Historic Bath Ale Trail – Georgian Pubs & Real Ales

Bath’s celebrated Georgian architecture and Roman heritage extend to its traditional taverns. This UNESCO World Heritage city – once a Roman spa and later an 18th-century high-society resort – is built of golden Bath stone. Its historic pubs stand in architecturally significant buildings, blending real ale culture with local lore. From a 17th-century coaching inn to a community-run Arty micro pub, Bath’s ale trail highlights the best pubs in Bath amid the city’s cultural landmarks. Readers can expect cosy timbered interiors, award-winning local brews (Bath Ales, Abbey Ales and more) and tales of figures like Beau Nash, Admiral Nelson or Charles Dickens in the mix.

Ale Trail Pub Stops

Follow this walking pub trail through Bath’s centre and surrounds. Each stop lists the pub’s name, address, and key details on atmosphere, ales and history. The route concentrates on Bath pubs near Abbey churchyard and the Westgate/Royal Crescent area, taking in Georgian streets and Roman relics along the way.

The Garrick’s Head – 7–8 St John’s Place, Bath BA1 1ET

• Atmosphere: A theatrical tavern with low oak beams, gas lamps and walls hung with vintage playbills. Tables spill onto the street for people-watching. The pub claims to be Bath’s most haunted, adding to its old-world charm.

• Ales & Drinks: An ever-changing selection of up to four real ales (often from Bath-area micros) and several ciders. Traditional pub snacks are available.

• History: Once the 18th-century town house of Beau Nash (Bath’s master of ceremonies), the Garrick’s Head has been a theatre pub since circa 1800. Its Georgian façade and snug interior reflect Bath’s Palladian past. (Beau Nash’s own parades once marched outside nearby Bath Abbey, linking the pub to the city’s golden era.)

The Raven of Bath – 6–7 Queen Street, Bath BA1 1HE

• Atmosphere: A bustling 18th-century free house tucked down a cobbled alleyway. Now expanded into six rooms over three floors (with separate bars and snug areas), it feels lively and friendly. Exposed brick and wood add character.

• Ales & Drinks: Up to ten ales on tap at once, including the pub’s two house beers brewed by local Blindmans Brewery. Also serves real cider from regional orchards and traditional British ciders.

• History: A well-loved pub since the 1700s, the Raven is famous for its hearty pub-grub – especially sausages and Pieminister pies. It even opens for Sunday evening meals, a rarity in Bath. Notably, it was voted Bath & District CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year in 2023 for its atmosphere and beer variety.

The Star Inn – 23 The Vineyards (off Paragon), Bath BA1 5NA

• Atmosphere: A cosy four-room pub with wood-panelled walls, antique mirrors and brick fireplaces. Benches run around each snug room. Its intimate setting (one tiny back room is nicknamed “Death Row” for seating the oldest patrons) feels unchanged since the 1920s.

• Ales & Drinks: The pub is the principal taproom for Bath’s Abbey Ales brewery, so you’ll find Abbey’s session Bitter and Golden Ales on hand pump. Bass is served in an old-fashioned way under gravity from large glass flagons. Traditional cider is also available (though no mainstream pub food).

• History: Licensed since 1759, the Star’s historic interior was refurbished by Gaskell & Chambers in 1928. Its Georgian frontage and mahogany panelling evoke the Regency era. The pub sits on Bath’s Westgate Street, once the approach to the old city gate. (Abbey Ales itself is nearby on Camden Row.)

The Salamander – 3 John Street, Bath BA1 2JL

• Atmosphere: A “hidden gem” in a narrow lane off High Street. The 18th-century stone building feels older inside: wooden floorboards, dark panelling and subdued lighting create a snug ambience. Multiple small rooms off the bar add intimacy. Upstairs is an open-plan restaurant.

• Ales & Drinks: Primarily stocks St Austell/Bath Ales beers (notably Bath Ales’ proper Gem and St Austell’s Proper Job), plus rotating local brews. A selection of traditional-style English ciders is offered. A gimmick is that the pub opened first as a coffee house in 1957 (pub license 1962) and only later became a full-time tavern.

• History: Though the current license is mid-20th century, the building dates from the 1700s. It was one of the first St Austell pubs in Bath after the brewery acquired it in 2017. Its name reflects a Masonic/Thespian theme: Salamander Lodge (a Bath masonic lodge) used to meet upstairs.

The Crystal Palace – 10–11 Abbey Green, Bath BA1 1NW

• Atmosphere: A classic Bath corner pub on Abbey Green, just outside Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. The limestone building with sash windows is believed to date from 1654. Inside, two well-worn pubs rooms (bar and lounge) plus a conservatory and secluded courtyard make for a pleasant mix of spaces. High ceilings and mirrors give a light feel.

• Ales & Drinks: A Fuller's pub, its usual ales are Fullers London Pride and seasonal Fuller’s (though St Austell and Bath Ales beers turn up as guests). Real ale is cask-conditioned. A selection of guest ales highlights Bath’s brewing scene.

• History: Originally the “Three Tuns Lodging House,” this pub is reputed to have hosted Admiral Nelson (hence the anchor on the sign). It retains old stonework and a lore of Georgian Bath’s navy celebrations. Located steps from the Abbey, it anchors the northern end of the trail.

The Huntsman – 1 Terrace Walk (North Parade), Bath BA1 1LJ

• Atmosphere: A refined, two-floor pub next to Royal Victoria Park. The ground floor has a traditional bar and separate dining area; upstairs is a large restaurant/function room. Georgian fireplaces and wood panelling give a stately feel. On match days it buzzes with Bath Rugby fans en route to the nearby Rec.

• Ales & Drinks: This Fuller's-run pub offers three cask ales (Pride, Hero and usually one guest) and a few craft taps. The wine and cocktail list is also strong.

• History: The Huntsman occupies a Grade II-listed building from 1748–50. In Georgian times it was a coaching inn and tenement. Its elegant interior and location by the Circus make it a fine example of Bath’s 18th-century heritage.

Bath Brew House – 14 James Street West, Bath BA1 2BX

• Atmosphere: A lively riverside brew-pub in a converted Victorian hotel on the Kennet & Avon Canal. The spacious ground-floor bar is warm and wood-floored, leading to a sunny beer terrace with picnic tables and views of the water. A covered marquee allows year-round visits.

• Ales & Drinks: Home to an on-site brewery (formerly Bath Ales, now St Austell Brewing Co.), Brew House brews two flagship cask ales called Gladiator and Emperor. A chalkboard lists up to four other house beers. Other taps pour national craft ales, cider and keg beers.

• History: The brewery was re-opened in 2013 in what had been the Midland Hotel. Today it’s one of Bath’s few brew-pubs and draws locals and tourists alike for pub food (burgers, steaks and seafood) and pub atmosphere.

The Grapes – 14 Westgate Street, Bath BA1 1EQ

• Atmosphere: A traditional city-centre pub spread over several floors. Rustic wooden beams and stone fireplaces give a period ambience. There’s often live music in the evening (folk, jazz or rock in the pub’s snug or garden rooms). A back garden with benches is hidden behind a side alley.

• Ales & Drinks: A rotating list of local ales – from nearby Kettlesmith, Tiny Rebel, Oakham or Burnt Mill – often features two or three cask ales. Locally brewed cider is also typically on offer. On quieter afternoons you can relax with a pint of Bath Ales or a guest pale ale.

• History: Reputedly one of Bath’s oldest pubs, the Grapes reopened in 2019 after a sympathetic refurbishment. Voted a Great British Pub Awards finalist in 2022, it showcases Bath’s modern craft beer scene while retaining an “old pub” feel.

The Saracen’s Head – 42 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LP

• Atmosphere: A narrow, multi-room old pub with an East Street frontage. The interior is snug and wood-panelled, with darts, pools and framed wartime posters (a tribute to the pub’s name). A 'snug' area at the back has a large screen for sport.

• Ales & Drinks: Today mainly Greene King ales (IPA and Old Speckled Hen) are served on hand pump. Previously it was a free house, so you can still find house-brewed lagers and Belgian beers on tap.

• History: Dating from 1713, the Saracen’s Head is claimed to be Bath’s oldest pub. Charles Dickens stayed here and mentioned it in The Pickwick Papers. Its exotic pub sign (a turbaned head) and grand name reflect 18th-century fascination with Middle Eastern imagery. It’s an atmospheric stop on any historic pub crawl of Bath.

The Bell Inn – 103 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BW

• Atmosphere: A friendly local pub on the edge of Bath’s artsy Walcot Street. Inside is a single long bar with pool and board games, and a separate “Back Bar” room for music nights. A walled garden patio at the rear offers beer and burgers outdoors.

• Ales & Drinks: All five hand-pumps pour a rotating real ale selection (often including an ever-changing guest from Bath or Bristol micros). At any time you’ll usually find at least two local brews (e.g. Moor, Good Chemistry) and a couple of national staples. Traditional cider is also in stock.

• History: In 2013 the Bell became a community-owned pub. Hundreds of local shareholders bought the pub to save it from closure. It went on to win CAMRA Bath Pub of the Year in 2014. Regular live music, quiz nights and open-mic sessions keep the place lively.

Flan O’Brien’s – 21 Westgate Street, Bath BA1 1EP

• Atmosphere: A bright Victorian pub near the train station (rare in Bath, most pubs are older cottages). The single, high-ceilinged bar has large windows, polished wood floors and a long bar counter. It’s been called Bath’s Irish pub, and indeed its décor and name evoke the humour of Irish writer Brian O’Nolan’s pseudonym “Flann O’Brien.”

• Ales & Drinks: Local ales from Bath and beyond share taps with Irish beers and craft keg. Two or three cask ales rotate. There’s an emphasis on craft beer and whiskey.

• History: Built in the late 1800s, Flan O’Brien’s survived Bath’s Pub Axe of the 1970s. Its name and interior theme honour Brian O’Nolan, author of At Swim-Two-Birds, linking Bath to wider literary culture.

Walking Tips for the Trail

• Plan Your Route: The pubs above are mostly within the central Bath circle from the Abbey down to the river. Starting near Bath Abbey and ending at, say, the Bell Inn covers a good loop. The city centre is compact (distances under 1km between stops), so the trail can be done on foot comfortably. Bath has many cobbled or narrow streets, so wear sturdy shoes.

• Timing: Many pubs serve food early, and some only open in evenings. A weekday early evening is ideal to avoid weekend crowds (and you may even catch a student night or live music). Check opening hours and book ahead if needed, especially for popular spots like the Raven or Bath Brew House.

• Weather: Pubs like the Brew House and the Pig & Fiddle have attractive outdoor beer gardens or terraces – plan a sunny afternoon if possible. In winter, enjoy roaring fires inside venues such as the Star Inn or Crystal Palace.

• Hydrate and Pace: Drink responsibly. Enjoy the local ales (often stronger than mass-market lagers) with water in between. Many pubs serve snacks – do sample at least the Raven’s famous pies or a cream tea as you walk by Sally Lunn’s (just for tradition).

• Culture Stops: Insert short breaks to admire Bath’s architecture on route. For example, enjoy the Abbey façade or a stroll along Royal Crescent between pubs. Most pubs here are just minutes from Georgian squares or the Roman Baths (no need to rush back and forth).

Bath’s historic pubs are more than just places to have a pint – each is a small museum of the city’s past. On this Bath ale trail you’ll drink real ale in centuries-old taverns once frequented by the likes of Beau Nash or Admiral Nelson, soaking up Bath’s Roman-to-Georgian heritage with every sip. Whether you’re a local beer enthusiast or a culture tourist, this trail combines the best pubs in Bath with the city’s stunning architecture and history. So set out on foot, raise a tankard in a Bath Stone inn, and share your experience – this is one historic ale trail that’s worth toasting!