Bad of Bath fun Walking Tour of Bath

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $30.20 per person and lasts approximately 2 hours.
• Unique Focus: Unlike typical tours, this experience explores Bath’s criminal, corrupt, and scandalous stories.
• Highlights: Visitors explore famous sights such as The Circus, Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge while uncovering hidden sins and dark tales.
• Expert Guide: Led by Simon, known for his humor, knowledge, and engaging storytelling.
• Small Group Experience: The tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a personalized and lively atmosphere.
• Booking and Access: Starts at Abbey Churchyard at 10:00 AM, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

Bath’s Scandalous Side: The Bad of Bath Walking Tour

The Bad of Bath fun Walking Tour stands out from standard sightseeing routes by focusing on Bath’s darker stories. Priced at just $30.20, this 2-hour walking adventure combines entertaining humor with sinister tales of crime, corruption, and infamous characters like John Wesley. It’s a small-group tour, capped at 15 people, which provides an intimate setting to explore not only the city’s iconic landmarks but also its hidden, less-glamorous history.

The tour departs from Abbey Churchyard promptly at 10:00 AM, making it an ideal morning activity. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received immediately after booking and service animals allowed. It’s a great choice for anyone interested in Bath’s secret stories or who enjoys a mix of humor and history.

Exploring Bath’s Notorious Past

Unlike traditional sightseeing tours that focus solely on architecture and historic sights, this experience weaves scandalous stories into the city’s familiar landmarks. The guide shares tales about crime, thieves, gamblers, and scandals that shaped Bath’s reputation during Georgian times. These stories are delivered with wit and humor, making history engaging and unforgettable.

Travelers get to walk through famous sights such as The Circus, No. 1 Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge, while hearing about Bath’s secret, darker tales. The guide keeps the group well navigated through the city, ensuring that no one gets lost, and that each landmark is appreciated for both its beauty and its story.

Stops at Key Landmarks with Dark Tales

The tour includes three main stops:

• The Circus: The guide explains architecture and history, but also shares stories of crime and corruption linked to this iconic circular street.
• No. 1 Royal Crescent: Known for Georgian elegance, but also as a site of moral scandals and stories of secret sins.
• Pulteney Bridge: This historic bridge provides a stunning view, paired with stories of gambles, cheats, and scandalous figures who crossed it.

Each location is a brief 5-minute stop, enough to appreciate the architecture and hear intriguing stories. The small groups allow for questions and interaction, making the experience lively and personable.

The Guide: Simon’s Engaging Style

The tour is led by Simon, a guide praised repeatedly for his humor, friendliness, and extensive knowledge. Reviewers highlight his ability to enthrall with dark stories about Bath while keeping the atmosphere light and fun. His polished storytelling and approachability make the experience enjoyable, whether the group is small or large.

Simon’s storytelling includes tales of scandals, crimes, and sins from Bath’s past, all delivered with a wit that keeps the mood lively. He remembers everyone’s name and background, adding a personal touch that many find memorable.

Pacing, Length, and Group Size

The 2-hour length is generally regarded as perfect, offering enough time to see key sights and hear stories without fatigue. However, some reviews note the tour can run over—up to 3 hours—which might be less suitable for those with limited time or mobility issues. The small group size (max 15) ensures a more intimate experience but may mean early booking is advisable, especially during peak times.

The tour’s pacing balances walking, storytelling, and sightseeing, making it an entertaining and educational activity suitable for most ages. Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a moderate amount of walking.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The tour departs from Abbey Churchyard, a location near public transportation options. The walks are relatively short at each stop, but some standing around occurs during storytelling, which may be challenging for mobility-impaired guests. Service animals are welcome, and the tour operates rain or shine, so appropriate clothing is recommended.

The confirmation is immediate, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start makes it a flexible choice. It’s best to book 26 days in advance on average, to secure a spot.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

The Bad of Bath walking tour offers more than just sightseeing; it provides a witty insight into Bath’s criminal and scandalous history. It’s especially appealing for those interested in sinister stories, quirky history, and entertaining guides. The small group setting and affordable price make it a value-packed experience, highly praised by past participants.

While it’s about 2 hours long, some reviews note it can overrun, so plan accordingly. The dynamic storytelling style of Simon and the chance to explore both famous landmarks and hidden tales make it stand apart from more traditional tours.

Final Thoughts on the Bad of Bath Tour

This tour is perfect for history buffs who want a different perspective on Bath. The blend of humor, history, and scandal creates an engaging atmosphere, and the famous sights are given new life through dark stories and anecdotes.

The small group size ensures a personalized experience, while the expert guide’s personality shines through in every story. The value for money, combined with the enthralling storytelling, makes this tour a highly recommended choice for those looking to see Bath with a twist.

While some may find the tour length varies or overruns, the overall experience remains fun, informative, and memorable. Whether you’re a local history enthusiast or just curious about Bath’s shady past, this tour provides entertainment and education in equal measure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Bad of Bath walking tour cost?
The tour costs $30.20 per person.

What is the duration of this tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, but some reviews mention it can overrun to about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1.

Are children allowed on this tour?
While specific age restrictions aren’t provided, most travelers can participate, suggesting it’s suitable for a broad age range.

Is the tour accessible?
The tour involves walking and standing during stops; it may be less suitable for those with mobility issues.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

What makes this tour different from other Bath tours?
This experience focuses on scandals, crimes, and secret sins, blending humor and dark history rather than just architecture and landmarks.

How many people typically join the tour?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience.

Who leads the tour?
The tour is led by Simon, known for his knowledge, humor, and personable style.

Would I recommend booking in advance?
Absolutely, especially since it is booked an average of 26 days ahead and the spots are limited.