What Is Living In Bath Like? A Guide To Bath

Known for and named after the Roman-built baths, Bath in Somerset sits on the River Avon. 97 miles west of London and 13 miles southeast of Bristol, it is history rich city full of heritage.

The current population of Bath is about 111,897 as of 2025. Locals comment on the city’s beauty and friendly community, with plenty of countryside and access to other cities, many mention how lovely the city is for couples and families.

Brief History of Bath

Archaeological evidence indicates human activity around Bath’s hot springs as early as 8000 BC. By AD 43, attracted by the thermal springs, the Romans established Aquae Sulis, built an elaborate bath complex and temple dedicated to Sulis Minerva between AD 60 and AD 70; this is how Bath got its name.

After the Romans left, the baths fell into disrepair and wouldn’t be repaired till the 7th century. Bath became a market hub and received a charter from Richard I in 1189.

From the 17th century, Bath gained prominence as a spa town, becoming a fashionable social centre during the Georgian era.

Despite suffering damage in World War II, Bath saw post-war redevelopment and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Today, Bath is a vibrant city that blends ancient heritage with contemporary life.

Is Bath a Good Place to Live?

Yes, Bath is considered to be a very good place to live, although a bit expensive. Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its historical charm, modern amenities, and beautiful architecture. It’s one of the safest towns in Somerset and a welcoming environment for families and retirees, thanks to its educational opportunities and friendly residents. The city centre is easily navigable, with most amenities within walking distance. Bath offers a diverse food scene, from fine dining to street food, though housing can be expensive.

How Safe is Bath?

In 2025, the overall crime rate in Bath was 90 crimes per 1,000 people. That same year, The Complete University Guide ranked Bath as the third safest university town or city in England and Wales. Additionally, Bath had an overall crime rate of 93 crimes per 1,000 people in 2024, making it the safest major town in Somerset, according to regional security guarding.

House & Rental Prices: Bath 2025

Bath offers a variety of properties, from Georgian townhouses to modern apartments, reflecting its history and modern appeal. While the market caters to first-time buyers and long-term renters, it is generally expensive, with prices comparable to those in London, especially in the city centre and the Royal Crescent.

Rental Prices

As of July 2025, the average monthly private rent in Bath and Northeast Somerset was £1,751, a 10.6% increase from the previous year.

Average rents by property type were: one-bedroom (£1,119), two-bedroom (£1,411), three-bedroom (£1,675), and four-bedroom (£2,370). For specific types, flats and maisonettes averaged £1,293, terraced properties £1,877, semi-detached properties £1,858, and detached properties £2,237.

House Prices

In June 2025, the average house price in Bath and Northeast Somerset was £398,000, down 4.6% from £417,000 the previous year. However, Bath and Northeast Somerset still have the second-highest average in the Southwest.

Average prices for property types were detached £691,000, semi-detached £430,000, terraced £375,000, and flats/maisonettes £ 240,000.

All figures reflect overall market trends from ONS.

Recommended Places to Live in Bath

Lansdown

Best for: Families and professionals

Property types: Georgian-style properties – large and grand terraced houses and townhouses

Lansdown is in the north of Bath, known for its Georgian and Victorian homes. The area it features attractions like Lansdown Crescent and offers amenities such as the Lansdown Park & Ride and Lansdown Golf Course.

• Access to Bath Racecourse and Lansdown Golf Club as well as other sport and leisure facilities
• Access to excellent primary and secondary schools
• Peaceful atmosphere with great countryside views with Georgian architecture.
• Access to city centre for amenities and access to Royal Cresent and other attractions

Larkhall

Best for: families, young professionals, and couples

Property types:  historic townhouses, modern family homes, terraced properties and semi-detached houses

On the northeast fringes of Bath, this village-like neighbourhood has a bohemian atmosphere with independent shops, eateries and strong sense of community. It has great access to the city centre and Bath Spa train station.

