Bath
A small city with a lot of history, the charming city of Bath.
Located in the South-West of England, around 100 miles west of London, Bath is a small city with a lot of history. Crafted from gorgeous golden Bath stone, the city is a world heritage site known famously for its Georgian architecture and Roman built-baths. The city centre itself is very compact and is easy to explore on foot. Walking is by far the best way to take in the charming streets and discover the plethora of independent shops, bistros and cafes dotted amongst Bath’s iconic landmarks.
Though small, there is a lot to see, so plan your visit carefully to make the most of it. The most popular attraction, unsurprisingly, is the Roman Baths - try to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues on the day. Set aside around two hours to enjoy the audio-tour and immerse yourself in Roman history. While you’re in the area, marvel at the historic Bath Abbey and pop inside to gaze at the ornate gothic ceiling if you have time. Other sites not to be missed are the famous Royal Crescent and the Circus, some of the most stunning examples of Georgian architecture in the UK.
If you fancy a spot of shopping, take a stroll along Walcot street, a trendy independent district littered with antique and interior shops. From here it’s just a 5 minute stroll to the highly photographed Pulteney Bridge, another one of Bath’s picture perfect sites. When lunchtime calls you’ll be overwhelmed with choice, but we recommend heading to Kingsmead square or Green Park station where there are an array of independent eateries and food vendors to choose from.
CLIMATE
Bath is really beautiful city to visit at any time of the year. In the summer months you can enjoy walks along the Kennet and Avon canal and stop off at the boater for a refreshing drink along the riverside. In winter, it’s a good time to visit the local attractions such as the Roman Baths or The Holburne Museum. The Bath Christmas market is held from the end of November – mid December and is one of the most popular Christmas markets in the UK, so plan your trip carefully if you’re visiting at this time as the small city can feel overwhelming busy.
LANGUAGE
As with the rest of the United Kingdom, English is the predominant language spoken. If you’re travelling around the county listen out for the different dialects – there are a huge variety of regional dialects for such a small country!
VOYA'S FAVOURITE PLACES TO VISIT INCLUDE
If you’re looking to relax, take some time out and visit the Thermae Bath Spa. It’s the UK’s only naturally hot spa and boasts an incredible roof top pool overlooking the city. If you’d prefer to stay active, check out the Bath Skyline walk, a not too difficult 6 mile circular National Trust walk along the hills of Bath with stunning views of the glowing city below.
VOYA'S FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY INCLUDE
There are an array of lovely hotels to choose from in Bath. ‘The Bird, Bath’ is a boutique hotel in a converted Georgian house and is one of our favourites with chic rooms and a very trendy bar. The beer garden at this hotel even turns into a beach in the summer months! For something more central, located on one of Bath’s most iconic streets, ‘No 15 Great Pulteney’ is another fabulous 4 star hotel and spa, situation in a Georgian Townhouse. The bottomless brunches at No.5 are some of the best on offer in the city, too, so definitely worth a visit.
VOYA'S FAVOURITE DISHES TO TRY
One of our favourite restaurants in Bath is ‘The Scallop Shell’ on Monmouth Street. This relaxed and very popular fish and chip restaurant serves the finest quality fish and chips in the area, with a menu that changes daily. While you’re here, pop into The New Inn pub next door for a cheeky drink after dinner, one of our favourite pubs in Bath with an excellent selection of drinks and a lovely friendly atmosphere.
VOYA'S FAVOURITE LOOKS TO PACK
