Where is Bath?
Bath is located in Somerset, near the borders of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire and next to the city of Bristol. It’s tucked into the southernmost corner of the Cotswolds and is located a 30-minute drive away from the Mendip Hills and 16 miles away from the North Wessex Downs. It’s also around an hour and a half’s drive to Gloucester, Newport, and Cardiff.
Transport in Bath
Bath is less than a 30-minute drive away from Junction 18 of the M4, leading to Bristol, Swindon, Wales, and London. In Bristol, you can connect to the M5 for travel north to Gloucester and south to Exeter.
As for train travel, Bath Spa station is located along the Great Western Main Line and operates services into Bristol Temple Meads, London Paddington and Cardiff Central, allowing you to travel across a large swathe of southern England without changing trains.
Bath also has its own bus station on Dorchester Street, which you can use to catch services into Bristol, Chippenham, and Bradford-on-Avon.
Shopping in Bath
Milsom Street is Bath’s hub for retail therapy, hosting a number of independent and high street brands, ranging between artsy gift shops and clothing outlets. You can also find a shopping centre at Southgate Bath, with shops such as Card Factory, Boots, Accessorize, and Apple. If you’re looking for a wider range of retail options, Bristol’s Cribbs Causeway is just over a 30-minute drive away, offering over 150 shops, including Build-a-Bear, LEGO, Next, Moss, Pandora, and Swarovski. A more traditional, local shopping experience can be found at the Bath Guildhall Market, where you can browse a range of independent stalls selling pet supplies, books and cheese.
Things to do in Bath
Bath’s claim to fame is its rich and vibrant history, which is on display at Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge. You can also visit the ancient Roman Baths or the more modern Thermae Bath Spa and bathe in the natural hot springs.
Residents can enjoy several National Trust sites nearby, such as the Bath Assembly Rooms and Prior Park, while other scenic destinations include the Royal Victoria Park and the Bath Skyline hiking route.
Those living in Bath can also enjoy science and art-focused day trips into Bristol, including Wake the Tiger, an immersive art exhibition and the Clifton Observatory, which hosts a museum, a working Camera Obscura, and an access point to the Giant’s Cave in Avon Gorge.
The best places to buy new builds near Bath
The city of Bath is a wonderful place to call home, with new builds available nearby and in the surrounding towns and villages.
Chippenham
Northeast of Bath, around half an hour away, the town of Chippenham lies at the intersection of three major A-roads: the A4 towards Bath, the A420 towards Bristol and the A350 to access the M4. As for the lifestyle you can expect from Chippenham, you’re a stone’s throw away from the Cotswolds countryside and a short drive from Bowood House and Lacock Abbey. Chippenham offers plenty of new builds near Bath, bringing a modern lifestyle to the countryside of Wiltshire.
Saltford
Located between Bath and Bristol, around 15 minutes’ drive from each, Saltford is the perfect compromise if you can’t choose between the two. It’s a large neighbourhood bisected by the A4 and also benefits from close proximity to Keynsham train station, which offers services into Warminster, Weymouth, and Bristol Temple Meads. Alongside its convenient commuter links, Saltford provides direct access into the southern Cotswolds, and it has its own local nature reserve, a riverside walk, and a section of the Forest of Avon at the Meadow Wood.
Bradford-on-Avon
The town of Bradford-on-Avon lies 5 miles southeast of Bath, less than 30 minutes from the city centre. It’s popular for its tight-knit community and beautiful countryside surroundings, with the River Avon passing through the centre of town and the Wildbrook Wood walking area located nearby. The town is home to the Wiltshire Music Centre, a popular live music venue, and the Bradford-on-Avon Museum, where you can view artefacts from various eras of the town’s history.
Looking to buy your new home in Bath?
Bath is a beautiful city to call home. From its famous Roman baths to the surrounding National Landscapes, living in Bath offers a unique way to experience both the history and countryside of Somerset.
Book an appointment to view our local developments and get the ball rolling on your move today.
