Bath offers plenty of Instagrammable spots. The largest city in Somerset gets its name from its famed Roman-built baths. And while these are iconic representations of the historic city, there are loads of other picturesque and Instagram-worthy attractions you can capture.

From perfectly manicured gardens to ornate Georgian houses, Bath will surely inspire you to capture stunning photos on your travels. Nearly 500 structures in the city are historically and architecturally important, so there’s no shortage of beautiful subjects here. Read on to learn about where to take photos of Bath you can brag to your friends about.

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    Pulteney Bridge

    Capture the tranquil side of Bath

    Pulteney Bridge
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    One of Bath’s most iconic attractions is Pulteney Bridge. It’s a symbol of Georgian architecture, built with pediments, pilasters, and leaded domes over the River Avon. You might recognise it from the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables as it plays the part of the River Seine.

    Pulteney Bridge is a welcome escape from the high-paced city. No matter the season, it offers relaxing, scenic views of the river and weir below. As shops are lined on both ends, it also makes a unique spot for a light lunch.

    Location: Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT, UK

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    Sham Castle

    Head to Sham Castle to take stunning shots of Bath’s skyline

    Sham Castle
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    It’s easy to mistake Sham Castle for an actual castle because of its medieval façade. However, as its name suggests, it’s merely a folly designed to look like the grand entrance to a fortress. The towering wall has 3-storey turrets and 2-storey towers, with ornate windows carved on the stone edifice.

    If you’re going to pose for photos, make sure to stand on the front side of the wall as the other end is nearly blank. Other than its medieval fortress-like façade, you can go to Sham Castle to enjoy unrivalled views of Bath’s skyline.

    Location: Golf Course Rd, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 6JG, UK

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    Prior Park Landscape Garden

    Take enchanting shots of the 18th-century Palladian Bridge

    Prior Park Landscape Garden
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    Bath’s famed Prior Park Landscape Garden has an enchanting 18th-century Palladian bridge amid its rolling green hills. Built with a wide central arch, ramped balustrades, and ionic half-columns, it’s inspired by the style and architecture of Ancient Rome. Since it’s never packed with tourists, you can take your time capturing photos of the scenic landscape.

    As you wander around Prior Park, you can also snap sweeping views of Bath. It looks even more magical in winter when everything is covered in a blanket of snow.

    Location: Ralph Allen Dr, Bath BA2 5AH, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 4.30 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1225 833977

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    Royal Crescent

    Photograph the world’s finest crescent in all its grandeur

    Royal Crescent
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    The Royal Crescent is the epitome of Georgian architectural innovation. It looks like a palace with a well-manicured lawn. However, up close, you’ll see that it’s made up of 30 terraced homes laid out in what’s arguably the world’s finest crescent. Most of the houses are still privately owned, but you can catch a glimpse of the past by entering No. 1.

    Coaches and buses have been banned from entering the Crescent. This makes the scene around it more serene, which means you should have no problem taking photos there.

    Location: Avon, 1 Royal Cres, Bath BA1 2LR, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1225 428126

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    Roman Baths

    Explore the city’s famous namesake

    Roman Baths
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    You can explore the 2000-year-old Roman Baths and the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva just a 4-minute walk away from Pulteney Bridge. The site has seen many modifications over the years, including the statues of Roman emperors and governors on the terrace overlooking the Great Bath.

    The Great Bath, a massive pool that served as the centrepiece of the bathing complex, is lit by torchlight in the summer. It stays open until 10 pm, giving photogs many opportunities to capture the baths without all the tourists.

    Location: Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1 1LZ, UK

    Open: March–June and September–October: daily from 9 am to 6 pm. July–August: daily from 9 am to 10 pm. November–February: daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1225 477785

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  • 6

    The Holburne Museum

    Stroll around the city’s first public art gallery

    The Holburne Museum
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    The Holburne Museum houses many impressive, fine and decorative works of art, but the structure itself is a piece of art as well. Its high façade is complemented by a lush, green lawn, which easily makes it one of the most beautiful structures in Bath.

    Beyond its grand façade, you’ll find a majestic 18th-century garden. There, you can relax and snap photos around a café overlooking Sydney pleasure gardens’ wooded slopes, which is the last of its kind in Britain.

    Location: Great Pulteney St, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4DB, UK

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1225 388569

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  • 7

    Alexandra Park

    Snap iconic views of Bath from a peak perspective

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    Alexandra Park on the southern ridge of Bath is an 11-acre green space, offering you magnificent views of the entire city from a peak perspective. It’s one of the best spots to take scenic shots of Bath and its surrounding hills.

    Around the Alexandra Park, you’ll find lush greenery and mature trees. There are also plenty of park benches where you can soak in the view or capture memorable photos with the historic city as your backdrop.

    Location: Shakespeare Ave, Bath BA2 4RQ, UK

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm (closed on Sundays)

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  • 8

    Bath Abbey

    Capture the beauty of a Gothic church

    Bath Abbey
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    Bath Abbey is a Gothic parish church just 3 minutes away from Pulteney Bridge in Bath. It was built after Bishop Oliver King had a dream of angels climbing up and down a ladder from heaven. Soon after, he immortalised his vision in stone by building the church.

    Bath Abbey makes an interesting photographic subject as its exterior is decorated with Gothic spires and ornate ladders of angels. It’s well-known for its wooden ceiling, which is arguably the world’s finest example of fan vaulting.

    Location: Bath BA1 1LT, UK

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1225 422462

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  • 9

    The Parade Gardens

    Walk along a gravelled path lined with sycamores

    The Parade Gardens
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    The Parade Gardens is Bath’s most popular garden, located right in the city centre and merely a 2-minute walk away from Pulteney Bridge. It offers fine views of the River Avon and the weir, especially from the Italianate colonnade at the western end of the garden. It’s a little oasis amid the bustling city. Its beautiful 3D and carpet bedding displays, beautiful flowers, and sycamore trees provide great photo opportunities.

    Entrance to the Parade Gardens requires a small fee, but residents with a Discovery Card get in free.

    Location: Grand Parade, Bath BA2 4DF, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1225 394041

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  • 10

    The Hidden Gardens of Bath

    Tour Bath’s beautiful private gardens

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    Book an unhurried tour around the Hidden Gardens of Bath. Beyond the city’s honey-coloured houses lie beautiful green spaces, filled with floral displays and trees. You can meet and get to know their respective owners over a light lunch or afternoon tea. The tours are guided, but you’ll still be allowed to explore on your own and capture photos at your own pace.

    The owners often host themed days and evenings. Occasionally, they’ll set up drama in the garden, as well as sculpture exhibits.

    Location: 165 Newbridge Hill, Bath BA1 3PX, UK

    Open: Monday–Friday from 9.30am to 7.30pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

    Phone: +44 (0)7793 085267

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Geri Mileva | Contributing Writer