A Beginner’s Guide to Bath
Striking Georgian buildings line the cobbled streets of majestic Bath, transporting you back in time. Conjure Romans bathing in the famous spa waters, picture Austen, Dickens and Shelley gazing across the landscape drawing inspiration for their next novel and more recently, spot locations used when filming Bridgerton. Today it is a diverse and exciting metropolitan of culture, great food, history and literature. Bath is the only city to have UNESCO World Heritage status and it can be a bit overwhelming to decide where to start. With so much on offer we’ve narrowed down our top experiences in a guide to Bath, in no particular order, so you get the most out of your stay.
1
Sally Lunn’s
Inside one of the oldest houses in Bath you will find Sally Lunn’s original Bath bun. It was here that the brioche inspired bun became a craze. The recipe used is still a secret today! It’s a very light bun which is cut in half with toppings of something sweet or savoury, the most traditional being cinnamon butter. The cafe is a really popular place to meet up with friends but don’t be put off if there’s a queue. There’s plenty of space for diners and we’re sure you won’t have too long of a wait. It’s worth it once you get inside!
2
Roman Baths
We couldn’t leave out the most well-known attraction, the Roman Baths, the reason modern day Bath exists at all! The great bath is filled with luxuriously warm spring water and the Romans would have alternated between this water and colder plunge pools. Walking in the footsteps of the Romans beside the great bath you are surrounded by the spectacular pillars and can’t help but be awed by the setting. Make sure you taste the spring waters before you leave. People believe it has healing properties and you’re sure to remember the flavour!
3
Jane Austen
Exploring Bath is a real page turner, a new discovery awaits you at every chapter. Jane Austen was swept up in the romance of the city which became her muse. Appearing in all six of her novels, Bath was the main location in both Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. Austen lived here in the early 1800s and her books are brought to life as you stop off at some of her favourite places. The Gravel Walk that heads out of town was the setting for a love scene in Persuasion, have an afternoon tea at The Pump Rooms and visit the Jane Austen Centre. Here you can learn more about the authors connection to this beautiful city. For true ‘Austen-ites’, you can’t miss the Austen festival in September!
4
Bath Abbey
The majestic abbey is a beautiful centre point of the city inviting you to step into a moment of calm. Glorious stained-glass windows flood the spaces with colour as they tell stories from the bible. As you walk the ledgerstones make sure you look up to appreciate the fan vaulted ceiling. There are so many intricate details you can spend hours here taking it all in. A highlight is climbing the 212 steps of the tower to absorb the fantastic panoramic views from the top. This experience is only available when you book a tour and includes a look at the bells and clock face.
5
Pulteney Bridge
Crossing the River Avon, Pulteney Bridge is one of only four bridges in the world with shops lining both sides. As you cross the bridge, stopping off to browse the independent stores along the way, spot the leaded domes at either end and the arches and pillars that decorate the buildings. It’s a unique experience so make sure you take your time. Why not have a coffee in one of the cafes, enjoying the views across the river? Opened in 1770, it was designed to be spectacular, to draw attention and to start conversations. It certainly does that! One of the best views in Bath is from the Parade Gardens with the bridge behind the weir and the pillared roads around you.
6
Thermae Bath Spa
Live like the Romans and take some time out of your day for a trip to the spa. A leisurely dip in the naturally warm, mineral rich waters that Bath is so well known for will rejuvenate you. The rooftop pool is a truly luxurious experience. As the steam rises around you the view across the city is spectacular. The largest of the thermal baths is named after the Roman Goddess of Health and Wisdom, Minerva. It is a modern take on the original Roman baths with grand columns rising from its depths. You will find nods to the spa history of this city throughout which makes time spent here a truly special experience.
7
The Royal Crescent and The Circus
When you first arrive in Bath, it’s hard to know where to start. Wandering the streets you are immersed in the Georgian architecture built from this region’s golden stone. There’s no better place to see this on display than at the Royal Crescent and the Circus. The Royal Crescent is a semi-circular row of townhouses while the Circus is a circle of houses around a central green. When seen from above they form either a question mark or a sun and moon. The uniform facades are a stunning display of design with carvings of serpents and acorns amongst others. Standing in the middle of the Circus there is a specific spot that will echo back anything you say! At the Royal Crescent you can see the hidden interior of these houses at the museum at No.1.
8
Prior Park
After visiting Pulteney Bridge, one of four in the world with shops on the bridge, head over to Prior Park and walk across one of only four existing Palladian bridges as well! Local entrepreneur Ralph Allen created the park with some help from Capability Brown. Amongst sweeping greens, winding paths and reflective pools are peaceful places to take in the views across Bath and have a picnic. It’s a fantastic way to round up your trip to Bath and enjoy a casual stroll before heading back home again.
