On our UK road trip, we decided to visit the charming city of Bath, in Somerset. On arrival, we immediately sensed the timeless allure of this historic city, known for its Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and charming streets. While many visitors opt for a day trip, we decided to immerse ourselves in the city’s enchanting atmosphere by extending our stay for a couple of days. Eager to explore beyond the typical tourist itinerary, we set out to discover the hidden gems and unique experiences that Bath had in store for those willing to linger a little longer.

A Trip Through Time

Bath boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times. The city’s origins can be traced to the founding of the Roman thermal spa, Aquae Sulis, in the first century AD. The Romans built elaborate baths and a temple dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva, establishing Bath as a center for healing and relaxation.

In the medieval period, Bath Abbey was constructed on the site of an earlier Saxon church, becoming a prominent religious center. The city gained further prominence during the Tudor and Stuart eras, attracting royal attention as a fashionable resort and spa destination.

The 18th century marked a significant chapter in Bath’s history, known as the Georgian era. The architect John Wood, along with his son, transformed the cityscape, designing the famous Royal Crescent and Circus, contributing to Bath’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Bath continued to evolve, blending its historic charm with modern developments. Today, it stands as a captivating blend of ancient architecture, cultural heritage, and a thriving contemporary city.

Boutique Bath

When looking for a hotel in Bath, I wanted something unique and within walking distance of everything that we wanted to see. While we had a car, I knew that parking was going to be hard to come by and expensive in the city, so walkability became very important. Both requirements were met in the Abbey Hotel. The hotel is very art driven, with a lovely collection throughout the public spaces and rooms. It was built in 1739 and is comprised of 62 very tasteful rooms. Abbey Hotel is a Marriott Tribute Portfolio property and as such has wonderful service. As Gold members, we were greeted with a welcome drink, given a complimentary upgrade, and had a bag of snacks waiting for us in the room. The onsite bar is absolutely beautiful and while we did not experience the restaurant, it smelled delicious. The hotel has no dedicated parking, as it is in the heart of everything, but the front desk staff was very helpful in us a nearby lot to park in for our stay. Once we were settled, we were able to set off to explore the city, with the cathedral and baths only a two minute walk away.

A Tale of Two Baths

The first thing comes to mind about Bath is probably the eponymous Roman Baths.

While researching activities in the city, I came across a more modern bath house where we could experience these healing waters for ourselves. Thermae Bath Spa was one of the most relaxing experiences of my life. We had been going for days, between work, hopping on an international flight, and then beginning a road trip (driving on the opposite of the road)– we were in dire need of a morning of complete relaxation. The spa boasts a diverse range of thermal experiences with four main pools, each featuring the famous mineral-rich thermal waters. The rooftop pool offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and the warm and inviting indoor Minerva Pool had massage jets that helped move us around the pool. Additionally, the spa houses a selection of different sauna/treatment rooms, including an invigorating Georgian Steam Room (with it’s delightful floral fragrance), an Alpine-style infrared sauna, and my bizarre favorite, an ice chamber, providing a comprehensive and luxurious wellness experience. A two-hour block at the spa starts at £41 and includes a locker and towel. No phones or cameras are allowed, which really adds to the relaxing atmosphere.

As I stepped into the Roman Baths in Bath, I was immediately transported to a world where ancient history and architectural grandeur converge. The Great Bath, adorned with centuries-old Roman columns, greeted me with warm, mineral-laden waters, inviting a sense of awe and relaxation.

I began my exploration with the intricate chambers surrounding the Great Bath, each unveiling a different facet of Roman life in this remarkable spa town. The East and West Baths, with their well-preserved features, offered a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of those who once sought refuge in these ancient waters.

The museum, a treasure trove of artifacts, further enriched my visit. From everyday objects to intricately carved statues, the collection provided a tangible connection to the past. The audio guide, thoughtfully included with admission, narrated tales of Roman rituals and daily life, enhancing the immersive experience.

For a comprehensive visit, plan to spend a leisurely two to three hours exploring the site. This timeframe allows you to absorb the historical richness, savor the architectural marvels, and perhaps even indulge in a moment of tranquility in the charming Pump Room.

As for costs, it’s advisable to check the official website for the latest admission fees. However, I found the investment worthwhile, considering the depth of historical insight and cultural immersion offered by this journey through time. The Roman Baths in Bath prove to be a palatable feast for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, leaving an indelible mark on anyone fortunate enough to step into its ancient embrace.

Tip: A lot of bus tours arrive around noon to Bath, hit the baths in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crush of people.

