Bath is located just over 100 miles west of London and is the perfect base to explore the West Country, Stonehenge and the Cotswolds.
In this section you can find out more about the beautiful countryside, attractions and charming villages surrounding Bath to help you plan your visit.
Click on any of the areas or locations to find out more.
Cirencester is one of the largest towns in the Cotswolds with a fascinating history that dates back to the Romans, when it was a regional capital. Today it is an attractive and lively market town with a Brewery Arts Centre and regular craft and antique fairs.
Tetbury is a small historical market town in the Cotswolds. The Market House at the centre of Tetbury was originally designed for the sale of wool and yarn. You can still find the charming 17th century weavers cottages in the town today. The beautiful Westonbirt Arboretum is also located nearby.
Castle Combe is a picturesque Cotswold village with low-slung stone cottages set by a babbling brook and 14th century Manor House Hotel. Close by is the well-known Castle Combe racing circuit, skidpan and kart track.
Avebury is the largest stone circle in Europe with around one hundred stones forming a huge ring a quarter of a mile across. Originally erected 4,500 years ago, the Avebury landscape has been designated as a World Heritage Site.
For centuries Marlborough was a popular staging post on the road from London to Bath. It has one of the widest high streets in England and is known for its high quality shops. Avebury is also located nearby.
The National Trust village of Lacock is quintessentially English. Cottages and inns dating back to the 15th century form a breathtaking backdrop, much admired by film makers. Lacock has starred in many film classics from Pride and Prejudice to Harry Potter, which you can find out about in our film trail here.
Bristol is an exciting city with great shopping and lively nightlife. Rich in maritime history, grand buildings and cobbled streets still survive from the city’s time as a major trading port. Popular attractions include Brunel’s ss Great Britain, Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol Zoo.
Bradford-on-Avon is a bustling market town, packed with specialist shops and art galleries. Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, Bradford-on-Avon is set on the banks of the River Avon, with a beautiful 14th century bridge over the river at the centre of the town.
Mystery surrounds this remarkable monument erected between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC. Visit the World Heritage Site for yourself and decide whether it was a place of sun worship, a healing sanctuary, a sacred burial site, or something different altogether
As featured on the BBC's Animal Park. Get close to lions, tigers and giraffe in the Safari Park, get lost in the Hedge Maze, enjoy a trip on the Safari Boats or the railway and marvel at the treasures and heirlooms of Longleat House.
Salisbury is a classic English city known for its beautiful cathedral. Boasting the tallest spire in Britain, Salisbury Cathedral is set in eight acres of lawn and is one of the finest 13th century cathedrals in England.
Radstock is one of the best preserved former coal-mining towns in England and has been awarded conservation area status. Visit the Radstock Museum for an introduction to the area, or enjoy some leisurely shopping in nearby Midsomer Norton.
Cheddar is home to Britain’s biggest gorge and the stunning Cheddar Caves. Take in the dramatic landscape and enjoy stunning views, cliff top walks and exploring the caves. You can also watch traditional Cheddar cheese being made at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company.
Wells is England's smallest city, dominated by its magnificent cathedral. The medieval city has many beautiful buildings and cobbled streets as well as a lively marketplace where open-air markets take place twice a week. Wookey Hole Caves and Glastonbury are also located nearby.
Glastonbury is a small town associated with many myths and legends as well as the annual Glastonbury Festival. Visit the ruins of the magnificent Glastonbury Abbey, connected with the legends of King Arthur or take in the stunning views from Glastonbury Tor.
This picturesque market town built on steep hills with cobbled streets, is a centre for arts and crafts with a number of galleries and craft centres. Alongside quirky shops, Frome (pronounced Frooome!) has an equally eclectic mix of markets including twice weekly general markets, a weekly country market and monthly farmers and artisan / flea markets.
Located just between Bath and Chippenham, the historic market town of Corsham features many independent shops and the stately home Corsham Court.
Bath is one of the world’s architectural and historical masterpieces. Nourished by natural hot springs, Bath offers spa and relaxation, Roman and Georgian heritage, festivals, culture and great shopping. The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is the perfect base to explore the West Country.
The city of Bath is surrounded by the rolling hills, peaceful waterways and charming villages of North East Somerset. Explore the picturesque Limpley Stoke Valley and Kennet and Avon Canal, discover the industrial heritage of Radstock or relax around the tranquil lakes in Chew Valley.
Somerset lies to the south of Bath and offers a wonderful mixture of heritage, countryside and coast. Enjoy a day trip from Bath to explore Britain’s biggest gorge at Cheddar, discover history and legends at Glastonbury or visit the cathedral city of Wells.
Bath is set on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, a series of gently rolling hills and quintessentially English villages. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds is famous for its beautiful countryside and distinctive honey-coloured limestone villages, which can be easily reached from Bath.
Situated to the east of Bath the rolling rural landscape of Wiltshire offers a fantastic range of places to visit. The famous World Heritage sites of Stonehenge and Avebury, beautiful gardens and historic houses, eye-catching chalk horses and glorious countryside can all be easily reached from Bath.
Gloucestershire lies to the north of Bath and is one of England’s most varied counties encompassing five different areas. The majority of the Cotswolds is located here as well as the Severn Vale and Forest of Dean, the regency town of Cheltenham and the city of Gloucester.