Title: The Circus in Upper Town - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

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# The Circus Tours and Activities

![The Circus which includes heritage architecture, street scenes and an administrative building](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6151660/03b5ab29-3660-4d75-bed6-c76f56e70337.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![The Circus which includes heritage architecture, street scenes and an administrative building](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6151660/03b5ab29-3660-4d75-bed6-c76f56e70337.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![The Circus showing heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6151660/7e6b0d05-8cdc-4689-b937-1b6921ba31c2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![The Circus featuring heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6151660/644e215a-6c04-4abd-a903-4ac07a546ad2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![The Circus which includes heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6151660/cc2a8889-e2e9-423b-aec8-899447df2699.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit The Circus

Activities

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#### See this remarkable series of Georgian townhouses, built in a compelling circular shape.

The Circus consists of a circle of 33 mansions overlooking a beautiful garden. Divided into three equal terraces by intersecting streets, these identical three-story residences have been home to numerous famous occupants over the centuries. Note how each of the curved segments faces one of the three entrances, a design that ensures visitors see a gorgeous façade regardless of the entrance they choose.

Originally known as King’s Circus, this site was designed by John Wood who used the Roman Colosseum as inspiration. The area takes its name from the Latin word “circus,” which means ring, circle or oval. Wood died soon after construction of the houses began and the project was finished by his son John Wood the Younger. Several houses were completely destroyed by a German bomb attack in 1942, but they have since been carefully rebuilt and today you’ll find it difficult to differentiate them from the original buildings.

Examine the frieze that runs along the length of the circle. Consisting of more than 500 different carvings, this frieze incorporates numerous emblems, including various nautical and Masonic symbols. Look for the carved acorns set on top of the houses. The acorns are believed to be a tribute to the legend of Bath’s founding. According to the story, King Bladud discovered the city’s healing waters with the help of a pig rooting for acorns.

Read the plaques commemorating some of the famous people who have lived in the townhouses over the years. Painter Thomas Gainsborough lived at No. 17 from 1759 to 1774, while other buildings have been occupied by medical missionary David Livingstone and, more recently, actor Nicolas Cage.

Walk through the grassy area found in the center of the Circus. This area was originally paved and once acted as a reservoir that supplied water to the townhouses. The residents of the Circus converted the space into a garden in the early 19th century and it has been a green haven ever since.

The Circus is open-year round. Combine it with a trip to Bath’s other famous rounded landmark, the Royal Crescent, which is just a short walk away.

## Plan a trip to see The Circus

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Dreamtel London Kensington](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1410000/1402900/1402864/61fa1056_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Dreamtel London Kensington

London City Centre

CA $1,233

per person

Apr 23 - Apr 28

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to London (LHR)

6.6/10 (928 reviews)

There was a very nice person at the front desk for check in and who also helped to try and find the heater switch. Room was so very small and the bed placed right by the wall and window. Could not tuck in the duvet and it kept falling off. Radiator not accessible, staff tried to help but fortunately it got warmer so did not need it the second day. Underground station is very close and there is a wide diverse variety of restaurants close to the hotel Can hear the underground trains from the room, but not too bothersome. Creaky stairs outside my room I think too expensive for this size room and I am sure the larger rooms are more comfortable

Reviewed on Dec 12, 2025

![The Abbey Notting Hill](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/85000000/84120000/84112400/84112361/f44ec4b0_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### The Abbey Notting Hill

London City Centre

CA $1,610

per person

Mar 19 - Mar 24

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Montreal (YMQ) to London (LHR)

8.2/10 Very Good! (612 reviews)

Friendly, helpful staff. Nice quiet room. Clean. Great location.

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2026

![Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/79000000/78560000/78550400/78550383/e0480d6b_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria

London City Centre

CA $1,389

per person

May 1 - May 4

found 21 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Hamilton (YHM) to London (LHR)

8.8/10 Excellent! (3,010 reviews)

Staff was very friendly, room was clean and we had a great stay.

Reviewed on Feb 7, 2026

### Popular places to visit

![Bath Assembly Rooms showing interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6079301/85e64999-daa1-42c8-abb6-63bf0aaf4182.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Bath Assembly Rooms

4.5/5(5 reviews)

The Bath Assembly Rooms were known as the city’s most stylish entertainment venue in the 18th and 19th centuries. View these elegant public rooms and explore the unique Fashion Museum set on the lower ground floor.