Tea Time

The Pump Room in Bath, steeped in history dating back to the 18th century, stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Originally built as part of the Roman Baths complex, the Pump Room evolved into a fashionable Georgian gathering place, frequented by high society. Today, visitors can relish the same historic charm while enjoying a delightful array of meal options, from traditional afternoon tea featuring delicate sandwiches and scones to elegant lunches, all served in an ambiance that transports you to a bygone era.

Sipping tea at the Pump Room in Bath is a quintessential experience that seamlessly blends elegance with history. As I settled into the refined ambiance, the aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted through the air, creating an atmosphere of sophistication. The traditional afternoon tea service showcased an array of delicate finger sandwiches, delectable pastries, and, of course, scones accompanied by clotted cream and jam. The attentive staff added a touch of charm, providing impeccable service that complemented the regal setting. Against the backdrop of live classical music, the ritual of enjoying tea at the Pump Room became a delightful immersion into Bath’s cultural legacy.

Ghosts of the Past

We love a taking a ghost tour in a new city and embarking on a ghost tour with Bath Ghost Tours was an unforgettable experience, as our guide skillfully unraveled the haunted mysteries lurking in the city’s ancient corners. Led by flickering lantern light, we wandered through narrow alleys and hidden courtyards, each step revealing chilling tales of the paranormal. The knowledge and storytelling prowess of our guide, coupled with the atmospheric backdrop of Bath’s historic architecture, created an immersive journey into the supernatural. From haunted pubs to spectral encounters near the Royal Crescent, every stop along the tour heightened the suspense, making it a spine-tingling adventure that perfectly blended history and the eerie unknown. Bath Ghost Tours provided a captivating and eerie glimpse into the spectral side of this enchanting city.

Noshing

I’ve mentioned this in previous UK posts but I am not sure where the old myth about the horrors of British food comes from, as the only issue I have ever had is that I don’t have enough time or room to eat everything. Bath was no different, as we found quite a few culinary gems.

Guildhall Market in Bath is a historic and vibrant indoor market located in the heart of the city. Dating back to the 18th century, this bustling market offers a diverse array of stalls and shops, featuring everything from fresh produce and local delicacies to handmade crafts and vintage finds. This spot is worth a stop to grab picnic supplies and a good book to read while lounging in the park with the aforementioned picnic supplies.

When I was planning this trip, I knew that I wanted David to have some really good English seafood (I’m not a huge fan of seafood, myself). After doing some research, The Scallop Shell came up as the option that would provide a full taste of the Cornish coast in Bath. The restaurant itself was very warm and inviting, with a lovely wine, beer, and cider (this is Somerset, after all) selection. The hand-dived scallop appetizer was life changing, according to David, and the Cornish crab was just the dish that we were hoping to find here. For me, the fries here were sublime, perfectly fried with a beautiful, steamy, starchy interior. They had a separate fryer for them and they even mentioned which farm the potatoes came from on the menu. This is a must-dine when visiting Bath.

This last recommendation is for all of you night owls. There are times, after a pint (or two, or five) that time slips away, and before you know it, every place that serves food has turned off the lights. This is usually the place where a Taco Bell run comes in but alas, in this case we were in Bath, and there wasn’t a Fourth Meal in sight. Enter Schwartz Bros Gourmet Burger Takeaway. The service was quick and within 15 minutes of ordering, I was eating fries in my hotel bed. Was it the best burger of my life? No. Was is the meal that I needed after an evening on Gin Alley? 100%

A Pint or Two

Our time in Bath was not just spent viewing and lounging in their famous liquids, we also imbibed quite a bit of them, too. This being a quinticessential UK town, we found ourselves having a few pints.

First up, The Crystal Palace is a Fuller’s Pub in a beatufiful Georgian pub located on a quaint cobbled square. The pub had all the familiar Fuller’s pub offerings: cask beer, good food, and a friendly atmosphere.

The Ale House is a small pub, not far from the Baths, that promises to serve a gorgeous pint. They have a great beer selection and over 20 different ciders on offer. The pub proudly displays the “Cask Marque” sign outside, to show that they serve great quality cask ale.

While we were in Bath, we wanted to try some local, craft beer and the one brewery that I could find in the area, Abbey Ales, was a little out of town and didn’t seem to have a tasting room. This is somewhat of a theme with UK breweries, they have pubs that are tied to them (tied-house), rather than their own tasting rooms– this is changing with the current craft scene, though. So, we found out that they had a brewery shop in town… and misread the hours. Luckily, one of those tied houses happened to be next door, the Coeur de Lion. The tiny pub (some claim the smallest in Bath) had a few of the Abbey Ales on , as well as stalwarts like Bass. I enjoyed the Bath Best, a Best Bitter, on cask and David had the Sin Bin, a beer brewed especially for the rugby season.

