First time in Bath

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the top reasons Bath is such a destination. If getting in the water is more your goal then be sure to visit the nearby Thermae Bath Spa.

Description:

The Roman Baths pay homage to Bath's origins, so it's unsurprising that over a million visitors head here every year. Bath is home to three thermal springs of 46°C, that have been enjoyed by many cultures. Before the Romans built their impressive Baths, the Celts had a shrine on the site of the baths, and they continue to be enjoyed today at the Thermae Bath Spa. On arriving at the baths you'll be presented with an audio guide narrated by travel writer Bill Bryson (read his Notes of a Small Country for a satirical view of Britain). Follow Bryson's descriptions through one of the world's best-preserved Roman spas. Sights within the complex include the King's Bath, into which 1.5 million litres of hot water still flow daily, and you'll also see the mechanics behind the baths. The Great Bath is the one that is most likely to captivate you though. With its striking archways and the unusually green water, it transports you back in time so magically, that it's almost possible to forget you are in the 21st century.

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.

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:

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:

Bath's most famous resident has to be Jane Austen, As such she still draws the crowds to the city today, almost 200 years after her death. The novelist behind such classics as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Emma visited the city of Bath frequently throughout her life, and lived here for five years from 1801 (although it is rumoured that she didn't particularly enjoy doing so). Today the closest you'll get to meeting Mr Darcy is having your photograph taken with the man who stands outside the Jane Austen Centre in period costume, but you will get several opportunities to learn more about the best-loved heroine of them all. More energetic literary lovers can take themselves off on the Jane Austen walk, to explore the places that inspired the novelist. Everyone can explore the Jane Austen Centre, which explains what Bath was like when Austen lived here and her connections with the city. It also shows you examples of the art and clothing of Austen's day.

Our Local Expert Says:

Stunning from every angle.

Description:

Wherever you are in Bath you can see the beautiful abbey, so it's only fair that you pay it a proper visit during your stay. The abbey is right in the middle of the action as it's adjacent to the Roman Baths, and visible from the Thermae Bath Spa. Many love to spot the angels climbing ladders on the western façade, and a wander around inside will lead you to the burial site of Sir Isaac Pitman, the man behind one particular method of shorthand. Take a set of stairs down to the Heritage Vaults Museum to learn about Bath's history and the abbey's relationship with the baths. Alternatively journey upwards to the abbey's towers to get a special view of the city of Bath below.

Our Local Expert Says:

Enjoy a thrilling afternoon at one of the UK's finest rugby clubs.

Description:

The 18th century sites of Bath may represent a large majority of the city's top attractions, but they certainly don't account for all of them. Fast forward to the modern day and you find yourself in a city that is near-mad about rugby. They watch it, play it and talk about it a heck of a lot here, and one of Bath's quintessential experiences is to watch a rugby match after (or before) a pie at The Raven pub. Get hold of some tickets to a match, buy yourself a Bath rugby top and a few pints and prepare to see one of the most memorable rugby games of your life. Oh, and read up about the ongoing debate about whether or not you think Bath Rugby should stay at The Rec, their current ground. It's been one of Bath's hot topics for years.

Description:

This tour is undoubtedly the local favorite. This is the tour to take if you are impressed by the beautiful surroundings and the graceful vistas but don't really care who built them. This is the other side of Bath; the side that would make Jane Austen, Sally Lunn and Big Beau Nash turn in their graves! Or perhaps it is just silly. Silly and very funny. Your guides for the evening are Nick Britten and JJ who will lead you hopping across Great Pulteney Street with your hands on your heads and your tongues poked out. They'll also attempt to drown a rabbit or two in the weir and give you the chance to win a pile of money and...But that would be telling.

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.

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.

Description:

Have you every fancied dining in style but been put off by the prices? Delay no longer and book yourself a table at the Royal Crescent restaurant. The restaurant is situated within the Royal Crescent Hotel and offers diners the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful meal in historic surroundings. At lunchtimes, a diverse menu is offered. For those with champagne tastes and beer money, it is best to book ahead, clearly stating that you would like an 'FT lunch'. This option allows you to choose from the regular luncheon menu but pay only £10 per head. The offer is available for two weeks per year. Evening meals are candlelit affairs with a wonderful ambience. Good food. Amazing surroundings. What could be finer?

Description:

Located in the center of Bath, this popular family-owned pub has two separate bars. It serves Bellringer from Abbey Ales, and also has five pumps which feature a changing selection. Some of its ales include: Blindmans Brewery's Icarus, Shepherd Neame's Spitfire, and Badger's Tanglefoot. The Raven also specializes in pies. If you want to eat, drink, and be merry, this is the place for you.

