This article was written by Linda Jankovicova, a student writer based in Bath.
Are you stuck in Bath, and you’re running out of ideas of what to do? Bath may be a wonderful place, but it’s attractions are limited. Here is a small list of ten possible day trip to do from Bath.

1. Bradford on Avon

Bradford on Avon
Source: Wikimedia
Just a short train ride away from Bath and Bristol, Bradford on Avon is a very idyllic place. It’s very charming, and even fairytale-like atmosphere and settings will make you fall in love. Walk across the small centre and then find yourself lost in the tiny streets and lost corners of the place.

2. Stonehenge

day trips from bath
Source: Pexels
If you’d rather go on a day trip, Stonehenge is the perfect place to go to. There are many providers of this trip, whereby a group coach will take you to the place, and you even get a tour guide. The drive to Stonehenge is just under an hour from Bath. There is no direct access to Stonehenge from Bath, but you can take a train to Salisbury and then take a taxi.

3. Glastonbury

Glastonbury
Source: Wikipedia
Other than being famous for its yearly summer music festival, Glastonbury is also a nice city to see. It has a number of very artistic streets filled with colours as well a ton of historical sights. You can visit the Glastonbury Tor or the Tomb of Dion fortune.

4. Bristol

Bristol
Source: Wikipedia
Bristol is just a jump away from Bath, taking you only 20 minutes on the train to arrive. Bristol, being slightly more metropolitan, has many adventures to offer you. From nearby nature attractions to galleries and museums, Bristol has it all. Why not go on an afternoon hunt for Banksy’s street art?

5. Cardiff

Cardiff
Source: Wikimedia
With direct train access from bath and Bristol, visiting Cardiff is the perfect day trip for you and your friends. Hop on the train in the morning, have lunch in Cardiff and explore, and hop on the train back early evening. Cardiff has a very vibrant atmosphere, and its location by water is perfect.

6. Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge
Source: Wikipedia
Cheddar Gorge is just a short drive from Bristol (around 40mins). It rises up from nowhere as you drive between the hills and cliffs. The sights from the top of the cliffs are mesmerising. However, be sure you take a whole day to visit the cliffs as the walk will charm you into spending a lot of time there enjoying yourself.

7. Wells

Wells
Source: Wikimedia
Wells is located within the Mendip district of Somerset and is only 17 miles away from Bath. There is also a direct bus connection to take you right to the magnificent Wells Cathedral. It is one of the few other places that are defined as an ancient Roman settlement. It is also one of the principal seats of the diocese.

8. Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle
Source: Wikimedia
The castle was finished in 1842 and is now open to the public for about 65 days a year. Before becoming a museum castle, in the past, it served as a hospital as well as a children’s home. Further, it may look familiar to you if you are a fan of Downton Abbey.

9. Dundry

Dundry
Source: Wikipedia
This small town is just a small distance away from Bristol. It is delightfully rural, which will give you a nice break from the city life full of business and stress. Also close to Chew Valley Lake, Dundry offers a nice natural surrounding and lots of pretty sights.

10. Costwolds

Costwolds
Source: Wikimedia
Most famous for its quintessentially English market town, the Cotswolds region is one of the prettiest region in the whole UK. The region is located about an hour away from Bath, making it a perfect distance for a day trip. There are train connections for you from Bath and Bristol to some of the towns in the region. Explore the small streets as well as the wonderful nature.

Frequently asked questions

Connor Steele
Connor Steele – University of Sussex
Topic expertise: Student Cities, Cost of Living, Nightlife, Wellbeing, Accommodation

FAQs on planning day trips from Bath

Pick places on direct rail or frequent bus routes, book off-peak returns and group tickets, and pack snacks. Cluster sights by walking distance to avoid extra fares and keep your schedule relaxed but efficient.

Aim for early trains on weekends and during school holidays. You’ll reach attractions at opening time, get better photos and enjoy quieter cafés — then head back before the peak return rush starts.

Prioritise one paid attraction, then pad the day with free viewpoints, parks and streets with character. Bring a reusable bottle, split sharing plates, and check for student concessions at ticketed venues.

Create a simple route map, pre-book timed entries and add 15–20 minutes’ buffer between stops. Save addresses offline and pin your return station so you’re not scrambling when your phone battery dips.

Comfy shoes, layers, a small umbrella, snacks, water, portable charger and student ID for discounts. If hiking, add a lightweight waterproof and a paper map screenshot as a backup to your phone nav.

What are the best day trips from Bath?

Popular day trips include Stonehenge, the Cotswolds, and Bristol. Each offers unique experiences, from historical sites to picturesque villages.

You can reach Stonehenge via a short drive or by joining one of the many guided tours that depart from Bath.

Yes, you can visit Weston-super-Mare or Lyme Regis for a refreshing day by the sea, both within a couple of hours’ drive from Bath.

The Mendip Hills and Cheddar Gorge are fantastic for nature enthusiasts, offering hiking trails and stunning landscapes.

You can explore the city of Wells, with its magnificent cathedral, or visit the historic city of Salisbury, known for its medieval architecture.

Last Updated on August 18, 2025

Published on March 11, 2021

Authors

  • Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.

    View all posts