Bath & Jane Austen Self-Guided Audio Tour: Discover Bath's History & Iconic Attractions
3.1
7 Ratings
Bath and North East Somerset

Immerse yourself in the history of Bath and the world of Jane Austen with our self-guided audio tour. Explore iconic attractions and discover the secret stories of this enchanting city.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Parade Gardens - Our guides, Katie and Colm, will provide an introduction to the tour, covering Bath’s development and early history up to the late 17th century.

We will then stroll down to view the River Avon and the stunning Parade Gardens and surrounding hills as Katie paints a picture of Bath in 800BC and the legend of King Bladud.

  • Sally Lunn’s Museum - After enjoying the view, we will pass by one of Bath’s iconic spots - Sally Lunn’s tea shop – a highlight of our Jane Austen tour. These tea shops have become integral to Bath’s history as it evolved into a fashionable spa town.

  • The Roman Baths - Next, we visit Bath’s most renowned landmark – the Roman Baths – established shortly after the Romans arrived.

  • Bath Abbey - Just around the corner from the Roman Baths is Bath Abbey – we will learn about the forgotten Baths, Bath’s transformation during the Saxon era, the Christianisation of the country, the Abbey’s foundation, and the crowning of King Edgar the Peaceful in 973AD – marking the birth of England!

  • Hospital Of St. John The Baptist - As we continue through Bath, we arrive at St John’s Hospital – a site rich in history, especially during medieval times in Bath.

  • The Cross Bath - We then reach the Cross Bath – where Colm and Katie will recount the story of Mary of Modena and Bath’s reluctant involvement in the Glorious Revolution of 1688!

  • Thermae Bath Spa - We proceed to the Bath Thermae Spa where you can explore the Spa and “take the waters” yourself.

  • The Pump Room Restaurant - We then move on to the Pump Room/Roman Baths. Katie and Colm will discuss Bath’s rise in popularity as a spa resort in the 18th century and share intriguing stories about Jane Austen and her time in the city.

  • Theatre Royal Bath - Built in 1805, this theatre was the center of Bath’s evening entertainment and the spiritual home of Beau Nash.

  • Queen Square - Next, we head to Queen Square, one of Jane Austen’s main residences. We’ll also learn about John Wood the Elder and the distinctive architectural design of the houses in the area.

  • Georgian Garden - Stroll through the Georgian Gardens and onto the Royal Crescent, following in the footsteps of 18th-century aristocracy. We’ll explain the purpose of the wide streets and the significance of “taking the air” in Bath life.

  • No. 1 Royal Crescent - Upon reaching the Royal Crescent, take a moment to admire this world-famous architecture.

  • The Circus - As we continue our tour, we explore the Circus and learn more about John Wood the Elder and the neo-classical Georgian style.

  • Assembly Rooms - We then arrive at the Assembly Rooms and gain fascinating insights into evening life in Bath during the 18th and 19th centuries – from dances to card games. Jane Austen enjoyed these social events, which were crucial for young women seeking husbands.

  • Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein - We visit Gay Street – another of Jane Austen’s residences – and delve into the intriguing world of Mary Shelley and her famous creation, Frankenstein.

  • The Jane Austen Centre - We conclude outside the Jane Austen Centre, where you can continue to explore the history of one of Britain’s most famous women.

What's Included
  • Download tours for offline use, no WiFi needed
  • GPS-enabled map to explore sites without getting lost
  • Gain access to self-guided audio tours
  • Discover Instagram-worthy photo spots
  • Audio tours narrated by locals or historians
What's Not Included
  • Headphones
  • Entrance ticket to Mary Shelley House of Frankenstein (from £12.50)
  • Entrance tickets to Jane Austen Centre (£10)
  • Admission to Sally Lun’s Museum (from £5) and Bath Abbey (from £5)
  • Mobile device
Additional Information

Embark on a day journey from London to Bath, immersing in the city’s history with our engaging audio guide! With the narration delivered by a well-versed literature historian, the ‘Welcome to Bath’ and ‘Jane Austen Walking’ tours promise to uncover hidden tales of this magnificent city.

At your leisure, delve into celebrated attractions which include the famed Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, the Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Jane Austen Centre, among others. Unravel the clandestine stories of Jane Austen, the city’s Roman lineage, its mysterious healing waters, and aesthetic architecture.

Whether you choose to treat yourself with a traditional Sally Lunn’s bun or unwind at the Thermae Spa, Bath will offer you an extraordinary journey back to the Regency period.

Please note: This tour is self-guided and does not provide entrance tickets.

Location
Thermae Bath Spa
Hot Bath Street
This is a self-guided tour. The tour starts outside the Pump Room, Bath. You can start at your own convenience
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.1
(7 Ratings)
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1 star
Vidya_s
Sep 3, 2022
Good Narration - This was self guided tour. We did it in reverse from Jane Austen Center. Did not find the Georgian Gardens mentioned in the tour. Otherwise excellent narration with Regency and Georgian history if you are an enthusiast. Recommend if you are Jane Austen fan.
Review provided by Viator
Rebecca_l
Jul 4, 2022
Florida's for Jane Austen - Great story telling. The narrators share fun tidbits making it more interesting. "If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad."
Review provided by Viator
Maxju6422xj
Apr 16, 2022
Bath enjoyed - I did these tours with some friends and we all had a great time. They were fun, engaging and well scripted tours and were a great way to learn more about Bath and Jane Austen's life in Bath.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michele_c
Mar 10, 2024
Jane Austen tour - This was enjoyable tour through bath with some Jane Austen info and architectural information also. Would have liked a little more Jane Austen info
Review provided by Viator
Donna_c
May 26, 2024
Don’t waste your money - Got the app to direct me thru maps to the bath area, but did not get what I thought was a walking narrative of history of the sites. Gave up and took a hop on bus to Jane Austen center. Not what I expected at all from Viator. Also couldn’t tell whether it applied my Viator credit either.
Review provided by Viator
Claire_a
Nov 8, 2022
We didn't manage to take... - We didn't manage to take the tour as the instructions were not clear at all. waste of money. we would have better off having a guide in person.
Review provided by Viator
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September 2024
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