Bath has been named the best UK city in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, overtaking London and other major destinations. The historic Somerset city achieved a visitor satisfaction score of 97.78, rising five places from last year and surpassing previous winner London (95.55).
Manchester followed closely with 96.30, while Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Belfast, Brighton and Aberdeen completed the top 10. Now in its 28th year, the awards are voted on by Condé Nast's UK readership, who rank cities based on travel experiences, culture, architecture, hospitality and overall appeal.
This year’s results reflect a growing preference for destinations offering authenticity, heritage and lifestyle-led experiences. Bath’s popularity is driven by its elegant Georgian architecture, strong literary links, and a booming hospitality scene. A key draw has been the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, celebrated with themed events, immersive exhibitions and walking tours.
The city has also become a regular backdrop for film and TV productions, including Bridgerton, Wonka, and ITV’s McDonald & Dodds. Tourists continue to flock to landmarks such as the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent and The Circus. The Thermae Bath Spa, home to Britain’s only natural thermal waters, remains a top attraction with rooftop pools offering panoramic views.
Luxury hospitality is on the rise: the four-star Francis Hotel is undergoing a £14 million transformation, with a new spa opening in early 2026. Its restaurant, Emberwood, has earned a spot in the Michelin Guide for its open-flame cooking. With its mix of heritage, wellness and gourmet dining, Bath is cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s most desirable destinations.