• The area is home to a variety of independent artisan shops, cafés, delis, and a farmers’ market.
• Access to green spaces with a community garden, café and playground.
• Great family location with access to high-quality schools from infants to secondary
• A 12-minute drive from the city centre, alternatively, a short walk or bus ride

Oldfield Park

Best for: families, young professionals, and students

Property types: Victorian and Edwardian housing, including terraced houses and detached houses

On the edge of the city centre this suburb is ideal for commuters and students. With great access to the universities and a train station of the same name, it allows access to Warminster, Bath Spa, Weymouth and Gloucester.

• A local favourite due its strong sense of community which is appealing to first time buyers, families and students
• The train station provides easy access to the country and local towns and located within walking or bus distance to the city centre.
• A self-contained community with access to amenities such as shops, pubs, and cafes.
• Downsides: fewer green areas then some areas and often congested

Weston

Best for: professionals and families

Property types: detached houses, semi-detached houses and terraced houses

Weston is a northwest suburb known for its open spaces and clam atmosphere, formerly a separate village before being incorporated into Bath as the city grew. It’s detached from the city centre by Royal Victoria Park.

• Village and urban life balance, easy access to city centre and the rest of Bath
• Distinct character, quiet and more community focused than the city centre
• Access to great greenery and parks with access to Victoria Park
• Family friendly environment with access to excellent schools

Widcombe

Best for: families, professionals, and artists

Property types: Georgian, Victorian homes and modern developments

Known for its historic architecture, Widcombe is located southeast of the city centre and across from the River Avon. With local shop and artistic community events, it’s close to plenty of green spaces and history.

• Impressive Georgian and Victorian architecture whilst being close to museums, galleries and historical sites
• Access to well regarded schools for infant to primary age groups
• Artistic community with craft fairs and art trails in a vibrant art scene
• Balanced urban and rural life, with access to the city centre and a train station (for London and Bristol) whilst close to green spaces, rivers and trails

Cost of Living in Bath

Bath has a higher cost of living due to housing, popularity as a tourist destination and proximity to London. Though it is not as expensive as London, it still has a highly competitive property market.

On average, the rent for a one-bedroom flat in the inner city is £1,295, while a similar flat outside the city centre costs about £972. However, these prices may vary depending on the location and size of the apartment.

Basic utilities, which include gas, electricity, heating, water and so on, amount to approximately £320 per month, and internet costs around £35. For transportation, a monthly bus pass in Bath is £92 for an adult, while a monthly train ticket from Bath to Bristol costs £225. Additionally, the average cost of a gym membership in Bath is about £36 per month.

Therefore, for a one-bedroom flat in the inner city with a monthly train ticket, the total cost is roughly £1,850 per month. Alternatively, a one-bedroom flat outside the city with a bus pass comes to approximately £1,395 per month.

Student Life in Bath

University of Bath

Ranks: 8^th – Complete University Guide

Top courses: Ranks top 10 in 23 courses, including: architecture, biomedical science, economics, marketing and psychology.

Founded in 1966, the University of Bath  is constantly among the top 10 universities in the UK. With high rankings both nationally and internationally, its academic reputation is such that almost 30% of students come from outside of the UK, representing 152 nationalities. Though not part of the Russell Group, it is a highly competitive institution with a beautiful campus and historic city.

Bath Spa University

Ranks: 92^nd – Complete University Guide

Known for its focus on creative arts and humanities, with a historic foundation dating back to 1852. Bath Spa University  was also the first university in the southwest to achieve the Social Enterprise Gold Mark for its commitment to social inclusion and ethical enterprises.

Student Things to Do in Bath

• Bath Escape – Escape rooms are good fun no matter how old you are. Bath Escape have four rooms to choose from with the option of live escape rooms or detective tours. The detective tours are great fun and allow you to see the city in a fun way with your friends at a reasonable price.
• Bath City Farm – Sometimes a little animal therapy is needed, and Bath city farm is prefect for a free day out. You can buy a bag of feed or walk one of the trials for £1 and with a café on site it is the prefect university escape. However, the staff recommend you arrive in groups or by public transport as parking is limited
• Green Park Station – Built in the 1860’s, Green Park Station was in operation until the 1960’s. Now a great market space you can enjoy everything from a traditional market, a food market, artist fair or vintage market. There is really something for everyone form cafes and food artisans to a record store and a bike store, it’s a great way to spend time with friends or fill an hour between lectures.

