Bath: The Bad of Bath Walking Tour

Exploring Bath, the stunning Georgian city renowned for the Royal Crescent, The Circus, and Pulteney Bridge, gets a unique twist with The Bad of Bath Walking Tour. Priced at $29.63 per person and lasting approximately 2 hours, this tour offers a lively and humorous look at Bath’s lesser-known, mischievous history. Led by a knowledgeable and personable guide, it delivers an engaging experience with stories of crime, corruption, and hidden sins woven into the city’s most iconic sights.

Unlike typical tours that focus only on Bath’s elegance and architecture, this tour illuminates the city’s rebellious, scandalous past. It’s perfect for those curious to uncover the darker stories behind Bath’s famous landmarks, all while enjoying a relaxed, friendly pace. The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages, making it a flexible choice for a wide range of visitors.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $29.63, this tour offers excellent value for a two-hour journey filled with entertaining stories.
• Humorous & Knowledgeable Guide: The guide, often praised for personality and wit, makes the experience fun and engaging.
• Famous Landmarks with a Twist: The tour covers The Royal Crescent, The Circus, and Pulteney Bridge, but with stories about Bath’s criminal and corrupt history.
• Rich, Scandalous Stories: Expect tales of thieves, gamblers, and hidden sins that visitors typically don’t hear on standard tours.
• Flexible & Easy: The gentle circular walk starts and ends at Bath Abbey, suitable for prams and wheelchairs, and takes place rain or shine.
• Highly Rated: With a 5/5 rating from 165 reviews, this tour is clearly loved for its entertaining storytelling and expert guides.

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Discover Bath’s Naughty Side at The Bad of Bath Tour

This walking tour stands out because it goes beyond the usual sightseeing. Instead of only showcasing the elegant Georgian façades, it takes you through Bath’s more mischievous history. Visitors get to hear about crimes, corruption, and social scandals that have shaped the city’s past, making for a more colorful and less predictable experience.

The tour visits all the key sites like The Royal Crescent, The Circus, and Pulteney Bridge, but with a twist. The guide shares stories of thieves, gamblers, and scandalous characters linked to these landmarks, providing a fresh perspective on familiar sights. This approach ensures that even those familiar with Bath know new stories and see the city differently.

From the Royal Crescent to The Circus: Scandals and Secrets

The Royal Crescent and The Circus are synonymous with Bath’s grandeur, but on this tour, they reveal less polished stories. The guide explains the corrupt side of Georgian society, including criminal activities and social misdeeds. These stories add a layer of intrigue and humor to the sightseeing.

Walking along Pulteney Bridge, the tour uncovers hidden sins and social scandals linked to Bath’s history. The gentle pace makes it easy to absorb the colorful past, even while stopping for entertaining anecdotes. The tour’s duration of roughly 90 minutes provides enough time to enjoy the sights and stories without feeling rushed.

The Guide’s Humor and Personal Touch

Reviews consistently highlight Simon as a friendly, knowledgeable, and humorous guide. His wit and engaging storytelling make the tour lively and memorable. Visitors appreciate how Simon tailors the experience, ensuring everyone feels involved. His enthusiasm and ability to share interesting facts elevate the tour beyond a typical narration.

Many reviews mention Simon’s personable approach, which creates a relaxed atmosphere. His stories lift the curtain on Bath’s less glamorous history, making the experience both fun and educational. The guide’s interaction with the group and inclusion of fun facts ensure the tour stays lively from start to finish.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour starts and ends at Bath Abbey, a central location easy to find. The gentle circular route is suitable for all ages and mobility levels, including those with prams or wheelchairs. It takes place rain or shine, so visitors should dress accordingly but can expect a comfortable walk with plenty of storytelling breaks.

No entrance fees or food and drinks are included, but the focus remains on the storytelling and sightseeing. With live English-speaking guides, the experience is flexible, and booking with free cancellation or pay later options adds convenience for travelers.

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Highlights of the Tour Experience

The tour’s most praised aspect is its entertaining guide and the unique stories that reveal the city’s scandalous side. Reviewers repeatedly mention Simon’s engaging style, which makes the stories come alive. The tour offers good value, especially considering the personalized experience with just a few participants sometimes.

Participants also love learning interesting facts about Bath’s history beyond the usual, and some mention extra sightseeing tips from the guide. The humor and wit woven into the stories keep the mood light, even when discussing Bath’s darker deeds.

Why Choose This Tour Over Others?

Compared to other Bath experiences, this tour specifically focuses on the mischievous and corrupt aspects of the city’s past. It suits visitors who enjoy humor, social stories, and less conventional sightseeing. The small group setting makes it feel personal, and the high rating reflects its consistent quality and entertaining style.

If you appreciate guided storytelling with a humorous twist and want to see the iconic sights with an insider’s perspective, this tour offers a distinctive approach. It’s especially popular with those who want a more lively, engaging experience rather than a standard historical walk.

Final Thoughts on The Bad of Bath Walking Tour

This 2-hour walk provides an entertaining and humorous exploration of Bath’s scandalous history, making it stand out among traditional sightseeing options. The affordable price, combined with an excellent guide and lively stories, ensures a memorable visit.

While it doesn’t include entrance fees or food, the focus on local stories and landmarks makes it a rich cultural experience. It’s a perfect choice for history buffs, humor lovers, and anyone eager to see a different side of Bath.

Overall, The Bad of Bath Walking Tour offers a fun, insightful, and well-reviewed way to discover Bath’s lesser-known stories. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy engaging guides and humorous storytelling. Expect good value, lively anecdotes, and lots of fascinating facts that make history come alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages. It involves a gentle circular walk starting and ending at Bath Abbey.

What is included in the tour?
The guided walking tour is included. However, entrance fees and food or drinks are not included.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reserve now and pay later.

What should I wear or bring?
Since the tour takes place rain or shine, dress accordingly. Comfortable shoes are advised for the gentle walking route.

Who leads the tour?
The tour is led by Simon, a guide praised for his knowledge, humor, and engaging style.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby