A historic city set in the heart of Somerset has been crowned the best in the UK in Condé Nast’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Each year, the publication shines a light on the world’s leading destinations, resorts, hotels, cruises, airports, and more – all voted in by their UK readership.
In the 28th edition of the prestigious event, ten British cities made the list and were ranked according to overall visitor satisfaction.
Bath, overtaking previous winner London and rising five places from its 2024 ranking, emerged victorious with an impressive score of 97.78.
Trailing closely behind Bath were Manchester (96.30), London (95.55), Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
Cities such as Cambridge, Belfast, and Brighton rounded out the top ten, with Aberdeen securing the tenth spot.
A longtime favourite of Brits and international travellers alike, Bath is widely admired due to a combination of its rich history, stunning Georgian architecture and literary connections – most famously to Jane Austen, who once called the city home.
The city has seen a particular surge in visitors this year thanks to celebrations marking the 250th birthday of the renowned Pride and Prejudice novelist, with themed events, walking tours and immersive experiences taking place.
Bath, overtaking previous winner London and rising five places from its 2024 ranking, has emerged victorious as the UK’s best city with an impressive score of 97.78
Bath is widely admired due to a combination of its rich history, stunning Georgian architecture and literary connections – most famously to Jane Austen, who once called the city home
Bath’s blend of historic landmarks, sprawling green spaces and vibrant, modern attractions continue to draw visitors looking for a quintessentially British break
It’s also become a prime filming location, featuring in popular productions such as Bridgerton, Wonka and ITV’s McDonald & Dodds, giving visitors the feeling of being immersed in their favourite show while exploring the city.
Bath’s blend of historic landmarks, sprawling green spaces and vibrant, modern attractions continue to draw visitors looking for a quintessentially British break.
Tourists can explore the ancient Roman Baths, visit Bath Abbey, and marvel at architectural wonders such as the Royal Crescent and The Circus.
The city’s revived hospitality scene has also helped boost its popularity, with a growing number of independent restaurants, bars and boutiques, along with gourmet dining and artisan shopping, popping up across the area.
The Thermae Bath Spa, which features Britain’s only natural thermal waters, provides visitors with a unique way to unwind – and include hot tubs on the roof, overlooking the city.
Alternatively, those who are after a bit of fresh air can enjoy scenic strolls along the Kennet and Avon Canal or views from the iconic Pulteney Bridge – one of only four bridges in the world lined with shops.
According to Visit West, the Francis Hotel will unveil its £14m transformation this autumn, with its new spa due to open early next year.
The four-star, Regency-style townhouse is located a block from the Jane Austen Centre and only a 10 minutes’ walk of the town centre, the Roman Baths and the Bath Spa railway.
It’s also become a prime filming location, featuring in popular productions such as Bridgerton, Wonka and ITV’s McDonald & Dodds, giving visitors the feeling of being immersed in their favourite show while exploring the city
Tourists can explore the ancient Roman Baths (pictured), visit Bath Abbey, and marvel at architectural wonders such as the Royal Crescent and The Circus
Alternatively, those who are after a bit of fresh air can enjoy scenic strolls along the Kennet and Avon Canal or views from the iconic Pulteney Bridge (pictured) – one of only four bridges in the world lined with shops
The city’s revived hospitality scene has also helped boost its popularity, with a growing number of independent restaurants, bars and boutiques, along with gourmet dining and artisan shopping, popping up across the area
The Francis Hotel will unveil its £14m transformation this autumn, with its new spa due to open early next year
Just four months after its grand opening, its onsite restaurant, Emberwood, made it into the Michelin Guide in September thanks to its ‘natural flame’ menu featuring Porthilly oysters, coal-roasted scallops and whole monkfish tail wrapped in lardo.
Meanwhile, a popular coastal destination has been named the most breathtaking in the UK – and it has stunning views to rival Malibu.
A new study by Holidu has uncovered 30 of the most-loved seaside towns across the UK – and two Cornish locations have placed in the top three.
Nearly 70 per cent of Brits even believe the UK’s coastal views easily rival those abroad.
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