Honey-coloured buildings, historic thermal baths and vibrant museums are what make Bath magical. Nestled in pretty green Somerset, the city also has a lip-smacking food scene and art galleries galore. Whatever you look for in a city break, Bath should have plenty to keep you satisfied.
Here’s how you can spend 24 fun-filled hours in this lovely Georgian town:
Let’s start as we mean to go on, shall we? You’re on holiday, but the lie-in’s not compulsory. Leap out of bed and get yourself over to Thermae Bath Spa, where you can float like a mermaid while taking in superb views of your surroundings. Though setting an alarm clock without the commute or the gym calling might seem unfair, you’ll thank yourself after a few lengths of this luxurious pool.
Thermae Bath Spa, Bath | Courtesy of Thermae Bath Spa
Tuck into a hearty brunch
A fry-up is ten times better when you’ve properly earned it. Let your hair dry as you nurse a steaming mug of tea at one of Bath’s countless friendly eateries. Try Wild Cafe for yummy eggs or head to Same Same But Different for some avocado toast and a coffee-cupful of joy.
Visit the Royal Crescent and wander in Victoria Park
Make sure to visit the splendidly photogenic row of thirty terraced Georgian houses that is Royal Crescent. The first house in the fine curve of buildings, No. 1 Royal Crescent, is home to a luxurious museum with interiors decked out in the elegant Georgian style. Take a walk in Victoria Park for tremendous views of this architectural triumph and explore the gorgeous botanical gardens, too.
There are lots of great places to explore if you’re hoping to splash a little cash in Bath, and Milsom Street is a perfect place to start. Trawl through rails of vintage clothing, choose elegant artisan gifts, handmade confectionary or classy ceramics to take home with you.
Drink in some history at the world-famous Roman Baths
As the name suggests, these glorious ruins are Bath’s number one tourist attraction. The ancient thermal baths built by the Romans have been carefully preserved and are steeped in centuries of history. Paired with excellent museum displays, the baths make for a wondrous experience with plenty to learn. A magical day out.
Completed in 1774, the bridge was built to cross the River Avon and connect Bath to its newly built Georgian neighbour, Bathwick. The bridge affords brilliant views of the city in the sunshine. But the truly exciting news is the cascading weir features in blockbuster musical Les Miserables as the scene of Russell Crowe’s dramatic final ballad. (Come on! That is exciting. No? Just us, then.)
Proudly placed overlooking the river, the Boater is a pleasant English tavern with real ales, high quality wine and a massive beer garden. It affords outstanding views across the water, and the service is top notch, too.
To pose in period costume next to a waxwork of one of England’s best-loved authors or eat a delicious cream tea at the Regency style tea rooms? You don’t have to choose at this charming and informative museum dedicated to the life and work of Jane Austen.
For a sumptuous meal from a varied menu with options both British and Mediterranean, try Clayton’s Kitchen at the Porter. Located on the ground floor of a grand Georgian townhouse, Clayton’s does classics like burgers and steak, alongside some trickier-to-pronounce delicacies. Fine food with (portion sizes and deliciousness considered) a reasonable price tag.
The sun is setting now, so what better way to round off a packed itinerary than with some serious belly-laughs?
Krater Comedy Club provides, with stand-ups at varying moments in their careers taking the stage for their star turn. One-liners and pure silliness are a recipe for tears of delight.
Round off your evening with some classy drinks at one of Bath’s many glamorous cocktail spots. Opium is a boutique establishment with an eccentric interior, whose varied trinkets, mismatched wallpaper and cool antiques are a collector’s dream.
Enjoy a perfectly-mixed nightcap before dancing your way through Bath’s historic Georgian streets and home to bed.
