Bath Spa Train Station

Bath Spa train station has been serving the Somerset city of Bath since it first opened in 1840 and has subsequently been a prominent transport connection in the West of England.

The station itself was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and still stands relatively unchanged as a Grade II listed building. The asymmetrical Tudor style makes it a distinctive architectural style and the Bath stone appearance fits with the overall aesthetic of the city of Bath. The station was constructed with wide spaces between platforms to accommodate broad gauge carriage sidings. The original station design featured a hammerbeam roof covering the area between the platforms, but this was unfortunately removed in 1897 when a station remodel introduced longer platforms. If you’re desperate to see a hammerbeam roof at a train station, thankfully you can still see one at Bristol Temple Meads!

Bath Spa station has seen some recent redevelopments, including the installation of lifts to the platforms and the installation of ticket barriers. There has been further redevelopment since 2011 that has aimed to integrate Bath bus station and SouthGate shopping centre to offer an enhanced, seamless visitor experience. The station as it stands today encompasses its historic past and offers modern amenities.

You can reach Bath Spa station from a range of locations across the UK. Trains are operated directly to Bath Spa by Great Western Railway, but you can also reach Bath Spa by using the CrossCountry network and changing at Bristol Temple Meads. From Bristol, there is a non-stop train which will get you to Bath Spa in around 10 minutes. Popular routes to Bristol Temple Meads include Glasgow to Bristol, Newcastle to Bristol, Penzance to Bristol, and Cardiff to Bristol.

Things to do in Bath

Bath is one of the UK’s oldest cities, with architecture and heritage dating back to the Roman Empire. At the centre of the city you will find the Roman Baths, a decadent spa, and a beautiful Abbey to explore. If you wander further afield, you will also find unique coffee shops and restaurants, quaint shops, and stunningly beautiful streets.

When visiting Bath, you simply have to see the Ancient Roman Baths. This heritage site is a remarkably well-preserved thermae constructed between 60 and 70AD during the Roman invasion of Britain. The tour of the Roman Baths will transport you back in time, and there are plenty of antiquities on display to deepen your understanding of the Roman Empire. If you fancy something really special, why not book onto a sunrise tour of the baths or take part in T’ai Chi on the terrace?

Once you’ve seen the historic baths, make sure to visit Bath’s state-of-the-art spa for a relaxing afternoon. Dip into the rooftop pool filled with natural warm, mineral-rich waters, and enjoy the stunning views across the city. What could be better than the combination of relaxing warm water, refreshing open air, and beautiful views of one of the UK’s most beautiful locations?

Many tourists choose to visit Bath for the weekend (or longer!) to make the most of the city. A relaxed weekend of wandering must include a trip inside Bath Abbey with its serene spirituality, ghoulish gargoyles, and rich history. From there, why not get a coffee and a light breakfast from one of Bath’s signature cafes and wander around the boutiques, vintage markets, and charity shops dotted around the city? However you spend your visit, Bath has something for everyone.