Crimes and Misdemenours:
A Story-Walk Through Disreputable Bath
From duels at dawn to gentlemen highwaymen; from card sharps to conmen and murderers, Bath has seen more than its fair share of lawless activity over the years. There have been moonlight raids on male gatherings; the light-fingered aunt of a lady novelist, quacks selling cures for the 'Glimmering of the Gizzard' and Bath's first traffic violations.
This will be a suspenseful walk exploring the murky shadows of criminal Bath.
We'll peel back the facade of Bath’s genteel respectability, uncovering hidden infringements that Bath would really rather forget.
'Engaging' 'Fun' 'Clever' 'Always entertaining' 'Creative and quirky' 'Interesting' 'Informative' 'Unexpected', 'Surprising' 'Fabulous': some of the words walkers used to describe the walk, see more below.
The walk takes 2 hours. Suitable for 12 plus. The walk begins and end outside the main doors of Bath Abbey. There is a slope up from the Abbey to the Assembly Rooms, and thereafter the walk is downhill.
This walk was first created for Bath Fringe Festival, 2026.
[Photo copyright Chris Doel]
What the walkers thought
"The walk was incredibly interesting and Clare really did bring the stories to life, describing the context with great flourish and a quiet brilliance, I felt."
Walker 2026
"It was just the right mix of historical knowledge and fictional storytelling"
Walker 2026
"Interesting stories about a city I thought I knew well, about people who lived & worked in the city through the ages bringing to life their various crimes and misdemeanours. Fascinating.
Walker, 2026
"The stories were engaging and varied in their historical context as well as genre. I loved the mix of fact and the fiction. And of the facts, they were surprising and interesting. The walk had a perfect mix of walking and talking, taking in beautiful parts of Bath. A super trip."
Walker 2026
A Story-Walk through the Pleasure Gardens
This walk features labyrinths and musicians, steam trains and brass bands, Georgians and Romans, a crotchety old lady leaning on a stick and a mum and daughter watching the fireworks, as we explore a few of Bath's green spaces.
This is a lovely walk which introduces Bath to those who don't know it, and uncovers hidden corners to those who know it well. You'll find out things you never knew before without being overwhelmed with facts, and you'll be entertained along the way.
The walk will take just under 2 hours. Unusually for Bath, it is mainly on level ground, with two gentle slopes. The paths are occasionally uneven.
The walk starts at Parade Gardens, and takes in landmarks including Pultenay Bridge, Great Pultenay Street, Sydney Gardens, the Great Western Railway, the Kennet and Avon canal and the outside of the Holborne Museum.
This walk was first created for Bath Fringe Festival, 2025.
What the walkers thought
"It really brought Bath to life in a way that I haven't experienced on any other tour! I will remember your stories each time I visit the locations.
Walker, 2025
"Great stories, interesting facts, I liked finding new places in Bath."
Walker 2025
"A great concept and I will definitely be looking out for future walks. Thoroughly enjoyed it"
Walker 2025
"I just love the concept: interesting town, social history, live drama in the stories,physically walking the landscape in the present but with given hints and context about the past making the walk into something much wider.And characters, buildings,structures and trees all coming to life. For me it's just such a great form of entertainment!
Walker 2025