Top tips for exploring historic Bath

The city of Bath in the south west of England is the perfect place for a getaway. Large enough for a city break, yet small enough to still have a rural charm to it, Bath is a Unesco World Heritage site because it is unique in Britain. Bath is the site of the only thermal spa in the UK and home to the famous Roman Bath which give the town its name. Add to this some fantastic food, some stunning Georgian architecture and an hour and a half commute from London and you’ve got yourself a holiday!

Take a walk around the Circus and Royal Crescent

One of the reasons Bath is best known is for its architecture: Bath was the place to see and be seen during the Georgian period and most of the buildings in the city are from this period. Walk through the Milsom Street and Broad Street to do your shopping but in order to best appreciate the architecture, you need to head to one of the residential areas. Both the Circus and the Royal Crescent are within easy walking distance of the city and are testament to the glory days of this spa town. Or if you want to go one better, join the mayor’s walking tour of the city which meets in the Abbey Church Yard at 10.30 and 14.00 from Sunday to Friday and at 10.30 on Saturdays. The tour lasts around 2 hours and is completely free.

Visit the Roman Baths

The Roman Baths are at the heart of the city and are where the name Bath comes from. Bath is situated on Britain’s only hot spring. Since ancient times people have travelled to Bath for these healing hot waters and a trip to the Roman Baths is one of the best ways to get a sense of the city’s history. It’s also a great spot to snap some photos. Afterwards you head to the pump room to sample some of the water from the spring, or, if you’re feeling more indulgent, a glass of champagne!

Have a cream tea

Champagne isn’t for everyone and while there is no shortage of top notch restaurants in Bath the real gem for many people is the city’s abundance of cafes. Cream tea, which is tea served with a scone with jam and clotted cream, is traditional in the south west of England. If you feel like that wouldn’t be enough to fill you up however, instead book yourself in for some afternoon tea somewhere where you’ll be treated to a cream tea as well as sandwiches and cake. One of my favourites is Bea’s Vintage Tea Rooms, which is a 1940s themed café. Delicious.

Dress up as Jane Austen (or Mr D’Arcy)

Left image courtesy of Aoife Crowley.

If the concept of a themed café is up your street, then you’re going to love the Jane Austen Museum. Several of the writer’s novels were set in the city and Austen and her family spent much of their life in Bath and the surrounding county of Somerset. The museum looks back at Austen’s life but without doubt the star attraction is the opportunity guests have to dress up in Regency costume and get before a camera. Who knows, if you hang around there long enough, you may even find your Mr D’arcy!

Visit the Thermae Spa

The Roman Baths are no longer used for swimming in so if you want to relax and unwind in the spa waters, head to the Thermae Spa. With aromatherapy steam rooms, and a rooftop pool view with beautiful views of the city it’s a great place to indulge. Prices are for two or four hour sessions and the spa water is a toasty 33.5 degrees Celsius.

Taste the local libations

Right image courtesy of Aoife Crowley.

A holiday wouldn't be complete without a spot of indulgence and while there are many holistic options available in Bath, there are also plenty of indulgences. The Bath Gin Company prides itself of being “gin of a different persuasion,” being made with juniper, cassia, liquorice and cardamom. Head to the Canary Gin and Wine Bar for a gin cocktail or even a teapot of gin and tonic. Bottles of the famous libation can also be bought which feature the brand’s distinctive logo, a winking Jane Austen!

Enjoy the local sports

Image courtesy of Charlie.

While much of Bath’s reputation centres on its history, there is a more contemporary aspect to the city. The Bath Rugby team have their home ground located in the heart of the city right alongside the banks of the River Avon. If rugby isn’t your thing, you can always take a boat trip along the river Avon itself – either by hiring a narrow boat, or by stepping aboard and letting someone else do the driving. Some boat trips won’t run in the low season however, so it’s best to check in advance.

Failing that, take a walk around the majestic Prior Park Landscape Gardens which are tucked away to the south of the city. The gardens are set in the grounds of a stunning eighteenth century mansion and give great views of the city.

---

Map of historic Bath

---

Cover image courtesy of Saskia Heijltjes

---

Interested in a homestay in Bath? Check out our listings now.

---