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

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Bath?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Bath. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a stunning, spectacular, and natural archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Bath

Bath is a beautiful, architectural, and charming spa town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Bath: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
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


Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Bath?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bath. Although Outer Hebrides and Bath are both popular with visitors, Bath has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bath is more popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Outer Hebrides is known for its food, beaches, and hiking. Bath is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums. It is also home to The Historic Roman Baths. Outer Hebrides is popular for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

The Historic Roman Baths
The Historic Roman Baths

How is Outer Hebrides different from Bath?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Bath?

Outer Hebrides
Bath

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

Travelers visit Bath from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Outer Hebrides
Bath

Outer Hebrides is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bath Better for Nightlife?

Outer Hebrides
Bath

Bath is a good destination for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bath. 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.

Outer Hebrides is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. You'll find the most options in the main town of Stornoway. Outside of town, most bars are attached to hotels or restaurants.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bath Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides
Bath

Outer Hebrides is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Bath is not a beach destination.

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Bath is not a beach destination.


Is Outer Hebrides or Bath Better for its Old Town?

Outer Hebrides
Bath

Bath is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bath. 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bath Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides
Bath

Outer Hebrides is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Bath is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Bath is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Bath?

Outer Hebrides
Bath

Bath is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Outer Hebrides or Bath Better for Families?

Outer Hebrides
Bath

Both Outer Hebrides and Bath are good family-friendly destinations.

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly archipelago. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

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 Outer Hebrides or Bath Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides
Bath

Bath is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Bath is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Outer Hebrides frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bath Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides
Bath

Outer Hebrides and Bath are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bath. 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.


Is Outer Hebrides or Bath Better for Students?

Outer Hebrides
Bath

Bath is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

Many students visit Bath. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Outer Hebrides
Bath

Bath is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Bath has some public transit options. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bath a more walkable city?

Outer Hebrides
Bath

Bath is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Bath. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable archipelago. There are many walking routes, but you'll need a car to cover the longer distances.


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

Should I spend more time in Bath or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Bath?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Bath. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Bath. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bath.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bath than Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Bath? Ideal Length of Stay
    Outer Hebrides 4-10 
    Bath 1-3

One day in Outer Hebrides or Bath?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Outer Hebrides. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bath, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Bath?

Outer Hebrides is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bath is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Bath?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the tranquil destination of Outer Hebrides. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bath. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Outer Hebrides or Bath?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the stunning archipelago of Outer Hebrides. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the spa town of Bath. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Bath or Outer Hebrides?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Outer Hebrides is £123, while the average daily cost in Bath is £141. 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 Outer Hebrides and Bath in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Outer Hebrides £62
    Bath £79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Outer Hebrides £124
    Bath £158
Compare Hotels in Outer Hebrides and Bath

Looking for a hotel in Outer Hebrides or Bath? 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 Outer Hebrides


Hotels in Bath


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.
    Outer Hebrides £51
    Bath £26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bath

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

  • Private Transfer: From Bath to London Heathrow Airport.: $173
  • Private Round-trip Transfer: From Heathrow Airport ↔ Bath.: $316
  • LHR to Bath Executive SUV Transfer: $789
  • Bus Transfer to/from Bristol Airport: $24
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Bath".: $173

Is it cheaper to fly into Outer Hebrides or Bath?

Prices for flights to both Bath and Outer Hebrides 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
    Outer Hebrides £31
    Bath £43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Outer Hebrides £20
    Bath £17

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:

  • Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours: $22
  • "Stonehenge & Secret England" Tour for 2-8 guests from Bath: $395
  • 30 minutes SOMA Breath Work and Meditation Experience: $13
  • 30 minutes SOMA Breath Work and Meditation Experience: $14
  • Awesome Bath – Family Walking Tour: $444
  • Awesome Family Walking Tour: $226
  • Private Walking Tour | Blue Badge Guide, 2h, £220 per group: $299
  • Bad of Bath fun Walking Tour of Bath: $24
  • Bath & Stonehenge City Break from London - Self-Guided Tours: $14
  • Bath : 2 Hour Historic Walking Tour With An App: $8.49
  • Bath Abbey: Luxmuralis ‘Shine On’ Light & Sound Experience: $13
  • Bath Private Guided Walking Tour: $279

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Outer Hebrides £6.36
    Bath £14

Sample the Local Flavors in Bath

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bath:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $51


When comparing the travel costs between Outer Hebrides and Bath, we can see that Bath is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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