The Circus
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings
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  • Victoria B
    Raleigh, North Carolina1,632 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful!
    I found The Circus more beautiful than The Crescent. The houses are gorgeous! My kids enjoyed looking at the different door knockers. And we all had a grand time standing on the old well, in the middle of the circle, surrounded by those old, gorgeous trees, and clapping to hear it echo around the circle. We were here quite awhile in our first British rain (sprinkle) just having a ball!
    Visited August 2022
    Written April 13, 2023
  • Trek766496
    London, United Kingdom1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent experience, wonderful service
    Excellent food in a very comfortable and stylish dining room. Menu seasonal and varied but not overly safe. Jess was especially fantastic with service - friendly, attentive, and personalised, honestly couldn't ask for more. Would gladly come again in a heartbeat.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 17, 2023
  • Jay B
    Fairhope, Alabama1,050 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice Residential Area with Beautiful Private Gardens
    We strolled through here during a walking tour of Bath and found The Circus to be a quiet, impressive residential area. The Circus is a short walk from Royal Victoria Park and The Royal Crescent, so plan on doing all 3 together as you walk through Bath. Take time to look down at the private gardens some residents have developed on their individual patios. Some are quite beautiful and detailed!
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 9, 2023
  • HINA W
    Islamabad, Pakistan6,566 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pagan Vibes!
    This is a unique circle of terraced townhouses. It was designed by John Wood, the elder, in 1769. The houses are built in Georgian style. It is rumoured that Wood was a Freemason. This is substantiated by the fact that he uses exactly the same proportions here as those of the pagan Stonehenge. I looked closely and noticed that among various carvings above the doors and windows there are many masonic and druid symbols on these buildings. You can see many Doric and Corinthian columns here which give the terraced houses a truly classic look. The overall effect of the circular composition of houses creates a very soothing visual flow. The original name of these houses was The King’s Circus. Many famous people have resided here like the famous painter Gainsborough.
    Visited August 2022
    Traveled with family
    Written July 16, 2023
  • Andrew M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great night with friend from NYC!
    Jess was exceptional and her service matched the food. We have spent 7 days in the UK but this was our first night and she took special care of us as we were 6 tiered travelers from NYC. We agreed it was the most special night and we did three Michelin star restaurants this trip. It is a wonderful small personal place with superb food. A must if you are staying in Bath. A short walk from the Royal Crescent which is where we were staying and also very special!
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written August 1, 2023
  • Hima B
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awesome food, service and ambience
    I got to know about this restaurant from a stranger and I am totally happy with my decision to try it. The food and cocktails were great and Emma did an excellent job with food and drink suggestions based on my taste. It’s a must try restaurant and I can’t express how much I loved the fresh mint tea. Love this place.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written August 8, 2023
  • D B
    Nova Scotia, Canada176 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Circus building complexes.
    At the top of a long street is the Circus. It is like a coliseum turned inside out, with Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian capital decorations that pay homage to its Greco-Roman origin. Beautiful architecture in excellent condition. Built in the 18th-century it is quite the visual.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written October 31, 2023
  • Brendan W
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic food, brilliant atmosphere
    To start with, some of the best food I have had in years. Had the duck confit starter which was delicious followed by the pheasant kiev, will definitely be ordering similar on our next visit. Great wine selection, recommended to us and paired very well with the pheasant. Also enjoyed a few signature cocktails that were very interesting and a great finish to the meal. Really enjoyed the hospitality with welcoming and cheerful staff, and in such a cosy setting with a great atmosphere I will definitely be going back!
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 13, 2023
  • Dan T
    London, United Kingdom64 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great architecture, close to royal crescent
    This is just down the road from the Royal Crescent and is another triumph of Georgian architecture. The circus is stunning and I dare say if it was easier to photograph in its entirely it would prove more of a famous spot than the aforementioned crescent. It’s a circular veritable amphitheater of houses covered in columns of all varieties and with a lovely circle of trees in the middle. Wonderful on a blustery autumnal day, I’m sure even better in the spring. Personally enjoyed looking at the symbols in the friezes, very interesting to try and pick out the meaning of each.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written December 5, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Cherriesfan99
Cheltenham, UK849 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
Built in that characteristic golden honey coloured local stone these impressive dwellings form a Roman style centrepiece for this part of Bath. Only downside is the amount of traffic, and subsequent fumes , due to the lack of car parking in this old city . Worth a wander around.
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

flatwightcoffeeco
Freshwater, UK9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Couples
Frequent visitor to Bath so rather than stay in a hotel for a change we rented an apartment. 18 The Circus. Was advertised and thought we’d go for it. The place is amazing. Spacious, comfortable, clean and quiet considering it is only a few minutes walk to the centre of Bath. There is a kitchen hidden away if you didn’t fancy going out for a meal as well as a washer/dryer ( which in winter, in the UK in necessary). And unlike a lots of places the parking was free while we were there...
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