Description:

First opened in 1706 to provide a place to drink natural spring water, the Pump Room is decorated in 18th century style. Commanding a certain prestige with its double-storey windows and crystal chandeliers, the restaurant is still the place to be seen taking tea. There is no age restriction or dress code, but be prepared to pay as though you are a member of the elite. For afternoon tea, choose between High Tea, Cream Tea, and Tompion Tea. You may also still order natural spring water, which feeds the Roman Baths, contains 43 minerals, and is supposed to have curative properties.

Description:

Certainly not a club for the claustrophobic with its subterranean cellar setting, Moles Club is nevertheless the best live venue in the South West if not the whole of Britain. Moles manages to attract the best national bands and keeps them coming back. Recent live acts have included Super grass, Linoleum, Baby Bird, Alabama 3, Lush, Skunk Anansie and Gabrielle. Monday nights are recommended for live local bands and a less crowded atmosphere than the weekend!

Description:

Opened in 1805, this historic Georgian theatre is arranged in the classic horseshoe shape and boasts of an atmosphere, which is both intimate and grand. London productions often have previews here or begin their tours at The Royal, after leaving the West End. However, the theatre is also used by local amateur groups, such as the Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society. The newly refurbished interior provides improved leg-room and seating is plentiful, but booking is advised. The best seats are in the stalls and Royal Circle, and each level has its own fully stocked bar. Tickets cost £7-£27. Standby tickets at £5 are available on the day of the performance from noon. Standing tickets are available for sell-out performances - these offer great value for money and there is the added advantage that you'll be first to the bar in the interval.

Description:

The Eastern Eye occupies an enviable position just off of Milsom Street at the top of the city. It is a family run business with a solid reputation for providing excellent service and delicious traditional Indian cuisine. The restaurant is huge and well-lit; the decor is uncomplicated and the tables are well-spaced. The Georgian interior has survived the transformation to restaurant and the elaborate ceilings make a visit worthwhile in themselves. The menu is fairly comprehensive and the balti dishes are always popular. Listen to your waiter's recommendations, he is almost always right.

Description:

This tour is undoubtedly the local favorite. This is the tour to take if you are impressed by the beautiful surroundings and the graceful vistas but don't really care who built them. This is the other side of Bath; the side that would make Jane Austen, Sally Lunn and Big Beau Nash turn in their graves! Or perhaps it is just silly. Silly and very funny. Your guides for the evening are Nick Britten and JJ who will lead you hopping across Great Pulteney Street with your hands on your heads and your tongues poked out. They'll also attempt to drown a rabbit or two in the weir and give you the chance to win a pile of money and...But that would be telling.

Description:

Located in the center of Bath, this popular family-owned pub has two separate bars. It serves Bellringer from Abbey Ales, and also has five pumps which feature a changing selection. Some of its ales include: Blindmans Brewery's Icarus, Shepherd Neame's Spitfire, and Badger's Tanglefoot. The Raven also specializes in pies. If you want to eat, drink, and be merry, this is the place for you.

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:

Darling little house that is more of a restaurant. See Sally's 300 year old preserved kitchen. It is usually spilling with tourists so remember the famous buns are available to go.

Description:

Sally's Lunn's cafe is famous for two reasons. First of all it is situated in what is believed to be Bath's oldest house. Secondly it is home to the world famous Sally Lunn's bun. The building is situated in a pretty alleyway off a cobbled square near Bath Abbey, and is decorated in such a way that you'll wonder if the décor's changed since the 15th century. A visit to Bath however, is incomplete without a Sally Lunn's bun, and it's the perfect complement to a day spent learning about Jane Austen.

Description:

The museum is housed in Claverton Manor, built by Jeffrey Wyatville in 1820 in neo-classical style, and was the site of William Churchill's first political speech in 1897. The building was converted into the museum and opened in 1961. The grounds are vast, and walking paths, picnic areas, as well as spacious parking make your visit a relaxed and varied experience. The Manor's rooms show American craftsmanship in textiles, glass, silver, and furniture from the 17th to 19th centuries. Access to the library of historical and period books is free by appointment.

Description:

Four hundred years of style are on display in the Museum of Costume, located on the lower floor of the Assembly Rooms. Perhaps the most famous example is a rare outfit from 1660, the silver tissue dress. An audio tour guides visitors through the changes in style and fashion right up to the present day. Modern fashions are represented by the, "Dress of the Year", chosen every year since 1963 by leading experts to record the important developments in the fashion world. Those wishing to study fashion may wish to visit the Fashion Research Centre. Admission: £4; concs £3.60; children £2.90; family £11

Description:

Nunmber one Royal Crescent was the first town house of the Royal Crescent to be completed, and is an excellent example of Palladian architecture. