Bath Named World’s Best Place to Visit, But Hen Dos Are a Problem
Residents of Bath express concerns over rowdy hen parties disrupting the city’s charm
Bath, UK, Tourism, Hen Parties, Crime, Jane Austen
Bath: Residents in the UK’s so-called best place to visit are getting fed up with rowdy tourists on hen dos causing chaos in the streets.
This beautiful city, known for its stunning abbey and Roman Baths, is a hotspot for visitors. But lately, the charm is being overshadowed by drunken antics.
Bath was recently named the best place in the world to visit by The New York Times for 2025, which is a big deal.
But locals like Lynn McCradie, 68, are worried about the rising homelessness and crime rates. She feels sad seeing people struggling on the streets.
Holly Fraser, a Big Issue seller, has noticed the impact of rowdy hen and stag parties in the city center. She’s lived in Bath for 12 years and says the summer months can get pretty wild.
With six million tourists flocking to this UNESCO World Heritage Site each year, the city is bustling. But it’s not all good news. Criminal activity is on the rise, and it’s affecting the vibe.
Holly mentioned that gangs come to Bath, especially around the holidays, and it’s tough for genuine vendors to make a living. She’s seen a lot of shoplifting too, which is becoming a real issue.
Tom Adams, a local poet, loves Bath but acknowledges the problems. He’s noticed the same groups posing as homeless, making it hard for those who truly need help.
On a recent visit, it was hard to miss the drunks and beggars scattered around, which is a sad sight in such a lovely city.
Lynn, who often visits Bath, enjoys the shops and cafes but is disheartened by the homelessness. She believes it’s unacceptable in today’s world.
Shoplifting has skyrocketed in Bath, with incidents up by 83% in the past year. Some businesses are even using dummy stock to deter thieves.
Daghan Akpinar, a local retail manager, has seen his fair share of theft. He loves Bath but knows the crime is a growing concern.
As if that wasn’t enough, Bath has also seen a rise in underage drinking, with hospital admissions for minors spiking dramatically.
Tragically, the city isn’t immune to the national knife-crime crisis either. Last year, three teenagers were jailed for a fatal stabbing at a birthday party, highlighting the darker side of Bath.
The Sun has reached out to local authorities for comments on these issues, hoping for some solutions to restore Bath’s charm.