Weekend in Bath Itinerary: Roman Baths and Regency Style

A perfect 2 days in Bath itinerary involves exploring the ancient Roman Baths and Abbey on day one, followed by a deep dive into Georgian architecture at the Royal Crescent and a soak in the Thermae Bath Spa on day two. This compact city is best explored on foot, making a reliable data connection essential for navigating its winding limestone streets and booking tickets on the fly.

For Australians and New Zealanders heading to the UK, the biggest mistake you can make is relying on your home carrier’s international roaming. Paying $10 a day to Telstra or Optus is a quick way to blow your holiday budget before you’ve even had your first pint. Instead, savvy travellers are switching to local digital solutions. By using an eSIM from AussieRoam, you can hook into the UK’s best networks like EE and 3 the moment you touch down at Heathrow or Gatwick, ensuring you have the 5G speeds needed to document every honey-coloured building in Somerset.

Day 1: Ancient Springs and Iconic Bridges

Morning: The Roman Baths and Bath Abbey

Start your first morning at the heart of the city: the Roman Baths. This isn’t just a quick photo op; it’s one of the best-preserved ancient religious spas in the world. You’ll see the Great Bath, still flowing with naturally hot water, and the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva.

Directly next door is Bath Abbey. Even if you aren’t religious, the fan-vaulted ceiling is a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture. If you’re feeling fit, book the Tower Tour. It’s 212 steps, but the view over the city is the best you’ll get. Since you’ll likely want to upload those views immediately, having an eSIM ensures you aren't hunting for spotty public Wi-Fi. You can see plans that offer high-speed 5G on the EE network, which is particularly strong in the city centre.

Lunch: Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House

Walk a few minutes to Sally Lunn’s, one of the oldest houses in Bath. You have to try the famous Sally Lunn Bun—a large, brioche-style bread that can be served with sweet or savoury toppings. It’s a bit of a tourist staple, but for good reason. The museum in the cellar shows the original kitchen used by Sally Lunn herself back in the 1600s.

Afternoon: Pulteney Bridge and The Guildhall Market

After lunch, head to Pulteney Bridge. Completed in 1774, it’s one of only four bridges in the world with shops built across its full span on both sides. It looks like something out of a film set (and indeed, it was used in Les Misérables).

From there, wander over to the Guildhall Market. It’s the oldest shopping venue in the city and is great for picking up local cheeses or quirky souvenirs that aren't mass-produced plastic. If you're navigating between these spots, Google Maps is your best friend. Bath is small, but the streets are a maze of limestone.

Day 2: Regency Grandeur and Modern Relaxation

Morning: The Royal Crescent and The Circus

Bath is the capital of Georgian architecture, and nowhere is this more evident than the Royal Crescent. This massive semi-circle of 30 terraced houses is breathtaking in scale. Walk from there to The Circus, a perfect circle of large townhouses inspired by the Colosseum.

If you’re a fan of Bridgerton or Jane Austen, this area will feel very familiar. To learn more about the era, visit the Jane Austen Centre on Gay Street. It’s an immersive look at how the city’s high society lived during the Regency period. If you’re curious about how these UK networks compare to what you’d find in London, check out our guide on O2 vs EE for London Tourists: Best Signal Guide.

Lunch: A Classic British Pub

For lunch on day two, head to a proper pub like The Raven or The Marlborough Tavern. Order a Sunday Roast if you’re there on the right day, or a classic pie and mash. This is where you’ll want to check your train times back to London or your next destination. Using the GWR (Great Western Railway) app is much easier when you have a dedicated data connection rather than relying on the train station's often-frustrating free Wi-Fi.

Afternoon: Thermae Bath Spa

You’ve seen the Roman Baths, now it’s time to actually get in the water. The Thermae Bath Spa is a modern complex that uses the same naturally warm, mineral-rich waters the Romans enjoyed. The highlight is the open-air rooftop pool. Soaking in 33°C water while looking out over the spires of Bath Abbey as the sun sets is an experience you won't forget.

Note: You usually need to book a 2-hour session in advance. Having a local data plan makes it easy to manage your booking via their website while you’re out exploring.

Staying Connected in the UK

When you’re travelling from Australia or New Zealand, your phone is your lifeline. From checking train platforms to using WhatsApp to call home, data is non-negotiable.

Why a Local eSIM Beats Roaming

Most Aussies get stung by roaming charges because they don't want the hassle of finding a SIM card shop. But with an eSIM, that hassle is gone. You can see plans online, buy one while you’re waiting for your flight at Sydney Airport, and activate it the second you land.

Feature	AussieRoam UK eSIM	Telstra/Optus Roaming
Network	EE (5G) / 3 (4G)	Various (often throttled)
Setup	Digital download	Automatic (but expensive)
Cost	Fixed, transparent	Daily fee (often $10/day)
Number	Data only (keep your WhatsApp)	Your AU/NZ number
Flexibility	1GB to 50GB options	Limited daily data caps

AussieRoam provides data-only plans. This means you won’t get a local UK phone number, but in 2026, who needs one? You can still make calls and send messages via WhatsApp, iMessage, and Messenger using your existing account. It’s just like using your phone at home, but without the bill shock.

Coverage Realities: EE vs 3

In the UK, EE is widely considered the king of coverage and speed, especially for 5G in cities like Bath and London. Our eSIMs also tap into the 3 (Three) network, which provides excellent 4G backup in more rural areas of Somerset. Whether you’re in the middle of a stone-walled museum or hiking the Cotswold Way just outside of town, you’re covered.

If you've travelled to Asia before, you might have dealt with the hassle of physical SIMs. For instance, we’ve compared the Bangkok Airport SIM Card vs eSIM and the result is the same: digital is always faster and cheaper. The UK is no different.

How to Install Your UK eSIM

Setting up your connection for Bath is straightforward. First, check your phone compatibility to ensure your device supports eSIM technology (most iPhones from the XS onwards and recent Samsung/Google Pixels do).

1. Purchase: Choose your data pack based on your stay (e.g., 5GB for a week or 20GB for a month).
2. Scan: You’ll receive a QR code via email.
3. Install: Go to your phone’s cellular/mobile data settings and "Add eSIM."
4. Label: Call it "Travel" or "UK."
5. Activate: Set your phone to use the eSIM for mobile data when you land.

For a more detailed breakdown, you can read our guide on how it works. We recommend doing the initial scan while you still have your home Wi-Fi at the airport so the profile is ready to go the moment the plane wheels touch the tarmac.

Data Needs by Activity

Not sure how much data to get? Here’s a rough guide for a weekend in Bath:

• Google Maps: 100MB per day (Bath is walkable, but you'll use it for finding pubs and shops).
• Social Media: 200MB - 500MB per day (Those Regency buildings are very Instagrammable).
• WhatsApp Calls: 5MB per minute.
• Train/Bus Bookings: Minimal, but essential for real-time updates.

If you’re staying longer in the UK or heading to Europe (dest:eu-42) afterwards, our larger 20GB or 50GB plans are the way to go. You can even top up your data if you find yourself burning through it faster than expected.

The bottom line

Bath is a city that rewards the curious wanderer. From the steam of the Roman springs to the symmetry of the Royal Crescent, it’s a place where history feels alive. Don’t let a lack of data or a massive roaming bill ruin the magic. Grab an AussieRoam eSIM, stay connected on the UK’s best networks, and spend your money on an extra bun at Sally Lunn’s instead.