Voted CAMRA’s “Pub of the Year,” The Raven is a great pub to really get a feel for English pub culture. Spread out over several Georgian townhomes, with cozy rooms and snugs abound, this is the kind of place that made me fall in love with pubs.

I’ve written about the UK’s history with gin a bit in the London blog and it would seem sacrilege to visit the country without popping into at least one gin bar. The Bath Distillery had unique cocktails, along with the more classic G&Ts, as well as a knowledgeable staff to guide you through their extensive gin list. On our visit, we happened to perch next to a sign that read, “ALL WE HAVE IS NOW,” which was a fair reminder and one to which we toasted.

Scroll through our previous posts and you’ll notice, we love a tiki bar. One of the first things that I look for when I am planning a trip to a new city is if they have a tiki bar and how I can get to that tiki bar. I’m forever searching for the perfect Macadamia Nut Chi Chi, and while I didn’t find one in Bath, I did find The Common Room. While not overtly tiki (they call themselves a rum bar), The Common Room had just the amount of tropical that we needed to feel the tiki spirit. The drinks are strong, they are open late, and the staff is great– what more could you want?

Let me be clear when I say, outside of Harry Potter, I did not grow up with an interest in magic. David, on the other-hand, was (is?) a real nerd for the stuff. So, when we were looking for a nightcap and spotted Sleight Bar near our hotel, it was a definite go. Sleight Bar describes itself as Bath’s first and only magic bar, and to be honest, it is the first only magic bar that I’ve seen anywhere. However, if our experience at Sleight is anything to be trusted, there should be more magic bars! They had a decent selection of beers and cocktails but the main attraction was the close-up magic. We had two magicians during our visit and both were extraordinary. I do not think that these people were playing on their audience being a little tipsy, either, they were just very good at *sleight* of hand and card magic.

But Wait, There’s More

The iconic Bath Abbey, with its stunning Gothic facade and intricate stained glass windows, stood as a testament to centuries of history. The abbey is a striking testament to centuries of architectural and spiritual history. Originally founded in the 7th century, the present Gothic structure dates back to the 12th century, showcasing exquisite fan vaulting, intricate carvings, and stunning stained glass windows. The abbey’s exterior is adorned with sculpted angels climbing Jacob’s Ladder, providing a visual feast for visitors. Stepping inside, one is enveloped in an atmosphere of reverence and awe, as sunlight filters through the colorful windows, illuminating the magnificent nave. Bath Abbey remains a significant cultural and religious site, inviting both pilgrims and tourists to explore its sacred spaces and connect with the rich tapestry of England’s past.

Wandering along the Pulteney Bridge, we marveled at its unique design spanning the river Avon. Built in the 18th century, this historic bridge is lined with boutique shops that create a picturesque scene, making it one of the most beloved landmarks in the city.

The Royal Crescent a masterpiece of Georgian architecture, transported us back in time with elegant terraces and harmonious proportions. The Royal Crescent in Bath, as the name suggests, is a crescent-shaped row of 30 terraced houses that has graced the city since the 18th century. Its iconic design has made it a sought-after filming location, and it notably played a role in the production of the popular period drama series “Bridgerton.” The elegant backdrop of the Royal Crescent, with its uniform facades and sweeping curvature, provided the perfect setting for the Regency-era drama, adding to the list of prestigious films and shows that have utilized this historic location for its timeless charm and architectural grandeur.

It wouldn’t be a complete trip if we didn’t wander into a bookstore and weigh down our luggage a bit. Topping & Company is an independent bookstore with a few locations throughout the UK. The Bath store is located near the Baths in a beautiful “classic” building and inside is bibliophiles dream. There were helpful staff recommendations (always a plus) and spots to sit and read a bit, this store is definitely worth a peruse when visiting Bath.

Bath Thoughts

Is this the equivalent of shower thoughts? Deep thoughts that you have while taking a nice hot shower? Not really but it is my own deep thoughts about visiting Bath.

If you come on a daytrip (as most do), take your time in the museum when seeing the Baths. It’s easy to get swept away in seeing the pools themselves but the archeological finds and history surrounding the area are just as, if not more, interesting. Also, if you are visiting on a day trip, you’ll have time to grab a pint– the closest place that I’d recommend for a little atmosphere and history is The Crystal Palace, if you just want a non-fussy good pint, go to The Ale House.

If you come for a longer stay, The Abbey Hotel is lovely and so well located. Eat at the Scallop Shell. Spend an evening on a ghost tour and follow it up with a pint at The Raven and being wowed at Sleight. The next morning, indulge yourself at the spa and then have tea at the Pump Room and a long visit the Roman Baths. There is so much to do in this slice of Georgian paradise in Somerset, it’s a shame that there isn’t more time in most itineraries for a longer visit.