J. Debono
London, United Kingdom71 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Bath is famous for its Georgian architecture and the Circus doesn't disappoint. Comparisons are often made between the Circus and the Crescent with differing opinions on which is the best and most intricate in design. Visit both and decide for yourself. Expect a bit of a climb up the hill.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

macedonboy
Glasgow, UK179,694 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021
Much like the Royal Crescent, the Circus is another striking masterpiece of Georgian architecture. Take the time to walk around the three curved segments of the Circus and admire the Grade I listed townhouses which I can’t afford.

Not sure if it's a regular thing, but people seem to dress up in period clothing and wander around this area and the Royal Precent, which added a little extra drama to the visit.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KiwiKerry53
Wellington, New Zealand4,648 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2019
Bath is a stunning city perched on a steep hillside. The approach by car is very pretty. The Circus is so unusual, that it is a must do when you're exploring Bath - be prepared for a bit of a climb! The only thing spoiling the viewing is the modern cars!
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

teadrinker
West Midlands, UK152 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
We were truly amazed at the architecture of the buildings a true step back in time. Remove the cars and you would definitely feel you had stepped into the history books. Well preserved and breathtaking, we felt the Circus was by far superior to the Cresent buildings, but both should be preserved.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mike r
Bromsgrove, UK1,322 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
We saw this lovely location as part of a walking tour and would recommend it since the walking tours cover all the major attractions which are surprisingly close to each other. This is only round the corner from the Royal Crescent but we would not have found it easily.
The architecture is the main attraction but there is an interesting history to the area too.
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Grover R
Pensacola, FL18,062 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
The second part of a three part Bath Georgian development of John Wood, the Elder and John Wood, the Younger between Queen's Square and Royal Crescent both in location and time. It is also this development that sees the transition from father to son as John Wood, the Elder died shortly after construction of the Circus began.

Yes Queen's Square is beautiful and the flat Palladian architecture that would come to define Bath starts there. However, it is the curved structures of the Circus and Royal Crescent where the development goes beyond simple architecture to historic and cultural. Both the Circus and Crescent are true gems that bring people from around the world to see them.

While the Crescent does get more acclaim and recognition, in person, I was more impressed by the Circus. Yes the Crescent has the beautiful green field in front of it and a hillside view over the Avon valley that the others do not. However, when simply looking a the buildings, design and construction, it is the Circus that is more distinguished and impressive.

First the unbelievably round symmetry is something you can only truly experience in person in the circus. Second the detail on the buildings themselves is much more in the Circus than any other development. As a part of that the three levels of the buildings each have a different column Doric on the ground floor, Ionic on the first floor and Corinthian on the second floor. In addition, each section of columns is capped at the roof line by an acorn with is a symbol of the city of Bath. Finally on the ground floor there is freeze work that incorporates detailed carvings.

In the center of the circus is a round, green park with 5 oak trees. While beautiful, standing in the midst of the trees provides a totally balanced echo from the circle around you. Again it is just another thing that you can't really explain in a review, you simply have to go and experience this in person.
Written December 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

chloebridlexxx
Douglas, UK79 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Couples
We arrived here on a self-guided tour. The circus is a cascading site to the eye: it has an iconic shape and serenity about it. Walking around, you glance at the houses and follow the decorations seen on the outside: snakes, owls, anchors… there are many decorative pieces to admire. There is a lovely tree in the centre of the roundabout to give this area a privatised and natural essence. The architect clearly knew what he was doing.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LondonMac1
Ongar, UK248 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Couples
Visited The Circus early yesterday evening for dinner - we were lucky and managed to secure a table outside in the evening sun at last minute after our plans changed. Short stroll from The Royal Crescent Hotel where we were staying. The welcome was so warm and friendly and the food was delicious - didn’t have room for dessert after our very good starters and mains. The fish of the day was cooked perfectly and my husband really enjoyed his steak. We had sardines and courgette fritters to kick things off - both also very good. My husband enjoyed a couple of negroni’s too, expertly made and infinitely better than the ones he had at The Royal Crescent Hotel. Really good food served with a smile. If we visit Bath again we will be sure to return.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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The Circus - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Circus