[](https://expedia.ca/Bath-Assembly-Rooms-Upper-Town.d6079301.Vacation-Attraction)

![Jane Austen Centre featuring interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6079349/c1051783-76fd-4485-be21-6a2f555a4a46.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Jane Austen Centre

4/5(12 reviews)

Immerse yourself in the world of Jane Austen at this museum or relax in the tea room as her famous characters often did.

[](https://expedia.ca/Jane-Austen-Centre-Bath-City-Centre.d6079349.Vacation-Attraction)

![No. 1 Royal Crescent featuring château or palace, interior views and heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6079363/bf1b1786-9afa-428f-bc54-33c1fb375432.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### No. 1 Royal Crescent

4/5(6 reviews)

Explore this Georgian town house, now a museum furnished as it might have been over 200 years ago, and discover the lifestyle and interests of families in that period.

[](https://expedia.ca/No-1-Royal-Crescent-Upper-Town.d6079363.Vacation-Attraction)

![The beautiful Pulteney Weir and Bridge in Bath. Lovely at night. And during the day.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6084496/9141c902-9d25-4ead-89be-238f5d7cc374.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Artisan Quarter

During your visit to Bath, you can do some window-shopping at Artisan Quarter. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Artisan-Quarter-Walcot.d6183005.Vacation-Attraction)

![Pub in Bath, England](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6084496/acb27677-8ef9-487f-8bc6-56341ef06191.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Milsom Quarter

During your visit to Bath, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Milsom Quarter. Savor the area's restaurants and coffeehouses. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Milsom-Quarter-Bath.d6183006.Vacation-Attraction)

![Royal Crescent showing heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6079377/73353483-a75b-4898-80bd-6c7621522f96.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Royal Crescent

4.5/5(52 reviews)

This semicircular terrace of townhouses is one of Bath’s most well-known landmarks.

[](https://expedia.ca/Royal-Crescent-Upper-Town.d6079377.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near The Circus

## Check availability on hotels close to The Circus

[Tonight

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6151660&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[Feb 8 - Feb 9](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6151660&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6151660&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)[Feb 9 - Feb 10](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6151660&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6151660&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6151660&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)

![Apex City of Bath Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/17000000/16480000/16474500/16474486/5f420b3f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Apex City of Bath Hotel

1 James Street West Bath England

[](https://expedia.ca/Bath-Hotels-Apex-City-Of-Bath-Hotel.h16474486.Hotel-Information)

![Hampton by Hilton Bath City](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/75000000/74080000/74076700/74076613/f5e60051_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Hampton by Hilton Bath City

Avon Street Bath England

[](https://expedia.ca/Bath-Hotels-Hampton-By-Hilton-Bath-City.h74076613.Hotel-Information)

![The Gainsborough Bath Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/7000000/6580000/6577500/6577437/b4fdafdc_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

The Gainsborough Bath Spa

Beau Street Bath England

[](https://expedia.ca/Bath-Hotels-The-Gainsborough-Bath-Spa.h6577437.Hotel-Information)

![Francis Hotel Bath](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/7700/7691/ee84b489_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Francis Hotel Bath

Queen Square Bath England

[](https://expedia.ca/Bath-Hotels-Francis-Hotel-Bath-MGallery.h7691.Hotel-Information)

![The Z Hotel Bath](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/104000000/103100000/103093700/103093643/9ef1c33f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

The Z Hotel Bath

7 Saw Close Bath England

[](https://expedia.ca/Bath-Hotels-The-Z-Hotel-Bath.h103093643.Hotel-Information)

![Hotel Indigo Bath by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/20000000/19340000/19334200/19334154/5be10c4d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Hotel Indigo Bath by IHG

2-8 South Parade Bath England

[](https://expedia.ca/Bath-Hotels-Hotel-Indigo-Bath.h19334154.Hotel-Information)

![Doubletree by Hilton Bath](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/4500/4457/bdf8fb15_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Doubletree by Hilton Bath

Walcot Street Bath England

[](https://expedia.ca/Bath-Hotels-Doubletree-By-Hilton-Bath.h4457.Hotel-Information)

![Abbey Hotel Bath, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/11800/11745/w4000h2661x0y0-0c5209ab_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Abbey Hotel Bath, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

1 North Parade Bath England

[](https://expedia.ca/Bath-Hotels-Abbey-Hotel-Bath.h11745.Hotel-Information)

![Lansdown Grove](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/400000/398100/398087/7042eaca_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Lansdown Grove

LANSDOWN ROAD Bath England

[](https://expedia.ca/Bath-Hotels-Lansdown-Grove.h398087.Hotel-Information)

[See all 2,120 properties in The Circus](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=6151660)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.