car hire bath
Pick up your hire car at Bath and find discover one of England's oldest and most beautiful citiesBook car hire bath downtown now
the 60-second guide to Bath
in its own head
"We've got history, culture, shops and countryside... and baths! We're the finest city Britain has to offer."
but more realistically
Despite sharing its name with a social necessity, Bath does indeed rank among England's most historically significant and beautiful cities.
the vibe
The trappings of Bath's success in centuries gone by are clear to see on every street corner. Expect amazing architecture, delightful delis and shops that wouldn't be out of place on Regent Street.
the natives
Bath's residents are, generally speaking, rather well to do, but friendly nonetheless.
the weather
Tucked neatly away in beautiful Somerset, Bath benefits from being situated in one of the few areas in England commonly associated with decent weather. Make the most of it.
the local speciality
This is Somerset so cheese, cider and cream tea are traditional, though Bath is a sophisticated city so you'll be more likely to be dining on modern European and Asian cuisine than downing a two-litre bottle of scrumpy.
the celebrity
Literary icons don't come much bigger than Jane Austen. She lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806 and two of her novels - Persuasion and Northanger Abbey - are largely set in the city.
did you know?
Bath was first discovered by the Romans in the 1st century. They decided to give the city the slightly grander title of Aquae Sulis, which means 'Waters of the Sun'.
they say
"I really believe I shall always be talking of Bath, when I am at home again - I do like it so very much... Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath?" - author Jane Austen in Northanger Abbey
5 to see in town...
- 1. Roman Baths Museum
- 2. Bath Abbey
- 3. Pulteney Bridge
- 4. Musee de l'Aviation
- 5. The Cathedral of St Jean
The city's star attraction is a stunningly preserved ancient temple built around a spring that still flows with hot water. There are even actors dressed up as Romans for extra authenticity.
where to park?
You can park on Charlotte Street for £2.80 for two hours.
5 to see in town...
Originally founded in the 7th century, Bath Abbey offers considerably more than your average church. Regardless of your religious status the experience will be one to savour.
where to park?
There is paid parking in Saw Close for £1.20 an hour, or alternatively there is a car park on Manvers Street that costs £2.80 for two hours.
5 to see in town...
Completed in 1773, Pulteney Bridge is another of Bath's Grade I listed structures. The bridge is beautiful from the front and slightly shabby from the rear, but inspiring and impressive nonetheless.
where to park?
Parking can be found adjacent to Pulteney Bridge on Northgate Street.
5 to see in town...
Ideally suited for postcards and promotional material, the magnificent road curving out of the city is an impressive sight.
where to park?
Charlotte Street car park is on the other side of Victoria Park and is the nearest to the Royal Crescent. It costs £2.80 for two hours.
and 4 to drive to...
A leading contender for England's most celebrated tourist attraction, this prehistoric site represents everything exciting about the unknowable past.
how to get there?
Take the A36 south from Bath. Stonehenge is located two miles west of Amesbury. It should take just under an hour to get there.
and 4 to drive to...
Isambard Kingdom Brunel's crowning glory is a truly breathtaking site. Whether you drive beneath it or take in the views from the top, it is impossible to ignore the majesty of this iconic bridge.
how to get there?
Take the A4 heading west towards Bristol. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is on your right, only a 40-minute drive away.
and 4 to drive to...
Boasting one of England's most beautiful coastlines, as well as some of its most sought after postcodes, the 50-odd mile drive is certainly not something that should put you off the trip.
how to get there?
Take the A36 out of Bath heading south towards Warminster. At Shaftesbury join the A350 towards Blandford Forum. It should only take an hour and a half to get there.
and 4 to drive to...
The Gower was the first place in Britain to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and a trip to Wales's south coast will prove exactly why.
how to get there?
Take A46 north of Bath in the direction of Bristol, and then follow the M4 taking you into South Wales. At junction 32, exit onto A470 and head north towards Merthyr Tydfil. It will take around two hours to get there.
ask a bath cabbie!
Local taxi driver Jim Moore on Bath car hire: "Although driving in the city may seem tricky because of the confusing one-way system, it's essential to have a car for exploring the surrounding areas. Parking is often limited and rather expensive, major multi-storey car parks are based at Walcot Street, Manvers Street (near the train station) and Charlotte Street (off Queen Square). Traffic wardens are very efficient; don't even think of parking on a yellow line! The quickest way to drive into town is via the park and ride facility. You can park for free and then take a bus (for a small cost) right into the city, very convenient."