BATH: WEEKEND GETAWAY FROM LONDON
DAY 1
Bath World Heritage Center
First things first. Whenever I visit a city for the first time, I like going to the tourist information office because there might be some information that I have missed during my online research of the place. Especially in Bath, I recommend going to the Bath World Heritage Center.
The friendly staff is happy to answer any questions. Don’t forget to ask about the free tours (they don't accept tips). These tours are run by volunteers, and they will guide you around the most remarkable sites of the city while explaining its history. When I visited Bath, I decided to make time to fit a tour into my schedule after knowing about them at the Bath World Heritage Center, and I do not regret it.
Roman Baths
After this, go to the Roman Baths, the most popular attraction. Don’t forget to test the spa water fountain at the end of the visit! It contains 43 minerals, and it has traditionally been associated with curative purposes. It’s a truly unique experience!
The Holburne Museum and Sydney Gardens
In the afternoon, head to Pulteney Bridge and cross it. That area of the city is known as Bathwick. It dates from the late 18th century when Frances Pulteney and William Johnstone made plans to create a suburb of Bath on the other side of the river Avon to the historic centre because Pulteney had inherited that estate. As a result, the Pulteney Bridge was created alongside other renowned streets, such as Great Pulteney Street, Henrietta Street and Laura Place.
Head to The Holburne Museum.
After your visit, walk around the Sydney Gardens, one of Jane Austen’s favourite places in Bath. Don’t forget to admire the Georgian architecture of Great Pulteney Street while heading to the museum. An alternative to the Holbourne Museum is the Victoria Art Gallery, right next to the Pulteney Bridge. This gallery has paintings from the 15th century forward and art pieces from local artists.
DAY 2
Start the day heading to the famous Royal Crescent and Circus. These sets of townhouses showcase the glory of Georgian architecture. There is even the possibility of visiting one of the houses at Royal Crescent, N1 Royal Crescent.
From there, take a stroll around Royal Victoria Park, the first park created in Queen Victoria's honour and opened by her when she was 11.
After this, I suggest three alternatives. Literature fans can visit the Jane Austen Center or Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein, both located on Gay Street. Alternatively, spend a relaxing afternoon at the Thermae Bath Spa.
On my visit, I went to the Jane Austen Centre, as she is one of my favourite authors. First, a staff member dressed up as a Jane Austen character explains the life of the author and her family. Then, visitors are guided to the exhibition, where they learn more about Austen's life in Bath. There is even a small stand to try on clothes from her time and a room to write in quill!
Where to stay
During my stay, I had a lovely time at the Lansdown Grove Hotel, a Georgian mansion that now is a hotel. Please, bear in mind that it is located on a steep hill, but it is possible to get there by bus.
Bonus
Fore fans of nature and those who have more time in Bath, below is a list with other things to see in Bath:
- Bath Skyline
- Prior Park Landscape Garden
- The Bristol and Bath Railway Path
Sweet-tooth people like me shouldn't leave Bath without trying the famous Sally Lunn’s Buns or the buns at The Bath Bun:
Finally, other places to visit in bath are the Guildhall Market, Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath, Hedgemead Park, Camden Crescent and Lansdown Crescent.
The home for unique & authentic travel
