I don't.

The trip is worth it. There is enough to do for a big day in Bath.

Check the cost of a bus trip vs. rail. Brit rail is expensive but the bus is still cheap and available.

Another thing to consider would be London Walks. They do a day trip to Bath and you just meet at the station and they buy the (discounted) tickets. You leave at an early but civilised hour in the morning and get back to London early evening.

Bath is gorgeous and well worth a trip.

Bath is beautiful and I would recommend a full day. Our tickets were expensive, we bought last minute, but it was well worth it. It was my in-laws and our favorite part of our trip.

Hi Megan, London Paddington to Bath Spa - 90 min.
As soon as you know your dates get on the net or call "National Express" train with you info. You can purchase an "Advanced Single" fare for less than $50. (that's American). It's a no-flex ticket but a steal. Purchase approx. four months in advance." You can pickup your ticket at the station or they will mail it to you. Bath is beautiful. Bath in one day - lots of luck! Enjoy, Larry

Evan Evans runs day trips from Victoria coach station. They take in two other stops, depending on the day, Stanehange, Windsor, Winchester, Salisbury.

However, you do not have too long in Bath and it is well worth a few days. We stayed for three night and saw just about everything we wanted to, but coul have spent longer just relaxing by the River Avon or tried for a boat trip or the American Museum.

Going for a day will be a full day.

Iain
Edmonton, Alberta

Megan, I agree with everyone else, plan on a full day. We started with the hop on hop off tour to get the lay of the land. We did the costume museum, Bath Abbey, Roman baths and several othe little things. We ended our day with a night tour. The leader of the tour was quite funny, and very informative about the history of Bath.

As mentioned in an earlier post go to the National Express web site for cheap return tickets.

Here is the link. http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/

I recommend the hop on/hop bus tour, the home tour of 1 Crescent Circle, and the Bath pub crawl (night). So much to see and do in Bath. It is just delightful walking around and watching people. Great gelato in Bath also.

As others have said Bath is quite manageable in a day - we did it this past summer. I differ in one thing - the hop on hop off tour I felt was a big disappointment. Bath is so small that the bus added very little. Although with that said we did the bus tour that overlooked the town as well - and we all enjoyed that - even the kids 10 and 14. We also did a day trip (from within the Bath day trip) to Stonehenge via Scarper tours. The bus out of Bath gave us the same view overlooking the town. In short, Bath is fun and easy to do from London; I would skip the hop on hop off bus tour but I would do Scarper Stonehenge Tour as well.

It's about a 90 minute train ride from London, and it is definitely worth a full day. Bath is wonderful, you will not be disappointed. Spend a little time walking along the canal path, too.

Darren

Megan,

As the others have said, Bath is an easy day trip from London. However, it would be better to spend a night or two there if you have the time, as it's such a beautiful location.

It's also possible to take side trips to Stonehenge, Lacock or the Cotswolds from Bath (I used Mad Max Tours), but I wouldn't recommend that in your circumstances. There's more than enough to see and do in Bath in one day, and I wouldn't take any time away from that.

In addition to train travel (as described previously) you could also use National Express Bus from London Victoria Coach station. The travel time is not much longer than by train (I can't recall the exact time, but perhaps two hours?).

If you decide to do the trip, be sure to take a copy of the Map in Rick's book, so that you can find your way around Bath. I'd definitely recommend the Bath Walking Tour! It's very interesting and only takes a couple of hours. Check the Guidebooks for times and cost.

Happy travels!