Bad of Bath fun Walking Tour of Bath

Bath is famous for its stunning Georgian architecture, Roman baths, and literary connections, but there’s often more to uncover beneath the surface. The Bad of Bath walking tour promises a different perspective — focusing on the city’s dark side, scandals, crimes, and naughty stories that typical guides might shy away from. With consistently glowing reviews and a perfect 5-star rating from over 350 travelers, this tour has carved out a special niche for those craving a little mischief and mystery mixed with history.

What makes this experience stand out? It’s the combination of humor, authentic stories, and a personable guide that keeps the atmosphere light yet informative. We love how it seamlessly blends famous landmarks with lesser-known tales of vice and virtue, giving you a more complete picture of Bath’s colorful past. However, one potential consideration is its duration; some reviews mention it tends to overrun, sometimes lasting much longer than 2 hours. This is still a tour best suited for curious travelers who enjoy storytelling, humor, and exploring beyond the traditional sights.

If you’re after a fun, engaging, and slightly cheeky way to see Bath, especially if you love stories about scandals and secrets, this tour is worth every penny. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a lively guide, a small group setting, and a mix of humor and history to keep the walk interesting.

Key Points

• Authentic stories about Bath’s darker past, hidden sins, and scandals
• Small group size (max 15), ensuring personalized attention
• Combines top sights like Royal Crescent with obscure tales
• Enthusiastic guide with humor and local insight
• Affordable price point at around $30, offering great value
• Flexible start and ending at Abbey Churchyard in Bath

An In-Depth Review of the Bad of Bath Tour

An Alternative Tour Experience in Bath

While many visitors stick to the well-trodden paths of Bath’s Roman Baths and iconic Georgian architecture, the Bad of Bath walking tour offers something different. It’s an experience that appeals to those interested in the city’s less glamorous, more scandalous side. For just over $30 per person, you get a two-hour adventure through the city’s underbelly, guided by a local who’s evidently passionate about sharing Bath’s dirty little secrets.

The tour’s mobile ticket system makes it easy to book in advance — on average, travelers book about 26 days ahead — and confirms the tour’s popularity. As some reviews point out, this tour generally attracts a small, intimate group (up to 15 people), which makes for a more engaging and personal experience.

The Guide: Engaging and Knowledgeable

Throughout the reviews, one recurring theme is the expertise and charisma of the guide, Simon. Multiple reviewers mention his excellent sense of humor, warm personality, and wealth of stories. He’s not just regurgitating facts; he’s weaving in humor, anecdotes, and scandals that keep the group entertained and eager to learn more.

Reviewer Stacey_P even suggests Simon should charge more, highlighting how much value his personality and storytelling bring to the experience. His ability to remember everyone’s name and where they come from adds a friendly, relaxed vibe.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Hear

Start Point: Abbey Churchyard
The tour begins here, a central spot easy to find and close to public transport, setting the tone with a quick introduction before heading into the streets of Bath.

Stop 1: The Circus
In just five minutes, Simon captures the impressive architecture and history of The Circus, a circular, grand Georgian street. Instead of just admiring the buildings, you’ll hear stories about their construction and some of the less-than-glamorous antics that took place there, according to reviewers.

Stop 2: No. 1 Royal Crescent
Another five-minute stop, this time focusing on the famous Royal Crescent, a symbol of Bath’s elegance. But behind its beauty, Simon shares stories of crime, corruption, and infamous personalities, such as the preacher John Wesley, adding color to the elegant façade.

Stop 3: Pulteney Bridge
The tour rounds off with a quick visit here, exploring the architecture and history of this iconic bridge. It’s an opportunity to hear about hidden sins and scandals linked to Bath’s historic bridges and the city’s secrets.

Between these key sights, Simon’s storytelling takes you into Bath’s shadier past — from thieves and gamblers to stories of vice that aren’t part of standard tours. The stories are delivered with humor and a bit of mischief, making the two hours fly by.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

Travelers can expect a walkable, relaxed pace through the city’s central streets, with plenty of chances to ask questions. While the tour covers only a shortlist of landmarks, it’s the stories behind those landmarks that make the experience memorable.

Reviewers praise Simon for his entertaining narration, often describing their tours as “fun” and “educational.” One mention highlights how they saw sites they would have missed otherwise, thanks to the guide’s knack for storytelling.

Timing and Group Size: Why They Matter

Starting at 10:00 am, the tour is well-positioned for visitors who want to make the most of their morning. The small group size ensures everyone gets attention, and Simon’s approachable demeanor makes it easy to engage and ask questions.

A note from a reviewer mentions the tour overran and lasted nearly 3 hours — so if you’re tight on schedule, it’s worth asking if the guide plans to wrap up on time. However, many find the extra stories and relaxed pace to be a bonus.

Value for Money

At $30.20, this tour offers excellent value — combining entertainment, education, and a chance to see Bath’s main sights with a twist. Several reviews mention that Simon’s knowledge and personality make this tour worth far more than the ticket price.

Pros and Cons Based on Reviews

Pros:
– Simon’s entertaining, humorous storytelling keeps the mood light
– Insight into lesser-known, darker stories of Bath
– Convenient meeting point in Abbey Churchyard
– Small group ensures a personalized experience
– Good value for the price

Cons:
– The tour can overrun, sometimes lasting longer than 2 hours
– Some may find the walk a bit lengthy for those in need of a shorter sightseeing experience
– Focused more on stories and anecdotes, so those looking for a traditional historical tour might be disappointed

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, fans of stories with a bit of edge, and travelers looking to see a different side of Bath. If you enjoy humor, storytelling, and uncovering the city’s more scandalous tales, you’ll find this tour a highlight. It’s also ideal for small groups who prefer an intimate, engaging guide over larger, more formal tours.

Final Thoughts

The Bad of Bath Walking Tour offers a lively, memorable way to explore the city through a mosaic of scandal, humor, and local lore. Its small-group format and personable guide create an authentic, engaging environment that many travelers rave about. It’s not just about ticking off landmarks but about feeling connected to the stories that make Bath uniquely captivating.

While it might run a bit long for some, that extra time just means more stories and laughs. The tour’s excellent reviews, combined with the value offered, make it a must-try for those who want a more colorful and honest look at Bath’s past.

If you enjoy storytelling, offbeat history, and a touch of humor, this is the tour for you. It’s a fantastic way to see Bath’s highlights while enjoying some of its less-glamorous, but equally fascinating, secrets.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
It’s designed for most travelers, with most guests being able to participate. Keep in mind, the stories involve scandal and crime, so discretion is advised for younger children.

How long does the tour last?
Officially about 2 hours, but some reviews note it can overrun and last nearly 3 hours. If timing is important, ask the guide beforehand about the expected duration.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Abbey Churchyard, Bath, and finishes back at the same point, making it easy to continue exploring after.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour walkable for all ages?
Yes, it involves walking between key sights, but the pace is relaxed. Some reviews mention that it’s a good length for most, though very elderly travelers may find standing around uncomfortable if it runs long.

What makes this tour different from other Bath walks?
It’s the focus on dark secrets, scandals, and humorous stories, rather than just the typical landmarks. The guide’s engaging storytelling makes it stand out.

In summary, the Bad of Bath walking tour is a delightful choice if you want to see the city’s main sights with a twist. It’s perfect for those who appreciate storytelling infused with humor and a little bit of mischief, delivered by a guide who clearly knows his stuff and loves sharing Bath’s less-than-glamorous tales.