Living in Bath, Somerset
Living in Bath, Somerset, offers a rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture.
This beautiful city is in the southwest of England, with some areas being part of the Cotswolds National Landscape – making it an idyllic location.
Bath is renowned for its natural hot springs, Georgian buildings, and beautiful countryside.
With excellent schools, great shopping, and various cultural events, Bath is ideal for those who appreciate a relaxed pace of life, with easy access to modern amenities and good transport links to Bristol and London.
Living in Bath provides many opportunities for professionals, families, and retirees seeking a safe environment and an enhanced quality of life.
What types of property are in Bath, Somerset?
Bath has some fantastic properties – suiting all budgets – from imposing Georgian townhouses and Regency villas with sprawling manicured gardens to characterful Victorian homes; and from converted flats and contemporary apartments to highly desirable retirement properties.
Some of the UK’s most impressive Georgian architecture can be found in Bath’s terraces, crescents, and streets such as The Royal Crescent, The Circus, Lansdown, Bathwick, Camden, Sion Hill, and Sydney Buildings.
In the town, apartments and houses in and around Cavendish Crescent and St James’s Square are also desirable places to live.
Schools in Bath
The area offers a great selection of state and independent schools for families living in Bath.
For those seeking further education, there are two highly-rated universities – the University of Bath and Bath Spa University – plus Bath College. There are also several special and alternative schools.
Primary Schools in and around Bath
- St. Andrews C of E Primary School – a mixed school for children aged 3 to 11;
- Bathampton Primary School – a co-educational school for pupils aged 4 – 11;
- St Martin’s Garden Primary School – a co-ed, non-denominational school for 4 -11-year-olds;
Secondary Schools in and around Bath
- Beechen Cliff School – a state day and boarding school for boys, with a co-educational sixth form;
- Ralph Allen School – a co-educational, comprehensive secondary school with academy status. For pupils aged 11 to 18;
- Hayesfield Girls’ School – an all-girls secondary school with a co-educational sixth form;
Independent Schools near Bath
- King Edward’s School – a co-educational school with roots back to 1552, for students aged 3 -18;
- Prior Park College – a mixed Catholic public school for boarders and day pupils aged 11-18;
- The Paragon School – an independent school for pupils aged 3 to 11;
- Monkton Coombe School – a co-educational independent day and boarding school – that also accepts international students – for pupils aged 2 – 18.
Green spaces in Bath
While Bath has a UNESCO accreditation as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe – and is one of the only places in Britain where you can bathe in natural hot springs – living in Bath offers so much more. There are over 20 public parks and outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy …
The Botanical Gardens at Royal Victoria Park
The dog-friendly Botanical Gardens at Royal Victoria Park spans over nine acres and offers a tranquil retreat filled with diverse plant species.
Established in 1887, the Gardens feature beautifully landscaped areas, including an impressive collection of trees, shrubs, and flower beds.
There’s also a rock garden, a pool, and themed areas like the scented garden. The Botanical Gardens are ideal for nature lovers and families, offering peaceful pathways and a chance to explore a wide range of botanical treasures within the heart of Bath’s most expansive public park.
Kensington Meadows
Kensington Meadows is a spacious nature reserve with woodlands and riverside walks along one of the loveliest stretches of the River Avon.
It offers a large, flat, grass space ideal for recreation and community events. The park is popular for walking, fishing, and football, featuring a full-size pitch.
The Meadows are open year-round and are free to visit.
Sydney Gardens
Sydney Gardens is the city’s oldest park, dating back to 1795. Designed initially as Georgian pleasure gardens, they were a popular spot for promenades, galas, and public entertainment. Jane Austen, who lived nearby, was a frequent visitor.
Today, the park offers scenic paths and historic features like the Temple of Minerva (originally sited at Crystal Palace in London as part of the Festival of Empire Exhibition in 1912).
It also provides easy access to the Kennet and Avon Canal. The park has a sports area, children’s activities, and three marked trails.
Bath, Somerset transport links
Bath boasts excellent transport connections. Travelling within the city is easy, with regular buses and three park-and-rides.
Additionally, Bath’s motorway network is well-connected, providing easy access to the M5 for north and south routes, and the M4 for travel east toward London or west into Wales.
Bath Spa railway provides frequent mainline trains to the Capital, typically taking under 90 minutes to reach central London. Bristol International Airport is conveniently located less than an hour’s drive from the city, offering flights to numerous European destinations.
Places to eat, drink, and shop in Bath
Bath offers a wonderful array of places to enjoy some downtime.
Bath has six distinct shopping areas, each with its own unique offering. For example, one of the most impressive is the Milson Street shopping area. Here, you can find luxury, fashion, and beauty shops.
The SouthGate shopping area is a great place to find many well-known shops and restaurants, while the Walcot Artisan Quarter shopping area is home to quirky independent shops. Bath is a shopper’s paradise.
Bath also has a vibrant food and drink scene, earning it a reputation as a must-visit destination for culinary enthusiasts.
Whether you are looking for Michelin-starred restaurants or something a bit more laidback, living in Bath will not disappoint.
Bath is also home to cosy cafés, lively bars, gastropubs, and dedicated local producers – the latter can be found at one of the several regular markets dotted around the city.
Property in Bath
Besides its amazing history, Bath boasts excellent schools, modern amenities, and strong transport links to London and Bristol. Bath provides desirable living options alongside abundant green spaces, cultural attractions, and a thriving food scene.
If you are considering living in Bath, we at Garrington Property Finders would love to help you find your dream home. Please get in touch with us today for a no-obligation discussion.
