Easter week, Kemey and I made a quick overnight trip to Bath for a bit of rest and relaxation with a dash of history and scaled down but nonetheless urban ease. Both of us had been to Bath before but ages ago and not together. We had so much fun during our brief stay in this compact and attractive city. It’s a great place for couples and super easy to get to from London. Of course, more time to explore Bath and the bucolic countryside nearby would have been ideal, but our overnight visit proved to be an amply replenishing pause before having to head back to the London grind.
Thermae Bath Spa
The highlight of our time in Bath was the early evening Twilight for Two visit to Thermae Bath Spa. Available from 4pm with last full entry at 6pm (daily except for Saturday), The Twilight package offers a three-hour session with a light meal in the spa’s Springs Restaurant (straight from the pools in your robe and slippers if you like – we liked!). Prices start at £45 for individuals and £85 for couples.
This was the first experience at the spa for both of us. We especially loved the steam room and getting to take in the views from the heated rooftop pool. Situated in the heart of town just a short walk from the rail station and our accommodation with reasonably priced range of options, we also admired the spa’s aim to provide accessible means of wellbeing.
Thermae Bath Spa is located at The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath Street, Bath, BA1 1SJ. For more details and to book your visit, go to thermaebathspa.com.
Brooks Guesthouse
We stayed at boutique bed and breakfast, Brooks Guesthouse, and would not be against doing so again. Basic requirements – impeccably clean, free WiFi with a good signal throughout, comfy bed, strong shower, quiet room, convenient location – were certainly all met. Everyone we met at Brooks was exceptionally friendly. Breakfast was scrumptious and hearty.
Brooks Guesthouse is located at 1 Upper Bristol Road, Bath, BA1 2NA. Visit the guesthouse online at brooksguesthouse.com.
The Bell Inn
A fireside pint (of delicious Bath Ale Gems!) at The Bell Inn at the end of our night added to the unwinding effect of our dip at the spa. Live music, friendly folks, and prices so cheap they remind you how nutso expensive life in London has become – ah, that’s what a West Country pub’s supposed to be like, right?
Located at 103 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BW, The Bell is owned by 536 customers, fans (including Robert Plant and Peter Gabriel) and workers under IPS CoOperative rules. How awesome is that? Go to thebellinnbath.co.uk for details.
First Great Western
Not even an hour and a half travel time between London Paddington Station to Bath Spa Station via regular train service provided by First Great Western, getting there was a breeze. We went First Class, very much enjoying the WiFi, extra legroom, and free snacks – waiting to board our outgoing train in the First Great Western lounge at Paddington (freebie sandwiches and magazines) was a treat as well.
With a couple of trains servicing the route hourly and it being such a short ride time, taking the journey via standard fare would not be a hardship. Still, if the tickets aren’t too dear, doing it in First Class style is definitely the way to go! Read schedules, special offers and more information at firstgreatwestern.co.uk.
More
So many sights to see and things to do in Bath! Here’s a look at the few we got round to.
Bath Abbey: The beautiful and impressively well preserved Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is worth a visit if only for a look at the natural light streaming in from its massive windows – bathabbey.org.
No 1 Royal Crescent: Whoa! The ornate symmetry, the insight into the formalities of socializing during the Georgian era, the phenomenal knowledge and consideration of the numerous docents on hand … our tour of No 1 Royal Crescent was such a wonderful way to while away an hour – no1royalcrescent.org.uk.
Roman Baths: Not to be missed, the Roman Baths are a fascinating link to the distant past. Kemey and I had both been before but absolutely loved the repeat visit – and would probably be inclined to go again next time we’re in Bath. One nagging complaint – I wish there were facilities like a coat check or somewhere for visitors to leave bags. We dropped in before heading to the station to return to London. Lugging my suitcase through the venue was kind of a bummer – romanbaths.co.uk.
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House: We got a kick out of our pit stop at this centuries old and rather kitsch attraction. My bun with cinnamon butter was tasty – sallylunns.co.uk.
Take a gander at visitbath.co.uk for loads more ideas for making the most of your visit to this lovely little laidback town.
