Staycation: a weekend in Bath
Bath, a beautiful picturesque city, is just 90 minutes from London. On the periphery of the Cotswolds (Somerset), the cobbled streets of Bath offer serenity, scenic views, relaxation and wellness. Here are some of our favourite things to do on a perfect weekend in Bath.
FRIDAY
The Marlborough Tavern
The Marlborough Tavern is a gastropub with a large beer garden. Located a short walk from the picturesque Royal Crescent, it is perfectly located for a post-stroll pint. The Tavern has fantastically friendly staff and a beer garden creating a perfect atmosphere for a cosy winters’ drink or some serious summer fun in the sun. Is there a better way to start a trip to Bath then a good home-cooked dinner made from fantastic local produce served with beer?
What to eat?
Ale battered Brixham market fish, proper chips, pea puree and tartare sauce. That's right proper chips!
Price: £14.50
Location:
35 Marlborough Buildings, Bath BA1 2LY
Opening hours:
9 am – 11 pm ( Sunday 10.30 pm)
SATURDAY
Roman Baths museum
The Roman Baths are one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. Constructed in 70AD, the baths still produce steaming spring water daily. Whilst exploring the ruins you can pick up a free audio guide to better understand the contents of the museum. At the end of the tour be sure to take a sip of the spa water.
The Baths are often busy particularly in the peak summer months so we would recommend going in the morning to avoid queuing and the crowds. The tour will take you approximately 60 to 90 mins. Click here to book on to a tour.
While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the onsite restaurant, The Pump Room, which offers afternoon tea with live music by the Pump Room Trio.
#FLODown: The best place to take a picture is the lower levels by the spring. The baths are so picturesque you won't be able to resist taking a picture!
Stroll the city
Image: MTotoe
Known for its Georgian architecture and distinctive golden-stoned buildings, Bath is a wonderful city for a simple stroll. Some of our favourite places to visit in Bath - all of which contribute to Baths UNESCO World Heritage Status - include:
The Royal Crescent
Image: MTotoe
Pulteney Bridge
Image: MTotoe
Sydney Gardens, Kennet & Avon Canal
Image: MTotoe
Thermae Bath Spa
The Thermea Bath spa is a multi-level spa fed by naturally warm, mineral-rich waters. The spa features a rooftop pool that offers picturesque views of the city, and on the lower levels includes a large thermal bath, a wellness suite with steam rooms, an ice chamber and an infrared room. The spa has a restaurant that is accessible to spa users and time spent in the restaurant will not be counted as part of your timed session. There are several spa packages on offer, with two or three hour sessions available.
There are often quite long queues for walk-ins, we recommend you try to arrive early. Alternatively why not head to an evening spa session. Click here to book.
Other Spas available in Bath include:
Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel
Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
No. 15 Great Pulteney Spa
SUNDAY
Victoria Art Gallery
The Victoria Art Gallery is spread over two floors and features works by Gainsborough and John Nash. The gallery is free to enter, however some of their temporary collections come at a cost. Whilst the permanent collection is made up of just one room it is definitely worth a look, if only for the fantastic art and building structure. Click here to discover what’s on.
Location:
Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AT
Opening hours:
Daily 10.30 am – 5 pm
Holburne Museum
Founded by Sir William Holburne, this museum is located in one of the many impressive buildings that Bath has to offer. Home to a collection of fine and decorative art, from paintings, porcelain and sculptures, they also feature impressive temporary exhibitions. Click here to discover what’s on.
Be sure to stop for breakfast or lunch at their wonderful in-house café, which has a spectacular outdoor area for al fresco dining. Afterwards we recommend taking a stroll through the gardens, where you’ll find a scenic view of the canal!
Location:
Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4DB
Opening hours:
Daily 10 am – 5pm ( Sunday 11 am – 5 pm)
Victoria Miro · Motion in Stillness: Dance and the Human Body in Movement · Feast · County Hall Pottery · Nicole Eisenman · Sadie Coles HQ · Parmigianino: The Vision of Saint Jerome · National Gallery · Feliciano Centurión: Hope in Bloom · Cecilia Brunson Projects · Jeff Wall · White Cube Bermondsey · Justin Dingwall · Doyle Wham · Group Exhibition: Reverb · Stephen Friedman Gallery…