Bath, one of the prettiest cities I have been to in a long time and feels more like a small town than a city. It reminded me of York and Edinburgh in the old time feel of the place but stood out on its own merit, we will definitely be back that’s for sure. Having spent the Bank Holiday weekend there I wanted to share with you the highlights and places you might want to add on your list when you go. Now what with Covid and certain restrictions there were places that were closed or full so we couldn’t experience but we had an amazing time non the less. We stayed in an Air BnB flat that was in the perfect location about 5 minute walk into the centre one way and Royal Victoria Park the other way. Making a base for us to explore from and rest in between sight seeing and eating.
Places to visit
With all of these they are very easy to find and walk to once you are in the centre, this is what I loved about Bath it was so quick to get between places.
Pulteney bridge: On many a postcard you can understand why it is sight seeing spot. Crossing over the River Avon with the horseshoe shaped weir it is filled with shops at the top and you can catch boat tours from either side down the steps.
Royal Crescent: Another iconic landmark at the top of a very steep hill (be warned) we have the royal crescent made up of terraced houses with some hotel and spas in there as well. Looking out over Bath you can sit down and take it all in on the green in front.
Bath Abbey: In the centre we have this beautiful abbey built in the Gothic style of the time. We never went in but you can buy entry tickets if this is something you wanted to do. The outside is impressive enough.
Roman Baths: One of the places we did go into were the Baths, felt we couldn’t visit Bath without doing so. Exploring the baths, learning about what would have originally been there, seeing the history and the fact they are still filled with natural hot water from the springs was pretty incredible. You need to pre book tickets due to new Covid regulations.
We didn’t get a chance to visit the Therme Spa with it’s rooftop thermal bath as it wasn’t open but hopefully next time.
The centre also has an array of shops from high street to high end, independent and chains offering whatever the shopaholic in you requires.
Where to eat and drink
Breakfast and Brunch are my favourite meals to eat which is why I have recommended the following 3 places.
Wild Cafe
Tucked away along a cobbled street you will find this delightful little spot. Be warned it is small so we had to wait a little for a table but it was worth it. Offering a fabulous breakfast and lunch menu we both tucked into a veggie brunch and a juice each.
Oak Restaurant
We discovered this when we couldn’t get into another brunch spot and what a cute find it was. Down another cobbled street near the oldest house in Bath you have Oak restaurant. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and it is all vegetarian/vegan food. The menu is quite small but plenty. I went for the porridge with gooseberry compote and almond butter, Elliot had heritage tomatoes and nut butter on sourdough toast and we shared some sage eggs.
Boston Tea Party
There are 2 of these in Bath and the one right in the centre always was busy but we found the one on Albert Street on our last morning which was lucky. By the time we left there was a queue forming so I would probably recommend going early or booking if you are wanting to go here. Gluten free Eggs Royale for me and a massive Veggie Breakfast for Elliot washed down with an oat mylk latte was the perfect fuel for the long drive home.
Bath Pizza and Co: Straying away from the brunch theme to tell you about a cool place we found for dinner one night. Head to Green Park Station and you will find Bath Pizza Co, making woodfire pizzas fresh to order to eat alfresco under the railway arches. They cater for gluten free and vegan. The station itself is abandoned and apparently they hold farmers markets and vintage clothes fayres as well as live music nights and events.
Canary Gin Bar: Another cobbled street find this is a must go to for any gin lover. Now it is small so either go early or be prepared to wait because it does get busy. It is ran by the Bath Distillery so obviously showcases their in house gins which you can also buy from the shop if you were inclined (we meant to and I completely forgot). I decided to try 2 of their cocktails:
La Vie En Rose – Orange Sloe gin, Grapefruit liqueur, Escubac, Lemon and Rose Lemonade
Bath 75- Distillery classic gin, Lemon, Sugar and Prosecco
Elliot went for 2 different gins with the paired mixer and garnish:
The Distillery Classic and Hibiscus tonic.
Hopped Rhubarb gin and ginger ale
Alongside their own they serve up to 230 different gins with their own mixer to pair perfectly.
Vino Vino: We were recommended this by a friend and both loved the vibe we went twice. Its a wine and cocktail bar offering a selection of drinks, tapas style of eating in a chilled alfresco dining experience.
What with Bath being a city there are plenty of chain food and drinks spots along side the independents so whatever you are looking for the chances are you will find it.
This is by no means an extensive list just the highlights of where we went and what we loved. I can’t wait o go back and explore some more and maybe add in a visit to Bristol too.
Have you been to Bath? Any places you would recommend?
