Moving to Bath: getting to know the city
We know that it’s important to get to know Bath before you move. So at Santa Fe Relocation we put our local knowledge to the test, creating this comprehensive local knowledge guide. With a little help from us, you’ll be living like a local in no time.
Bath, in Somerset, is located in the south east of the UK and is the largest city in the county. The city itself is famed for its incredible history, and known worldwide for the picturesque ruins on the former Roman baths that have been there for centuries. Because of the ruins and history in the city Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its incredible architecture and Roman ruins.
The roman baths and exceptional ancient architecture draw hundreds of thousands of tourists a year. And people fall in love with the city, especially city dwellers – 1 in 4 new buyers in Bath have relocated from London. The city has a great restaurant scene, and has a small town feel with a population just one tenth of London. Bath offers a mix of ancient history and modern culture as well as incredible housing, attracting those looking for great amenities set amongst beautiful architecture, with a slower pace of life.
The history of Bath
Bath is a spa city: originally built around the River Avon and the hot springs in the area the city originates from around 60AD. Throughout Bath’s history, the spa city has attracted visitors to its bathhouses. The city retains this history and culture, now world famous for the beauty of the Roman bath houses and ruins, and buildings made of Bath stone. While you can’t use the baths today, this doesn’t stop the city attracting droves of tourists daily.
The city also has strong ties to literary culture, famed author Jane Austen lived in Bath and wrote many of her classic novels here. The city is now home to a Jane Austen Museum and several tourist experiences are framed around her life and experiences in the city.
Bath: modern culture in an ancient city
Bath has a small-town feel, with the city being just a 20-minute walk from one side to the other. The city has protected status and is encased by a green belt, which has kept building development to a minimum. Almost all the buildings in the city are made from traditional Bath Stone, giving the city a uniquely consistent and historical aesthetic. But hidden behind the ancient frontage of Bath’s main streets there is a bustling nightlife, not that you would know it from a quick glance: all nightclubs are underground due to the city’s protected status.
There is an excellent culinary and shopping culture in Bath. Making it perfect for visitors to the city, as well as those moving to the city who are used to a high level of choice, and a taste for premium brands. Bath is also one of the UK’s most dog friendly cities, making it a great place to move for families with a four-legged member.
If you’re considering moving to Bath, but are yet to get to know the city, let us help. Our area orientation service lets us show you the city, showcasing our local knowledge and highlighting areas and services that match your specific needs. We make moving easy.
The best of Bath: things to do
Once we’ve unpacked your boxes and you’re all moved in, it’s time to explore. With so much to choose from, it can be overwhelming. That’s why our local at experts have made this list of their favourite things to do in Bath, especially for new movers:
• Take a climb up to the top of Alexandrea Park for incredible views of the whole city and across Somerset.
• Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon in one of the city’s beautiful parks: Royal Victoria Park or Henrietta Park.
• Visit the Christmas markets, and indulge in traditional festive snacks. Make sure to buy decorations for your first Christmas tree in your new home in Bath.
• No move to Bath would be complete without a trip to the Roman Baths.
• Sundays in Bath are for long walks, and a pub lunch. Our favourite spots are FishWorks, The Garrick’s Head and The King William.
• Celebrate moving to Bath at Michelin starred Lucknam Park, it’s the perfect place for a special dinner.
Where to live in Bath
Bath attracts home movers from all over the UK, but the luxurious and spacious historic accommodation on offer and high level of amenities on offer really attract those leaving the capital. With the average detached home for sale at around £603,000 (accurate as of March 2019), prices are generally lower than in London. And you can enjoy a picturesque home made from unique Bath stone.
There’s a good selection of 3+ bedroom homes available, as well as modern and converted apartments. For those looking for the ultimate Bath home, there are exceptional grade I listed large Georgian houses on the market in the region of £1m-£2.5.
Our favourite areas in Bath are:
• The Royal Crescent – for elegant homes in the city’s prestigious centre.
• The Circus – for grand and imposing Bath stone terraces.
• Lansdowne – for Georgian homes along the infamous crescent.
• Batheaston – suburban homes within a village just 2 miles from the city centre.
• Combe Down – a lovely village suburb, offering workers cottages made from Bath stone.
If you are still unsure which part of Bath is the best fit for you, let us help. At Santa Fe Relocation, our home finding specialists match Bath locations to your needs and preferences, taking all the stress of the search away. Let us help with your house search, and make the move even easier.
Family life and education in Bath
The schools available in Bath are generally of a good standard, but faith schools rank highest for those providing primary age education. There are also a number of good and outstanding secondary schools: St Gregory’s Catholic and Oldfield School for example. The city has excellent private schools for children of all ages. For those looking for providers of higher education, the city is home to the University of Bath.
If you are moving to Bath with a family, our school search experts can help you find the best schools for your needs. And we walk you through the application process. At Santa Fe Relocation, we make every aspect of moving home easier.
Travel information
Bath benefits from excellent rail links and good transport links by road – making it a commutable location for those looking to move out of London.
The train takes under 20 minutes to Bristol, 90 minutes into the capital, and under half an hour into Swindon. If you are looking to drive in and out of Bristol, you benefit from a direct link to the M4 via the A46.
How can Santa Fe Relocation help with your move to Bath?
We pride ourselves on being experts. With 120 years of moving experience, we know what makes a move easy and enjoyable. All our services are bespoke and created to make your move one seamless experience. Santa Fe Relocation is your premium removals company: get a free quote to see how we can help with your move to Bath.
