A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Bath vs. Glencoe for Couples, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Bath or Glencoe?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bath and Glencoe can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bath

Bath is a architectural, charming, and historical spa town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a serene, beautiful, and picturesque village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking.

Bath and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Historic Roman Baths
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bath or Glencoe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bath than Glencoe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bath is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Glencoe is more popular for its hiking. Bath is more touristy than Glencoe and is popular for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums. Also, Bath is famous for The Historic Roman Baths. Glencoe is well known for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

The Historic Roman Baths
The Historic Roman Baths

How is Bath different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glencoe and Bath. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bath or Glencoe?

Bath
Glencoe

Bath is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Bath on the map. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Bath or Glencoe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bath
Glencoe

Dining out at restaurants in both Bath and Glencoe can be an enjoyable experience.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Bath or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Bath
Glencoe

Bath is a spa town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for nightlife.

Bath has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Bath or Glencoe Better for its Old Town?

Bath
Glencoe

Bath is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Glencoe does not have a historic old town.

Bath is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

Glencoe does not have a historic old town.


Is Bath or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Bath
Glencoe

Glencoe is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Bath is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Glencoe. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Bath is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bath or Glencoe?

Bath
Glencoe

Bath is well known for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bath. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bath or Glencoe Better for Families?

Bath
Glencoe

Glencoe is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Glencoe is a very family-friendly destination. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bath. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.


Is Bath or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Bath
Glencoe

Bath is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Bath is a great spa town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

Glencoe is a great spa town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

Is Bath or Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bath
Glencoe

Bath is a spa town with good options for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bath is a good spa town to visit for backpackers. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.

Is Bath or Glencoe Better for Students?

Bath
Glencoe

Bath is well known for students. However, Glencoe is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Bath. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

Glencoe is not popular with students.


Is Bath or Glencoe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bath
Glencoe

Bath is a spa town with good options for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Bath, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Bath or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Bath
Glencoe

Bath is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Bath on foot is easy. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore on foot.

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable spa town. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Bath Worth Visiting? and Is Glencoe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Bath?

How long in Bath or Glencoe?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bath and Glencoe. In our opinion, Bath has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bath than Glencoe. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Glencoe than Bath. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Glencoe, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bath than Glencoe. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bath that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bath than Glencoe if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bath.


  • How many days in Bath or Glencoe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bath 1-3 
    Glencoe 1-3

One day in Bath or Glencoe?

In Bath, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This spa town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Glencoe. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Bath or Glencoe?

In Bath, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bath has to offer.

Glencoe is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bath or Glencoe?

Bath is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find food around the picturesque destination of Glencoe. This village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bath or Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bath. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bath. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The serene village of Glencoe offers food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Glencoe or Bath?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bath is £141, while the average daily cost in Glencoe is £117. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bath and Glencoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bath £79
    Glencoe £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bath £158
    Glencoe £118
Compare Hotels in Bath and Glencoe

Looking for a hotel in Bath or Glencoe? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bath


Hotels in Glencoe


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bath Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bath £26
    Glencoe £37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bath

Also for Bath, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Bath".: $160
  • Bath to Heathrow Airport private airport transfer: $288
  • Bus Transfer to/from Bristol Airport: $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Bath or Glencoe?

Prices for flights to both Glencoe and Bath change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bath £43
    Glencoe £33

Typical Food Prices in Glencoe

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Glencoe:


  • Lunch for 2
    £46
  • Lunch for 2
    £23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bath £17
    Glencoe £29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bath

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bath's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Thermal Bath Spa
    £35

Tours and Activities in Bath

For Bath, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Bath : 2 Hour Historic Walking Tour With An App: $8.99
  • Bridgeton Walking Tour with an APP: $8.99
  • 2 Hour Historic Walking Tour in Bath with An App: $9.99
  • Bath Self-Guided Private Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Bath Private Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Jane Austen Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Bath: $13
  • Bath & Stonehenge City Break from London - Self-Guided Tours: $13
  • Bath Abbey Entry Ticket and Guided Tower Tour: $19
  • The Soul Spa: TRIPP Spa Virtual Reality Experience: $19
  • Mystery Urban Adventure City Exploration Game: $19
  • Self-Guided Tour App and Big Britain Quiz: $19

Tours and Activities in Glencoe

Here are a few actual costs in Glencoe for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Evening Cruise in Scotland: $46
  • From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenoce & The Highlands Day Tour: $61
  • From Edinburgh: Magical Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express: $216
  • Loch Linnhe Rib Adventures in Aurora: $64
  • Private Walking Tour in Fort William Town Centre : $13
  • Seal Island Cruise Tour: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bath £14
    Glencoe £6.77

Sample the Local Flavors in Bath

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bath:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bath and Glencoe, we can see that Bath is more expensive. And not only is Glencoe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Glencoe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glencoe and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bath would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bath than you might in Glencoe.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bath Expensive? and Is Glencoe Expensive?.