Bath Leisure

Between the verdant gardens, the ancient castles and the endless countryside, there is plenty to do in Bath and in the surrounding area. You will likely need a car to see and appreciate it all, but if you can get past the high gas prices, you will surely enjoy a tour of this rural and beautiful part of the UK. Make sure you bring plenty of money and plenty of maps as you may end up exploring roads that are a bit off the beaten path.

1. American Museum and Gardens - Warminster Rd. (A36), Claverton Down, 2 1/2 mi southeast of Bath, Bath - website

A true trailblazer, this museum is the first of its kind outside of the United States. It features everything you’ve ever wanted to know about decorative arts.

2. Arlington Row – Bibury - website

A scenic series of cottages made of stone that line up perfectly and seem like they are right out of a Jane Austen book. A wonderful trip on a sunny day.

3. Bath Abbey - Abbey Churchyard, Bath - website

A beautiful old church that dates back to the 15th century, it is just one of many old churches worth visiting in this area.

4. Berkeley Castle - Off A38, Berkeley - website

One of the best preserved and most scenic castles in the whole area, Berkeley Castle is a must see, even if you’ve seen similar castles elsewhere.

5. Bowood House & Gardens - South of A4, Calne - website

The sheer number of beautiful gardens that seemingly cover this part of England is overwhelming, what is even more impressive is how perfect they all seem to be.

6. Building of Bath Museum - The Paragon, Bath - website

If you’ve always wanted to know how this resort capital came to be what it is today, learn it all and more here at this interesting museum.

7. Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum - Clarence St., Cheltenham - website

One of the best art galleries and museums in the entire country, the resort town of Cheltenham is famous for its entertainment and the gallery is a big part of that.

8. Clearwell Caves - Off B4228, Coleford - website

Have you ever wanted to see what a real, live mine looks like? Learn all you ever wanted to know here from this actual, working mine.

9. Gloucester Cathedral - Westgate St., Gloucester - website

Dating all the way back to 1100, this beautiful and imposing cathedral is one of the best known in the area.

10. Hidcote Manor Garden - Hidcote Bartrim - website

Maybe the best example of beautifully laid out gardens in the whole region, no visit to the Cotswolds area is complete without a visit here.