Swainswick

Swainswick is a small rural village just north of Bath, and despite its countryside setting, it benefits from several practical transport connections into the city and surrounding areas.

For those who enjoy walking, the route from Bath to Swainswick takes just over one hour on foot, following scenic countryside paths and lanes.

Swainswick sits close to the A46, giving easy access to Bath (southbound). The M4 motorway (northbound), linking to Bristol, London, and South Wales.

Nearest Station: Bath Spa (approx. 10 – 15 minutes by car)• London Paddington: ~1 hr 20 mins• Bristol Temple Meads: ~15 mins• Cardiff: ~1 hr 10 mins

Direct Buses:

Swainswick is served by multiple bus routes that connect it directly to Bath and nearby towns: Routes 3, 13, 231, D1X, and X83 all pass near Swainswick, providing regular links into Bath city centre and across the wider region. Travel time by bus from Bath to Swainswick is typically around 11 minutes, making it a quick and inexpensive option.

Walking & Cycling Routes:

Swainswick is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in the Bath area, making it a superb location for walking and cycling. The village sits in a scenic valley beneath Little Solsbury Hill, with routes offering panoramic views across the landscape. Popular local walks include sections of the Circuit of Bath, which passes through the Swainswick Valley and provides breathtaking viewpoints over the city and surrounding hills.

Cyclists can enjoy a variety of rural lanes and mapped routes, including the Swainswick, Bannerdown and Bathampton circular ride, an approximately 12-mile hilly loop starting near Bath and passing close to the village. These quiet country roads and rolling hills make the area ideal for both leisurely rides and more challenging outings.