Rock and roll Through Time Bath’s Hidden Music History
Overview
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover Bath’s surprising rock and roll heritage as you wander its historic Georgian streets.
While Bath boasts rich classical roots, with prodigies like Thomas Linley and the lyrical masterpiece “Danny Boy” penned here, it’s the city’s electrifying connection to rock music that will leave you humming.
From Eddie Cochran’s untimely death at Combe Down in 1960 to Fleetwood Mac’s legendary farewell to Peter Green at Twerton Park in 1970, Bath’s streets have witnessed the rise and resonance of music history. The Bath Blues Festival of 1970 even inspired the birth of Glastonbury, now one of the world’s greatest festivals.
Step back into the 80s at iconic venues like Moles Club, where Tears for Fears debuted and a cityscape which inspired Peter Gabriel to craft hits like “Solsbury Hill.” With legends rehearsing in pubs, recording at Crescent Studios, and igniting stages across the city, Bath’s music story is as vibrant as its architecture.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Bath
While Bath boasts rich classical roots, with prodigies like Thomas Linley and the lyrical masterpiece “Danny Boy” penned here, it’s the city’s electrifying connection to rock music that will leave you humming. Bath’s streets have witnessed the rise and resonance of music history and Bath’s music story is as vibrant as its architecture. Let Rock and Stroll Tours guide you through a time machine of melodies, memories, and milestones in the heart of Bath.
Options
Rock and roll Through Time Bath’s Hidden Music History
What‘s Included
Experienced Tour Guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great way to spend a rainy day!
simonandbevr,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our experience with a very knowledgeable guide made the afternoon memorable for us. Thank you!
Something different!
715jacquir,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As an ex Bathonian, living there in the 1980's, I really enjoyed this tour, along with my husband. An easy, flat, circular walk, with interesting facts about music in Bath throughout the years. Particularly liked hearing about the Bath Arts Workshop. Shaun was a great tour guide with a wealth if information. Thoroughly recommended. Thanks Shaun! Jacqui and Pete
Loved!
812ivyl,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was fabulous. John is just the nicest guy. Very warm and personable. In addition to all of the great info. for TFF fans, he also included in the tour other tidbits as well, like movie filming sites and bits of Bath's history. On the day I went (May 23, 2026), there was just me and one other lady on the tour. Small and intimate. The tour lasted about two hours, which was a perfect amount of time; never felt rushed. I can't believe how inexpensive this tour is. John, you and Shaun should charge more! Seriously! Well worth it! Ivy from DC
A must for any Tears for Fears fans
Martyn R,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience this tour is. Today it was Shaun Smith (Curt Smith of Tears for Fears brother) that took the tour. So much information l, delivered in a great way by man who really knows his stuff. As a major Tears for Fears fan for more years than I care to remember, to have Curts brother lead me through the streets of Bath, giving out lots of great information at all the sights we visited. All topped off with a pint in the iconic Bell Inn Pub. Where both Graduate and Tears for Fears played back in the day. Thank you Shaun. An amazing day out in your home city. For any Tears for Fears fans. This is a tour you need to do. I am already considering doing the tour again with John Baker, who was in the band Graduate with Curt and Roland to hear his take on the boys.
Bath's significance to Rock & Pop history brought to life & immortalised!
markdagger,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked the Bath "Rock 'n' Stroll" tour for part of my wife's Christmas present in 2025 as she is a huge "Tears for Fears" fan and, living in Bristol, we're always aware of the impact the duo had on the City of Bath. However, having now attended the Tour, we were largely unaware of Bath's contribution to the fledgling music industry and found that our host, Shaun, brought it to life and immortalised it for us. Concentrating not only on music, the afternoons stroll around Bath is literally jam packed full of knowledge, anecdotes, memoirs and personal accounts - taking you to some wonderful Bath heritage and stopping along the way to recount personal memories or those that are of specific importance. This was such a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours around such a historic city which has always been on our door step. Thank you to the Rock 'n' Stroll team for making it such an enjoyable afternoon.
Fantastic experience!
E6839WPkristint,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent walking tour with a guide well-versed in the music scene in Bath! We learned from 1st hand and close to 1st hand stories about musicians and bands from 1960’s to 2000’s that played in clubs, festivals and other venues in Bath. John Baker, currently with the Korgis and formerly the Graduate, shared inside info on music organizers who created weekly concerts with now big name bands. And finally interesting stories about the venues and spaces, many now defunct, where the music happened. Fantastic tour and experience. Highly recommend.
Rocknstroll through time baths hidden music history
amandabN411DL,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is absolutely fantastic and definitely a must for music fans we did it again for the second time on Saturday, the 6th of December a special Tears for fears tour and it was fantastic absolutely amazing thank you John and Shaun and Juilian & we met some wonderful people we will be doing it again xxxxx❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Super Fun Interesting Tour
jennywM2136HX,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely wonderful Experience Bath was great to experience. Especially the knowledge I gained from John Baker re Tears For Fears plus many iconic bands / singers Highly recommend
Excellent overview of the festivals, venues, bands and gigs that shaped Bath music since the early 1960s
290patn,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shaun gave us an excellent overview of Bath’s music history, with some fun bonuses like chatting to a vintage store owner who’s had her shop since 1967! After learning all about the distant past during our long UK trip, it was nice to hear about some of Bath’s recent past from a guide who’s lived it. Of course, if you’re a Tears for Fears fan you’ll be giddy the entire time, but this tour is much more comprehensive than just the Tears pieces. Thank you Shaun!
Rock n Stroll Tours - A Must for all Music Lovers.
ClaireH2857,Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yesterday my partner and I booked ourselves onto the Rock n Stroll Tours Bath. These tours started running this year and are already attracting much attention from music lovers from far and wide. The guides are either Shaun Smith or John Baker. Both are Bathonians with strong connections to the city and the music scene. Shaun is a local musician with years of experience and is also brother to Curt Smith from Tears for Fears. John has been playing music since the late 70s. I first saw him at Bath Tiffanys in 1980 with Graduate - his band mates included Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal. He is now playing with the Korgis (well worth seeing if you get the chance). John was our very informative and knowledgeable guide yesterday. We spent a couple of fascinating hours in the sunshine wandering around Bath while John pointed out many buildings and areas steeped in Bath music history. I love anything music related so this was my idea of an afternoon well spent. John is very happy to answer questions. I am resisting the temptation to share any of the stories and snippets of information because I would urge everyone to go and find out for themselves but would add that there is much to see and learn! The tour starts at the tree on Abbey Green and culminates at the Bell on Walcott Street. John very graciously joined us for a pint at the Bell and signed my Graduate record. To sum up we had a great afternoon and would not hesitate to recommend this tour.
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