Bath: Tootbus Bath Discovery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Exploring Bath with the Tootbus Discovery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

If you’re planning a visit to the world-famous Georgian city of Bath, this 2-day hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a convenient, flexible, and engaging way to see its highlights. For roughly $30 per person, you get access to two routes—the City Tour and the Skyline Tour—that cover iconic sites like the Roman Baths, Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge, all from the open-air comfort of an open-top bus.

What we love are the ease of getting around without walking nonstop through hilly streets, and the informative audio commentary that makes the city’s fascinating history come alive. Plus, the option to hop on and off during two days means you can explore at your own pace, fitting sightseeing around your personal rhythm.

A drawback? The main consideration is that entry tickets to attractions are not included, so you’ll need to budget for those separately. Still, for those who want an overview that’s both convenient and educational, this tour is hard to beat. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors, families, or anyone keen to get a comprehensive picture of Bath without the hassle of navigating its narrow streets on foot.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Flexible 2-day access allows you to explore Bath at your own pace.
• Comprehensive routes cover main attractions and scenic viewpoints.
• Audio guide offers helpful insights in multiple languages.
• Open-top buses provide excellent views and photo opportunities.
• Hopping on and off makes it easy to visit attractions like the Roman Baths or Sally Lunn’s.
• Helpful staff and punctual buses make for a smooth experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Bath Tootbus Tour

The Basics: What’s Included and How It Works

For about $29.70 per person, you gain two days of unlimited hop-on hop-off access to two routes. The tour includes headphones, audio commentary, the Tootbus app with real-time tracking, Wi-Fi onboard, and a walking tour—all designed to enrich your experience of Bath.

The tours run from mid-morning to early evening: the City Tour departs as early as 9:45 AM and the last bus leaves at 6:30 PM, while the Skyline Tour starts at 10:30 AM and ends around 5:30 PM. Buses come roughly every 15 minutes for the City route and every 30 minutes for the Skyline, ensuring minimal waiting time.

You can board at any of the designated stops—these include prominent spots like Bath Abbey, Grand Parade, Queen Square, and Milsom Street. The ability to start your tour at your convenience is a real plus. Plus, children under 5 ride for free, making it family-friendly.

The Routes and What You’ll See

The City Tour is your primary introduction to Bath’s most celebrated sights. Expect to see the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and Theatre Royal. One of the highlights is the stop at Sally Lunn’s, where you can sample the famous Bath Bun—a delicious treat that’s been enjoyed for centuries. Photographers will love Pulteney Bridge, easily one of the city’s most picturesque spots, with its elegant arches spanning the River Avon.

The Skyline Tour takes you beyond the city center, offering a panoramic view of Bath from the other side of the river. This route passes Prior Park Landscape Gardens, the University of Bath, and the American Museum. It’s a chance to see more of the city’s surroundings and appreciate Bath’s skyline, especially from Prior Park, which many reviewers mention as a favorite view.

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The Experience and Atmosphere

The buses are well-maintained and comfortable, with open-air top decks that maximize sightseeing opportunities. Many reviews praise the friendly drivers—notably one reviewer mentioned Bryan as being funny and welcoming, which adds a personal touch. The audio commentary, available in multiple languages, offers fascinating insights into Bath’s history, architecture, and culture.

Most riders appreciate the regular schedule, with buses arriving every 15 minutes on the City route, which means you won’t have to wait long. The app provides real-time tracking, so you can plan your next hop efficiently.

Authentic Local Stops and Hidden Gems

Beyond the main sights, the tour allows you to disembark at places like the Assembly Rooms, Brock Street, or Queen Square—perfect for wandering into shops, cafes, or historical sites. Several reviewers mention how easy it is to combine the bus tour with exploring on foot, especially since the stops are well-placed.

Practical Considerations

While the tour offers great value, it’s important to remember that entry tickets to attractions such as the Roman Baths or the Abbey are not included. You might find some attractions have long queues or are more crowded during peak times, so plan accordingly.

Accessibility is good—the buses are wheelchair accessible, and children under 5 travel free, making it family-friendly. However, some reviews note that headphones might be less effective for those with hearing aids, so consider your personal needs.

Authentic Reviews and Perspectives

Many travelers, like Chris, appreciated the informative commentary and the birds-eye views from the bus, describing the trip as “amazing” and “fantastic”. Others highlighted the great value, especially when using the tickets over two days, with reviewers like John calling it “really helpful staff” and “a great way to see such a beautiful city.”

Some noted minor inconveniences, such as unclear pickup points or traffic delays. One reviewer mentioned that the tour was cut short during some outskirts sightseeing due to road works. That’s a reminder that urban traffic or roadworks can impact your experience, but overall, most found the service reliable and enjoyable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want a rundown without the hassle of navigating on foot or through narrow streets. It’s especially good for families, seniors, or anyone who prefers a relaxed, guided approach to sightseeing. If you enjoy photo opportunities and want to maximize your time, the open-top buses and self-guided walking options make it a flexible, fun choice.

In The Sum Up

The Bath Tootbus Discovery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour offers excellent value for money, combining convenience, education, and scenic views. Its two-route system covers the main sights and scenic outskirts, making it ideal for those with limited time or anyone wanting a comprehensive introduction to this elegant city.

The friendly staff, reliable schedule, and audio guides in multiple languages create a highly accessible experience. While attractions like the Roman Baths require separate tickets, the tour itself offers a perfect way to orient yourself and plan your visit more effectively.

If you’re after a relaxed, flexible way to discover Bath’s highlights and enjoy its stunning architecture and views, this tour is an investment that pays off. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see a lot without the fatigue of constant walking—and who appreciate a bit of local commentary mixed with beautiful scenery.

FAQs

How long does each bus circuit take?
Each circuit on the City Tour takes about 50 minutes, providing enough time to enjoy the sights and take photos without feeling rushed.

Can I hop on and off at any stop?
Yes, the tickets are valid for 2 days, and you can start at any designated stop on either route, hopping on and off as you like.

Are there audio guides in multiple languages?
Yes, the audio commentary is available in several languages including English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Polish, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Absolutely. The buses are wheelchair accessible, making this a good choice for travelers with mobility needs.

What if I want to visit specific attractions?
You will need to buy separate entry tickets for attractions like the Roman Baths or Bath Abbey; the bus tour is just your transportation and overview.

How often do the buses run?
Buses depart approximately every 15 minutes on the City Tour and every 30 minutes on the Skyline Tour, ensuring minimal waiting.

Can I buy tickets in advance?
Yes, you can reserve your tickets with the option to pay later, providing flexibility, especially if your schedule might change.

What’s the best way to start the tour?
You can hop on at any of the designated stops, including the Bath railway station, which is often a convenient starting point for many travelers.

Is the tour worth the price?
Considering the two days of unlimited hop-on hop-off access, informative commentary, scenic routes, and added walking tour, it offers very good value—especially for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Bath.

In sum, whether you’re here for a quick overview or a leisurely exploration, the Tootbus Bath Discovery tour makes sightseeing straightforward, fun, and memorable. It’s a practical choice that lets you focus on enjoying the city’s stunning sights and charming streets without the stress of planning every detail.

You can check availability for your dates here: