Historic UK City Overtakes London As The World’s Best Destination For 2025

London is a historic and popular destination for travelers, but it just got left in the dust, after the UK city of Bath was just named the World’s Best Destination for 2025. With its beautiful architecture, Roman baths, quaint tea shops and pretty villages on its outskirts, The New York Times has placed it at No. 1 on the list of places you really should visit. Meanwhile, it is often featured on television shows, like Bridgerton, so set-jetting adventures also apply. Read on to find out why the prestigious newspaper made its choice.

Bath, UK is the World’s Best Destination for 2025

The New York Times has revealed its top 52 places to visit as the World’s Best Destination for 2025. When it comes to the UK, most travelers would expect England’s capital, London to feature at the top. However, that city has had its time and it is now another historic and iconic city takes its turn.

Bath is located in England’s South West and, up until now, has often been left behind London when it comes to awards. However, travelers are now keen to explore beyond London to see what else the country has to offer. One trending destination is fascinating and historic Edinburgh in Scotland, the rise in popularity of Belfast and more lesser-known cities in the United Kingdom.

What does Bath offer its visitors?

The iconic city was named Bath for an important reason, as the city offers Roman baths and a good selection of spas to relax and take away your stress. However, the picturesque and historic streets are full of all kinds of charm, many of which fans have already seen in the popular Netflix series, Bridgerton.

Meanwhile, the city is full of quaint tea shops to relax during your wanderings in Bath, and day trips out of the city take you to many picturesque villages on the outskirts of the city. However, one huge benefit of visiting the New York Times World’s Best Destination for 2025 is the fact that everything here is cheaper than London, making it a good destination for travelers on a budget.

What makes the city different from other UK cities?

While first seeing images of Bath, it might not seem like your typical city in the UK. This is partly because it is relatively small in size, especially as compared with London. Moreover, the city has only 94,092 inhabitants as per the last census here.

Among the stunning buildings, streets are lined with grand Georgian architecture, and it is easy to visit the Roman-style bathhouses on foot. Moreover, Bath is truly a far cry from the towering skyline of London, with its museums and other tourist landmarks – which of course any traveler must see, at least once.

Besides being easy to navigate on foot, the city is well-connected by train or bus from London. Moreover, an exciting option to explore Bath is on one of the electric scooters provided throughout the city to make it easier to get around.

Bath-crawling in the city

While in London, travelers usually end up pub crawling across the city. However, while Bath does boast pretty, traditional pubs, it is the Roman spas that make the city different. Many are open to the public to experience the benefits of naturally warm springs just like the Romans did in their heyday.

One of them comes highly recommended by its reviewers – the Thermae Bath Spa.
A review reads:

Only thermal baths in the whole of the UK. Great to be in the rooftop pool looking out over the countryside and UNESCO world heritage city!

Meanwhile, when not soaking in the spa, a visit to the Roman Baths Museum is a worthy activity, showcasing their history. You can also book tickets to the Roman Baths Museum, a fascinating tour showcasing the old world.

Meanwhile, TripAdvisor lists travelers’ three top spas in Bath as follows:

• Thermae Bath Spa
• The Cross Bath
• The Bath Massage Company

Cheaper accommodations in Bath, UK

Besides all its beauty and history, the city is way cheaper to stay in than London. Meanwhile, visitors have a choice to stay in historic hotels and cozy bed & breakfasts and inns.

Also, while you might have to stay miles from the center of London, most of Bath’s top accommodations are centrally located. This makes them the perfect way to stay, stepping out and exploring the city after a cup of coffee is a great option. Meanwhile, later in the day, travelers can return to the hotel, weary from exploring, to enjoy afternoon tea. Readers can search for the perfect hotel or bed & breakfast in Bath here.