One of the perks of studying in London is easy access to quick trips around the rest of England. For those looking to take a break from the city during the Easter holiday, Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It’s a wonderful option to experience some English countryside, see the iconic Roman baths, check out the stunning Bath Abbey and eat good food. Best of all, Bath is just a short hour-and-a-half train ride from London with reasonable prices when booking with a student Railcard (and extra cheap prices if you opt for the bus).

Whether you go for a day trip or choose to spend the night, here are five essential activities to do in Bath:

Climb Bathwick Hill

For views of the city and peaceful countryside, walk up Bathwick Hill, a street with old houses on a hill rising away from the city. Multiple paths split off to provide lovely walks through the countryside.

Make sure to grab a map at the start of the walk, because the winding paths can be confusing for newcomers.

Check out the Royal Crescent

Bath is well-known for the Royal Crescent, a curved façade of dozens of houses with a sloping, landscaped green field in front. The houses were constructed from the same local stone and together form the shape of half a colosseum.

Visit Bath Abbey

Bath Abbey is beautiful from both the inside and outside. The exterior includes soaring buttresses and pinnacles, while the inside features stunning vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows. The Abbey is best seen on a clear day around noon when the sunlight streams through the stained-glass windows and illuminates the inside.

Bath Abbey is free to visit, though donations are welcome.

Walkthrough the Roman baths

Bath is best known for the Roman baths, and you can walk on original Roman pavements through the multilevel complex to experience them for yourself. You can view ancient Roman artefacts from the area, explore the ancient complex of bathing rooms with plumbing from the hot springs, see ruins from the saunas, and even sample the mineral water at the end of your visit.

Entrance for students costs approximately £16.

Try some fresh baked goods and English food

Bath is home to countless small local bakeries where you can stop for a delicious treat. Try the huge cardamom buns at Landrace Bakery, or stop in one of the many tea houses for a slice of Victoria sponge. For breakfast, check out Cortado for a classic full English.