Budget Bath

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.

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:

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.

Description:

Sally Lunn's House is the oldest known house in Bath. The present timber-framed building dates from 1492 and Roman and Medieval remains have been found below the cellar floor. Sally Lunn, a young French girl, did not arrive until 1680. She brought with her a recipe for the sweet, brioche-style bread that has become known as the Sally Lunn Bun. The tearooms are sadly not designed for the numerous visitors wanting to experience a taste of the famous Sally Lunn Bun, which makes for a cosy dining experience.

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:

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.

Description:

In an age when most pubs are open and plain, with walls and doors removed and exteriors tarted up, The Star has weathered the improvement storm inside and out. The labyrinth of connecting wood-lined rooms around the bar, where the dim light is filtered through leaded panels beneath a traditionally smoke-stained ceiling, is still in place, as is the tattoo parlour next door. Thankfully the "have a nice day, missing you already" style has not penetrated here yet but it can only be a matter of time. Hurry on down to this authentic rarity for a pint or two, and if you're really hungry they'll probably rustle up a packet of crisps too.

Description:

A small Victorian residence having only two guest bedrooms which are both quite large, one of which being suitable for multiple occupation. Both boast king size beds for those who like that extra bit of space. Both rooms are en-suite and the house itself is in a quiet leafy location and within walking distance of the city centre. Rates for special breaks are available. Please check with the proprietor, Anthony O'Flaherty to see when these apply. Please note that Beckford's is closed over Christmas and New Year.

Description:

Parade Gardens are a great source of pride for Bathonians and feature ornate themed flowerbeds depicting cartoon characters or persons of historical importance. From the gardens, you can get a lovely view of the weir and watch the canoes as they travel westward along the river. During summer afternoons, free children's activities are held near the bandstand. These are always popular with tourists and locals alike and feature arts and crafts, circus skills and storytelling. On Sundays, you may also be treated to concerts in the bandstand. A perfect place for picnicking or just soaking up some rays away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Access is opposite The Empire, below Orange Grove. A small charge is made for entry to the gardens.

Description:

Twenty years strong in the Fish 'n' Chips business, this is fast food dining at its best. Standard meal served with thick cut fresh chips is a reasonable £3.95 and children's selections are available at £2.50. Seafoods specialises in a variety of fish, serving haddock, lemon sole, scampi, jumbo cod, plaice and home-made fish cakes. But you can also get chicken portions, steak pies, burgers and a great selection of sweets. Better still, the restaurant is licensed and serves beer and wine; nothing quite brings out the flavour of cod and chips like a chilled Chardonnay(!) Decorated with friendly blue and white over the checked floor, the main dining area overlooks Kingsmead Square. You can get everything for takeaway, but massive seating areas (50 downstairs alone) make it possible to bring your whole crew along.

Description:

Conveniently placed just moments from Bath Abbey and a short walk from the main shopping areas, All Bar One is an ideal place to meet up with groups of friends after a morning's sightseeing or gift hunting. All Bar One is primarily wood, with practically no extraneous decoration: wooden floors, wooden tables, wooden benches and a wooden-fronted bar. The large windows - spanning the whole width of the building - allow fairly easy vision both in and out: this is NOT a place to go for any kind of privacy or intimacy. However, the long benches and sturdy tables give the place a slightly medieval atmosphere, ideal for large groups of people or impromptu parties. Service is brisk, and the menu offers a variety of sandwiches and platters. Not the cheapest place to eat and drink, but well worth a visit for the ambience.

Description:

A small Victorian residence having only two guest bedrooms which are both quite large, one of which being suitable for multiple occupation. Both boast king size beds for those who like that extra bit of space. Both rooms are en-suite and the house itself is in a quiet leafy location and within walking distance of the city centre. Rates for special breaks are available. Please check with the proprietor, Anthony O'Flaherty to see when these apply. Please note that Beckford's is closed over Christmas and New Year.

Description:

Situated directly behind the Holbourne Museum in Bathwick, these formal city gardens are ideally placed for a stroll before heading back into the city center. Imaginative flower beds and gracious trees line the walkways and access to the canal provides a relaxing way to waste a few hours. Wildlife thrives in this environment so do not be surprised to catch a glimpse of the resident squirrels. Train spotters (or enthusiasts, as they prefer to be called) will love the unrestricted view of the passing trains. Children will enjoy the play area and sand-pit. As for the rest of us, we will take a seat in one of the wonderful gazebos and watch the world go by.

Description:

This can be found on the east side of the Weir in Beazer Gardens. The paving stone maze is a favourite with younger children who play for hours trying to find the centre. The garden itself is named after the Bath-based construction company who donated the land. The central location of the maze makes this an ideal spot for families to take a picnic away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Access is from steps on Pulteney Bridge.

Description:

Voted the Prettiest Village in England, Castle Combe is tucked away in a valley. Not surprisingly the village is a favorite location for filmmakers, the most famous film being Doctor Dolittle. The impressive Dower House served as Dr Dolittle's house in the film. Every turn in the road shows a new and delightful vista, from the 14th century market, cross on down the street of centuries-old honey-colored stone houses (listed as ancient monuments!) to the little hump-backed bridge over the sparkling by brook. The village was once a center for cloth weaving, and by the bridge are weavers' cottages and the Weavers House, where it is said lived the Blanket brothers, who gave a new word to the language when they created a new type of warm bed covering.

Our Local Expert Says:

Can be seen from miles around but is well worth exploring up-close.

Description:

William Beckford was a scholar, an eccentric, and a very wealthy man who could afford to indulge his enthusiasms. In 1827 he had this 154 foot Tower built to use as a banqueting house, library and study for his collection of rare books and art and as a retreat. The Tower is a Grade I listed building, and visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the Belvedere at the top to admire the panoramic view over the city and beyond. The first floor of the building below houses the museum of prints, architectural models, furniture and objects that illustrate Beckford's life and interests.

Description:

Start with garlic bread and move on to one of Pizza Express's speciality pizzas cooked in full view by nice blokes in prison outfits. At this point, it is worth mentioning that it is considered very poor form to taunt these hard working chaps about the state of their uniforms, although a polite word to the management wouldn't go astray. Whether your taste is for a traditional Fiorentina, the Caprina with sun-dried tomatoes and goat's cheese, or the American Hot Pizza, you can be sure your taste buds will dance. The environment is modern and stylish - a very lively evening atmosphere. If pizza doesn't take your fancy, try one of the other house specialities - lasagne or the less adventurous ham and eggs. Wash it all down with beer and cocktails or plump for the excellent value house wine.

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

There is a little park on the riverside, perfect spot for photos, a view & a rest.

Description:

Pulteney Bridge is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops spanning both sides. This, combined with its graceful position over the river Avon, earns it the status of being one of the most elegant sites in England. It was designed by Robert Adam in the 18th century, and was based upon the Ponte Vecchio in Florence and the Rialto Bridge in Venice. The bridge can of course be enjoyed without spending a penny. Sit on a bench alongside the river, or hire a deck chair in the Parade Gardens and just sit and enjoy the view, not only of the bridge, but of Bath Abbey as well. On the bridge itself you can sample delicious baguettes and cakes in XXXXX, find the perfect engagement ring, treat your loved one to a beautiful bunch of flowers or buy a Bath rugby shirt. Either purchase would no doubt be remembered long after you leave Bath. As will the stunning view of Pulteney Bridge.