Best Student Night life

• Chilli Family Noodles! – A locals favourite here, with reasonable prices, central location and good food, you can’t really go wrong. They have traditional Chinese noodle dishes with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options as well. Located in the main bus station in Bath, it is a great quick stop.
• Komedia – In the grade II listed building, formally the Beau Nash Cinema, Komedia has a line up packed with comedy, music, cabaret, family events, club nights, and just about everything in between. With its vibrant atmosphere, it is great for entertainment and a night out.
• Sub 13 – With a reputation as one of the best bars in Bath, it is set over three floors it is great for a celebration or a fun date night. With bottomless brunch and occasional events, students get the bonus of 2-for-1 cocktails every night and 20% off drinks Monday to Thursday, it is a great night out without breaking the bank.

Commute and Connections

Car

There are car parks in the city centre that offer both long-stay and short-stay options, along with on-street parking in designated areas.

Bath is currently operating a Clean Air Zone to address air pollution in the city. Under this initiative, owners of higher-emission vehicles, excluding private cars and motorbikes, are required to pay a fee to drive in the city centre.

The price of parking will depend on your vehicle’s emissions; more polluting vehicles, such as those with diesel engines, will pay a higher rate.

You can find out whether you may be charged the higher rate ahead of your visit by checking your vehicle’s emissions on the UK Government website.

Walking & Cycling

Bath is a compact city that is easy to explore, with most attractions just a short walk apart. Cycling is also a popular and convenient way to get around.

Bus

The city is served by a comprehensive bus network, with stops located throughout Bath, as well as bus routes to Bristol and other regional towns.

Train

Bath Spa railway station is centrally located, offering quick connections to other major towns and cities. There are direct train links from Bath to Bristol (11 minutes), London (79 minutes), Cardiff, Weston-Super-Mare, Portsmouth, and Taunton from Bath Spa Station.

Park & Ride

To avoid traffic, parking fees, and the Clean Air Zone, consider using one of Bath’s three Park & Ride services, a straightforward and hassle-free way to access the city centre.

Working in Bath

The average salary in Bath is about £38,279 per year, or roughly £18.40 per hour, according to Salary Expert. The city has a diverse economy with strong opportunities in hospitality, tourism, and creative industries, attracting professionals seeking career growth and a lively lifestyle.

Bath’s economy is diverse, featuring strong sectors in aerospace, engineering, high-tech, and renewable energy, as well as a vibrant digital, creative, and media industry. The city has a consistent demand for science and professional services jobs, aided by its two universities and a college. As a popular tourist destination, Bath also offers numerous opportunities in hospitality and retail.

The city has a high demand for jobs in healthcare and social care, customer service and retail positions. The city’s location near major distribution networks creates ongoing opportunities in logistics and delivery driving.

Holidays in Bath

If you like history, architecture, artisan shops and want to see some of your favourite film or tv show, filming locations, like Bridgerton, Bath is defiantly with a visit.

As the name would suggest, Bath is known for the infamous Roman-built bath houses and some of the best preserved in the world. With its Georgian architecture, Bath offers traditional heritage, green spaces and contemporary culture.

With over 6 million tourists each year, it’s one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK for both domestic and international tourists. This typically bring in about half a billion pounds a year to Bath, so this beautiful city is worth the visit.

Airbnb and Holiday rentals

With over 1,900 Airbnb listings in Bath and Northeast Somerset, and over 2,900 holiday rentals, there us a variety of properties available to suit a range of wants, needs and budgets.

With greater flexibility and more unique local experiences, rentals offer a more unique way of travel. Offering better value for money for families and groups with home comforts that you would not normally find in hotel rooms.

If you own an Airbnb or holiday rental, or are thinking of letting a spare room and property, then there are a few security measures you should consider:

1. Lockbox maintenance: Check for signs of tampering or damage and lubricate the mechanism if it feels too stiff.
2. Keep spare keys secure: Keep the backup keys secure and with you; do not leave them unattended in the rental property.
3. Change the locks: If a guest fails to return the key or you’re unsure when you last had your locks changed, it is best to change the locks. This is especially important if:

• A previous guest left under suspicious circumstances.
• A tenant didn’t return all keys at move-out.
• You’ve lost track of multiple sets of keys over time.

