As I was growing up my family’s annual holiday was in Wiltshire in the south-west of England and each year we took the opportunity to visit the picturesque city of Bath in the neighbouring county of Somerset. I recently returned there and was delighted to find it just as I remembered.
Bath Abbey and, to the right, the entrance to the Roman Baths
The city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an easy day trip by train if you are visiting London and all the major points of interest are within walking distance.
Bath was founded by the Romans when they discovered the natural hot springs here. They built numerous baths and a temple dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva. After the Romans left they fell into disuse.
Bronze, gilded head of the goddess Sulis Minerva
In the Georgian era, it was again a popular spa town and much of the architecture you see today, including the famous Royal Crescent and Circus, was built in the 18th and early 19th century of Cotswold stone (also known as Bath lime stone) – a mellow, honey coloured stone. Many of Bath’s building were designed by father and son architects, both called John Wood, who took much inspiration from the ancient Greeks and Romans. As you wander through Bath’s street you’ll see many fine examples of elegant columns, Grecian urns and flower swags carved in stone decorating the buildings. These were the height of fashion in the Georgian era and typify the Woods’ style giving the architecture of Bath its unique character.
The Roman Baths
The Roman Baths
A guide explains how natural powders were used by wealthy Romans as make-up
A well-to-do Roman lady
A typical Roman make-up kit
Pulteney Bridge
I had two hours left to explore more of the city and grab some lunch. One of the many things I loved about Bath on previous visits was the 18th century Pulteney Bridge, with its quaint little row of shops over the arches of the bridge spanning the River Avon. Again it was much as I remembered and as charming as ever.
View towards Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon
Shops on Pulteney Bridge
Where to Eat
Just a few minutes’ walk from Pulteney Bridge, I found a wonderful place for lunch, the Best of British deli on Broad Street, selling homemade quiches, sandwiches, soups, cakes and pies all made on the premises using finest British produce. My organic Bath blue cheese with red onion marmalade sandwich really was the best I have had for a very long time and I’d highly recommend a visit here.
Other great places to eat include the famous Pumps Rooms next door to the Roman Baths. This place is always popular so you may have to wait for a table, but it is the perfect setting in which to sample a traditional English afternoon tea in very grand surroundings.
If you are looking for a quick snack or something to take home for supper, visit The Bath Sausage Shop on Green Street. They sell a wonderful range of sausages made, wherever possible, with free range GM free meat plus a selection of the tastiest sausage rolls and pies imaginable.
Before I left I still had a little time to wander around the quirky independent shops that Bath is known for and do some Christmas shopping.
Sadly I was too early for the Bath Christmas Market which is reputedly one of the best in England and runs from 22nd November until 9th December.
Thermae Bath Spa
You can still take advantage of Bath’s natural hot springs today by visiting Britain’s only thermal spa. I would dearly love to try out their stunning open-air, rooftop pool. For more information visit their website.
How to get there
There are regular trains to Bath from London’s Paddington Station. The journey takes around an hour and a half and costs about £50. The town centre is just a short walk from station. You can find train times and prices at the National Rail Enquiries website.
More details about how to get to Bath can be found here.
I visited Bath as a guest of Viator on their day trip from London which also includes a visit to one of England’s most famous landmarks, Stonehenge.
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Hi Kathryn, I love Bath and your post brought back fond memories of my visit to the city many years ago. It’s another place I’d love to go back to.
Thanks Marisol. I do hope you get to return some day. There is a lot more that I have yet to see there too so I will definitely be returning again sometime.
I’ve never visited the UK but when I do go, Bath will be in my must-see list. Your post shows that it’s really going to be my kind of city — charming and with much history (and countless mentions in my favorite Austen novels). I would love to check out those little shops. 🙂
And now I must make special note of the hair/wig on that lady. That must be a pain to put on all day! 😀
I’m sure you will love it! I do hope you get to visit us one day. There are many wonderful, historic places to see from delightful little villages to the hustle and bustle of city’s like London. Try and make it a long visit to fit it all in!
I love your photos – I can’t believe I’ve never visited bath, it’s so beautiful with so much history! The makeup kit is crazy, the things they used to do x
Bath really is a lovely town, although it’s technically a city. I hope you get to visit soon. Perfect for a long weekend break!
Bath is a gorgeous town and lovely for a weekend break. I haven’t been for around 20 years so am glad to hear it hasn’t changed much. Some lovely shots of the city in this post.
I think you are long overdue a revisit! It would make a perfect girlie weekend break with some time at the spa… now there’s a thought!
Hi, I wanted to let you know that I awarded you with the Blog of the year 2012 Award. Check out my post for more info: http://dutchgoesitalian.com/2012/11/28/blog-of-the-year-2012/. Ciao, Letizia
Thank you so much! That’s very kind of you. 🙂
Its amazing what the Roman Empire has done around the world. I wonder why they were so fascinated with building baths? There must be something that caused them to build these communal baths?
I don’t think it’s exclusive to the Romans as spas have been built around many natural hot springs around the world, although the Romans did seem particularly found of them. I have never tried one out but I hope I get to sometime!
One of my favourite places, I absolutley love Bath and its history. Thanks for bringing it back to me.
My pleasure 🙂
I love this. Having just moved from living in Bath until September to now living in New Zealand it made me really homesick! Glad you enjoyed your recent trip back 🙂
We loved Bath. We only had a day there, but we saw enough to make us want to return for a longer visit.
That is quite the make up kit! Wonder what airline security with think of that!
Looks like a great day out.
The number of times I have passed through Bath by train or car I can only remember once actually stopping then and that was several decades ago. After this I piece I really must remedy that sad omission. Love your photographs.
Thanks Gordon. I’m sure you would find Bath fascinating and very beautiful too.