A Guide for Creating an Ideal Home Spa Experience
Exploring Bath: A City Rich in History, Culture, and Delicious Cuisine
Bath, a picturesque city in southwest England, is renowned for its Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and Georgian architecture. But there's more to this UNESCO World Heritage Site than meets the eye. Here are some unique activities that offer a deeper engagement with Bath's heritage, natural beauty, and local art scene.
For those interested in Bath's history, a visit to the Bath World Heritage Centre is a must. This interactive centre provides insight into the city's hot springs, Roman remains, and Georgian architecture. It also offers walking trails and expert tips for exploring the city.
Art enthusiasts will find solace in the Victoria Art Gallery and the Holburne Museum. The Victoria Art Gallery features European art spanning 500 years and decorative arts, and is free to enter. The Holburne Museum, known from the show Bridgerton, has fine and decorative art with free entry during certain times on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Music lovers can enjoy free live music and appreciate Georgian architecture around the city. Bath has a lively music scene that offers experiences beyond the usual historic tours.
For those seeking a bit of adventure, Prior Park Landscape Gardens and the Bath Skyline are perfect choices. Prior Park Landscape Gardens feature a Palladian Bridge and scenic views over Bath, while the Bath Skyline offers over 6 miles of footpaths, stunning views of the city, hidden valleys, beech woodlands, an Iron Age Fort on Little Solsbury Hill, and Sham Castle, an eighteenth-century folly.
Accommodation options in Bath range from budget-friendly to luxurious. The Bath Backpackers is the cheapest place to stay, starting at around £12 a night for a dorm room bed. For a more upscale experience, the Hilton Bath Spa is located in the heart of the city on the River Avon. Those seeking a more unique stay can opt for YHA Bath, located outside the city centre in an old mansion, or Homewood Park Hotel and Spa, a luxurious 5-star hotel located about twenty minutes from town.
When it comes to dining, Acorn, a vegetarian restaurant in Bath, is highly recommended for its delicious and inventive veggie menu featuring dishes like truffled broccoli. For the best Sunday roast in town, head to Garricks Head, or out into the country to The Wheatsheaf at Combe Hay, which has fabulous gardens and views. For a more upscale dining experience, The Olive Tree restaurant serves Michelin star-inspired food at reasonable prices and is recommended for its venison and desserts.
For a fun and quirky tour of the city, the Bizarre Bath Comedy Walk is a daily tour that starts at 8pm every evening (between April 1st and November 1st) at the Huntsman Inn, costing £8 per adult. The tour pokes fun at the more eccentric elements of Bath and includes street theatre.
Bath's nightlife is vibrant, with favourites like Opium, The Circus, and The Firehouse. For a more traditional experience, The Queensberry Hotel is a beautifully British and fabulously quirky 4-star hotel located in the centre of town.
Lastly, don't forget to visit Sally Lunn's, the oldest building in Bath, where you can visit a museum for 30p, sample the famous Sally Lunn Bath Bun, and explore. Menu Gordon Jones is a tiny restaurant with a unique no-menu concept, offering a surprise dining experience that's worth trying.
Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, a foodie, or a night owl, Bath has something for everyone. So why not plan your visit today and discover the hidden gems of this beautiful city?
[1] Bath Tourism Plus. (n.d.). Things to Do in Bath. Retrieved from https://www.visitthebath.co.uk/things-to-do/ [5] Visit Bath. (n.d.). Bath Skyline. Retrieved from https://www.visitbath.co.uk/things-to-do/bath-skyline-6573/
- For food lovers, Acorn, a celebrated vegetarian restaurant in Bath, offers an innovative veggie menu with dishes like truffled broccoli, making it a must-visit spot.
- For those seeking a touch of luxury during their stay, Homewood Park Hotel and Spa, a 5-star hotel located outside the city centre, offers a unique and upscale lodging experience.
- Wellness enthusiasts can unwind at the Hilton Bath Spa, a hotel located in the heart of the city on the River Avon, offering rejuvenating spa treatments and facilities.
- Beyond exploring the rich history and art scene, adventurous travelers can embark on hikes along the Bath Skyline, with over 6 miles of footpaths and stunning views of the city.