As professional locksmiths, we recommend high-security anti-snap locks for rental properties.

Bath Landmarks

With beautiful architecture, artisan shops and full of history, Bath is worth the visit and a great place to live. Below are some of the best places to visit and some locals recommend themselves.

Royal Crescent

Built between 1767 and 1774, The Royal Crescent is considered one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in the UK. This Grade I listed terrace of 30 houses is mostly owned by private residences; however, No. 15 and 16 have been combined to form the 5-star Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa.

The Royal Crescent is one of those sights that doesn’t disappoint when you finally see it in person. A row of perfectly proportioned Georgian houses is elegant and instantly recognisable. It is easy to see why it’s become a magnet for Bridgerton lovers, Regency fans and Austen enthusiasts alike.

The No. 1 Royal Crescent Museum is a bonus, ideal for a family. There are dress-up areas for kids and a brilliant gift shop. For me, the real high points came somewhat in the integration of information around the house. The audio and visual cues, writing and acting of the tours are worth the visit if you want the best reconstruction of the wealthy Georgian lifestyle in Bath.

Roman Baths

Loved by locals and tourists, the Roman Baths are must-see. Built around 70AD, it’s one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world and holds 1,170,000 litres of 46 °C spring water.

I loved the ancient stonework, natural hot springs, and preserved architecture of the Roman Baths, which creates an unforgettable atmosphere. The museum is well-organised, with accessible information and an excellent audio guide that enriches the experience without being overwhelming. Interactive displays bring Roman life to life.

Like many popular tourist attractions, the Baths can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. My advice? Visit during quieter times, such as early morning or late afternoon and book in advance.

Rainbow Woods

Tucked between the Skyline Path and Prior Park, Rainbow Woods is a favourite escape for local families. This beautiful patch of woodland near Claverton Down is full of arching trees, vibrant foliage, and a sense of magic.

It’s especially popular with children thanks to its play area and the whimsical Elf and Fairy Foray trail, a gentle discovery walk that’s perfect for little legs. Whether you’re out for a short stroll, a nature adventure with the kids, or just want to enjoy the woodland charm, Rainbow Wood is a delightful spot to explore.

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein

Mary Shelley wrote much of the infamous gothic novel Frankenstein, in Bath. Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is an award-winning escape room and museum, where you can learn more about the tragic life of the author and the monster himself. With plenty of pop culture and history surrounding the novel, including its first theatre production, it is a creepy experience for all.

From the start, the atmosphere sets the tone. The exhibits are cleverly designed and interactive, and the life-sized creature is impressive, and the basement adds just the right amount of thrill. I left with a deeper understanding of both the woman behind the novel, and the impact Frankenstein has had on literature and popular culture.

The “Victor’s Lair” escape room is a must. It’s spooky, a little intense, but a fantastic way to immerse yourself even further in the story. Horror fans will love it, but it’s also a great choice if you’re looking for something a bit different to do in Bath.

Prior Park and Palladian Bridge

The 6-mile circular of Prior Park at the foot of Prior Park Mansion. Though the Neo -Palladian villa style mansion is used as a private collage since 1828, it was built between 1735 and 1743.  With the Palladian Bridge built in 1755, it’s a grade 1 listed building and one of the last surviving Palladian bridges in the UK.

It’s worth noting that Prior Park Mansion is not open to the public, however, the landscape gardens and bridge are open to the public though opening times vary, the gardens are managed by the National Trust so check their website for opening times and admission details.

Prior Park is a place that instantly captures the imagination. The park has been beautifully restored and is exceptionally well-maintained. The Palladian Bridge enhances the experience, making it feel like a scene from a period drama or a storybook. It’s just as photogenic as you’d expect, especially when the sun breaks through the trees.

The staff are friendly and eager to discuss the environmental projects underway, reminding visitors that the history of the garden is still alive, rather than being merely a collection of historic relics. They can also recommend the best routes to ensure you make the most of your visit.

Please note that there is no car park on site; it’s best to plan-ahead as there is plenty of public transport access from Bath.

Prior Park is a stunning place to slow down, enjoy nature, and soak in a little history.