The Circus Bath
A breathtaking circular Georgian masterpiece designed by John Wood the Elder, famed for its classical columns and intricate carvings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
The Circus Bath
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking circular Georgian masterpiece designed by John Wood the Elder, famed for its classical columns and intricate carvings.
"A perfect circle of Georgian townhouses, a true architectural gem in the heart of Bath."
📸 Capture the Circle
Get a drone shot for a unique perspective of the perfect circular design!
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with the Royal Crescent for a full Georgian experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Circle
Brock Street, Bath
A perfectly circular Georgian masterpiece with three levels of townhouses, each featuring different classical columns.
+1Intricate Carvings
Exterior of The Circus townhouses
Marvel at the detailed carvings and classical proportions that make this Georgian design so iconic.
+1
Symbolic Design
The Circus, Bath
Believed by its architect to symbolize the Sun, this unique circular layout is a testament to Georgian ingenuity.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Architectural Marvel
+2Beyond the Architecture
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Circle
Get a drone shot for a unique perspective of the perfect circular design!
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with the Royal Crescent for a full Georgian experience.
☀️ Best Light for Photos
Visit during golden hour for stunning light on the historic architecture.
📚 Learn the History
Understand the Druidic and Roman inspirations behind the design.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Circle
Get a drone shot for a unique perspective of the perfect circular design!
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with the Royal Crescent for a full Georgian experience.
☀️ Best Light for Photos
Visit during golden hour for stunning light on the historic architecture.
📚 Learn the History
Understand the Druidic and Roman inspirations behind the design.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Circus in Bath is overwhelmingly praised for its stunning Georgian architecture and unique circular design. Visitors are captivated by the intricate carvings and the historical significance of the landmark. While it's primarily an exterior viewing experience, its beauty and presence make it a must-see in Bath.
"We've just been to the one over on the Embankment in Peterborough, we paid £46 for 2 Adults and 3 Children! It was an hour and a half long and definitely worth it! We have a typical fidgeting 4 year old but he sat still mesmerised the whole time!
Peanut was the kids favourite for most of it but we all enjoyed the Aireal acts and the kids loved the Unicycle!
Not laughed as hard as we did tonight for a long while!
Thank you to all who made it a great time, the acts and also the behind the scenes people that make it happen!"
Walked by Daisy
"This is something you should try out if you are in Skegness. Small troup. The performers are also the sales assistants. Show was about an hour and the half. £14 for ringside. Some of the performances were really good but the clowns were terrible. They were just time fillers. Not a bad experience at all."
Olubukola Ayodele
"We have been going for the last three years. It was very disappointing this year and has put us off going next year. The first half was late starting and only lasted half an hour when it finally got started. There was them a man on a gorilla costume wondering around the stage with a young boy. They were asking for £2 to have a photo taken with it. We counted five people who took up the offer. One of the props failed, but that was nobody's fault as we all know that anything mechanical can fail at any time.There was a girl on a horses back that was skipping through a hoop. She stumbled a few times but we felt that it was caused by the failed prop getting in her way. I know it is easy to criticise when you cannot do it yourself. The whole show when you take out the time with the silly gorilla only lasted just over an hour. The announcement of things for sale was repeated so many times that it made us feel that they were very desperate to make a sale. It was a very poor show compared with previous years. We had been warned about it but unfortunately we had already bought the tickets. The circus tent itself was smaller than usual. Instead of having the candy floss, popcorn and beer stall in an adjoining part of the tent, these stall had been squeezed in to the main tent reducing the seating area."
Ian Grant
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Circus is easily accessible on foot from Bath city center, located just a short walk from the Royal Crescent. If arriving by car, parking can be challenging in the immediate vicinity, so consider using city center car parks and walking.
Yes, Bath has a central bus station and train station. From there, it's a pleasant walk to The Circus. Many visitors find it convenient to explore Bath on foot once they arrive.
Most visitors walk between The Circus and the Royal Crescent as they are very close to each other. This allows you to fully appreciate the Georgian architecture.
Yes, many walking tours of Bath include The Circus as a key stop, offering historical insights into its design and significance.
While you can drive near The Circus, parking directly on Brock Street is very limited and often restricted. It's advisable to use nearby public car parks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Circus is an open architectural landmark and a public space. You do not need tickets to walk around and admire the exterior of the buildings.
As an outdoor architectural site, The Circus is accessible at all times. However, the surrounding shops and restaurants will have their own operating hours.
There is no entrance fee to see The Circus. It's a historic street that you can freely explore.
The houses at The Circus are private residences or apartments, so you cannot go inside them. You can only view them from the exterior.
No booking is required to visit The Circus itself. It's a public area for everyone to enjoy.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the architectural details.
While drone footage can offer unique perspectives, always check local regulations regarding drone usage in urban areas like Bath before flying.
The entire circle is photogenic, but try capturing the symmetry from the center, or focus on the detailed carvings on the different levels of the townhouses.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos of the exterior architecture of The Circus. It's a popular spot for photographers.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography of the exterior. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Circus is located in a prime area of Bath, and there are several excellent restaurants and cafes nearby, including options on Brock Street and in the surrounding streets.
You can find a variety of dining options, from fine dining restaurants offering modern British cuisine to more casual cafes and bistros.
Yes, there is a highly-rated restaurant named 'The Circus Restaurant' located at 34 Brock Street, very close to The Circus architectural site.
Absolutely, many cafes in the vicinity offer breakfast and brunch options, perfect for starting your day of exploration.
While The Circus itself is residential, some nearby establishments might offer views of the surrounding Georgian architecture. It's worth checking local listings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Royal Crescent or the Roman Baths for a more engaging family day out. Many walking tours of Bath are family-friendly and can make the history of The Circus come alive for children. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as amenities directly within The Circus are limited.
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
+2Experiment with different angles, from ground level to capturing the entire sweep of the circle. The golden hours of sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting. Drone photography can offer a truly unique perspective of its design, though always be mindful of local regulations.
+1🏛️ History Buffs
+1Learn about the Georgian era's architectural trends and the social history of Bath. Many guided tours focus on the historical context of The Circus and its place within Bath's development as a fashionable spa town.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Genius of John Wood
+2The circular layout is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's believed to hold symbolic meaning. John Wood the Elder theorized that Bath was a significant Druidic center, and he intended The Circus to reflect this ancient connection, possibly mirroring the layout of Stonehenge. This blend of classical design with esoteric symbolism makes The Circus a truly unique and intriguing landmark.
+1Visitors often marvel at the sheer scale and precision of the design. The uniform facades and the harmonious flow of the circle create a powerful visual impact. It's a testament to the vision and skill of the Wood family, who left an indelible mark on Bath's iconic cityscape.
+1Exploring The Circus and its Surroundings
+1Beyond these iconic landmarks, the area around The Circus offers charming streets lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, and inviting cafes. It's an ideal spot to wander, perhaps stopping for a coffee or a light lunch. The atmosphere is generally peaceful, allowing you to soak in the historic ambiance of Bath.
For those interested in a broader exploration, The Circus is a key point on many walking tours of Bath. These tours often delve into the history of the city, its Roman heritage, and the lives of its famous residents like Jane Austen. It's a central hub from which to discover the many facets of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
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