Top Choice

Bath Abbey

Patriot O.A/Shutterstock

Bath, Somerset - January 1 2024: The Bath Abbey View , License Type: media, Download Time: 2026-04-23T16:59:16.000Z, User: LP_ZRay, Editorial: true, purchase_order: 65050 - Digital Destinations and Articles, job: Lonely Planet, client: App Content, other: Zayira Ray

Looming above the city center, Bath's huge abbey church was built between 1499 and 1616, making it the last great medieval church raised in England. Its most striking feature is the west facade, where angels climb up and down stone ladders, commemorating a dream of the founder, Bishop Oliver King.

Tower tours leave on the hour from Monday to Friday, and every half-hour on Saturday. Tours can only be booked at the abbey shop, on the day.

Unfortunately there's no getting out of the 212 steps to the top, but the view's worth the slog. If you're feeling really romantic, you can also book a private tour for two.

Book popular activities

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.


Must-see attractions