Bath budget spots

Our Local Expert Says:

The Crescent will transport you back in time. Don’t forget your camera.

Description:

The Royal Crescent is the highlight of Bath's Georgian architecture. It rises above the city majestically, offering great views over the city that it dominates. The crescent was designed by John Wood the Younger, between the years of 1767 and 1775 and has remained unchanged ever since. Visitors who wish to discover what lies behind the crescent's 30 front doors can either check themselves into Von Essen's Royal Crescent hotel, or step inside No 1 Royal Crescent. While a stay at the former will cost you a pretty penny, a visit to No 1 Royal Crescent will cost no more than £12 per family. No 1 allows visitors to step beyond the Palladian façade to discover how the rich of the 18th century lived. If you are after opulence and money isn't an issue though, staying in The Royal Crescent Hotel will be the experience of a lifetime. One of the best things about the Royal Crescent is that you can enjoy it for free. It's easily accessible from Bath city centre, Royal Victoria Park and The Circus, so you can visit at several different times should you wish to. Head there first thing in the morning and you'll have it to yourself. At sunset however, you'll witness the honey-coloured Bath stone aglow as the disappearing sun sets this amazing site alight.

Description:

The Circus is a circular street that attracts hundreds of visitors daily. It is even home to a Hollywood star. John Wood the Elder designed The Circus but unfortunately passed away just three months after the first stone was laid. The work was completed by his son John Wood the Younger, who also built The Royal Crescent round the corner. There are three entrances to The Circus, and it is designed so that wherever you enter, one of the three elegant facades will be opposite you. The Roman Coliseum was Wood's inspiration, but he made The Circus his own by including symbols from the arts, sciences and even the Masons, being a member himself. In actual fact when viewed from the air the Circus, along with Gay Street and Queen's Square, all form a massive key shape, another Masonic symbol. If you're in Bath in December head to the Circus to sing carols by candlelight with the Salvation Army band. This is one of the most traditional carol services going and is a favourite with Bath residents. Otherwise head to the Circus first thing in the morning to beat the crowds.

Our Local Expert Says:

Jamie’s Italian offers a large menu full of delicious treats. Everything from the bread to the bakewell tart is to die for, which is why Bath residents keep going back.

Description:

Jamie Oliver is one of Britain's best-known celebrity chefs, and in 2008 he unveiled an Italian restaurant in Bath. Jamie's Italian was popular from day one and is definitely worthy of the queue that often forms outside its doors. The large restaurant serves high-quality Italian fare at reasonable prices, unlike most other celebrity restaurants. The atmosphere is relaxed yet charming, and families are made to feel very welcome. Jamie's Italian is situated in Milsom Place, a new leisure area situated off Bath's high street, and therefore is easy to get to. If you're nearby on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday morning be sure to drop in for brekky.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Thermae Bath Spa has quickly become one of the city’s best-loved and most widely known attractions, and not without good reason. Even the most stressed person leaves the baths feeling relaxed.

Description:

Every Bath resident has an opinion about the Thermae Bath Spa, which eventually opened in 2006, four years later than planned. Most have nothing but praise for the sophisticated complex, although some complain that it is too modern for Bath. In fact the modernisation of the hot baths has been completed very successfully to a high standard and is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. The Thermae Bath Spa caters to all needs and budgets. Those who are watching the pennies can pay £22 to enjoy an ample two-hour spa session that gives access to the famous roof-top pool, steam pods and foot spas, and the spacious Minerva bath. Those who want to splash the cash however can have an all-day spa session including meals, and can enjoy treatments from an extremely varied selection on offer. They range from the more traditional full body massage to the more unusual Chocolate Indulgence and foot massage. No matter how much time and money you choose to spend at the spa you will leave it feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Description:

The Botanical Gardens can be found on the north side of Victoria Park. The gardens were formed in 1887 and house a huge array of plants over nine acres of land. The gardens include what is believed to be the largest collection of plants on limestone in the West Country, a scented walk, old shrub roses and a fine herbaceous border, along with many unusual examples of trees and shrubs. Within the garden a replica of a Roman Temple can also be found. This was originally part of the city's exhibit at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in 1924.

Description:

It's taken quite a while for the phenomena that is Starbucks to hit Bath but now it has, it looks like it's here to stay. Everywhere you look people are rushing around, mobile phone in one hand, enormous Starbucks 'Coffee to Go' in the other. There is seating in-store you understand but that's all very twentieth century. The trick to modern living is obviously to appear enormously busy and incredibly popular. Hence, a constantly ringing mobile phone and a bucket of caffeine leaves the perfect impression. And the coffee is good, rich yet not overpowering not unlike the folk who drink it. Starbucks have a second outlet in the city which can be found in Stall Street.

Description:

Wagamama serves up a pan-Asian cuisine that features a fusion of eclectic traditional favorites with modern flavors. The fare is made fresh and all items are featured on a dietary menu, allowing guests full access to the ingredients in their food. Orders are taken via electronic pads, meaning that preparation begins in the kitchen as soon as you have made a choice on what to order. Dishes come to the table in the order that they are prepared, which can be problematic for groups who want to eat together. Start off with a range of dumplings, or dive right into the kare noodle soups. The atmosphere is also a major draw with lots of open, light space and minimalist décor. The end result is a dining experience that has only grown in popularity as new locations have opened worldwide.

Our Local Expert Says:

Royal Victoria Park is just as beautiful in the winter thanks to the hard work of the groundsmen. Treat yourself to some mulled wine and set of to explore.

Description:

Bath residents and visitors alike love to while away a few hours in Royal Victoria Park. It is situated to the west of the city centre and the Royal Crescent borders its north side. The park was named after the 11-year-old queen that opened it. Today it consists of a boating pond, nine-acre botanical garden, an enchanting woodland area, a gigantic children's play area as well as a skate park, pitch and putt, tennis courts and a calendar of open-air events. If you're in Bath in the summer pack a massive picnic and spend a day in this beautiful park. And don't forget to enjoy an ice cream from the park's very own ice cream van.

Description:

A truly bright, enlightened spot in Kingsmead Square, Yum Yum Thai is fully licensed and serves food throughout the day. Here, you can pick up lunch at less than a fiver. Do try the green Thai curry, it's the best in the city. The full a la carte menu is available from 6pm and includes a plethora of vegetarian options. Home-made desserts follow, then top it all off with espresso based coffees, Italian liqueurs, and plenty of juices and teas (including a very nice jasmine blend). Food is available until 11pm, but the place is licensed until 2am. Separate non-smoking rooms are available as well as outdoor seating (weather permitting), and large groups are welcome.

Description:

The Litten Tree has made a great impact on the people of Bath. The interior designers were a brave lot and promised faux pillars and paintings, walls of books and a huge sports screen. Tacky? Actually, no. They managed to create all this and still leave the building with a shred of dignity. By day, The Litten Tree is patronised by office workers, shopoholics and well, anyone really. They come for the food, which is a little pricey but very good. During the evening, the bar attracts a younger crowd, but the atmosphere is always friendly and non-threatening. Bouncers on the door keep troublemakers at bay. Pleasant is not a word often used when describing pubs, but it applies here. A pleasant pub on the top of Milsom Street. That says it all.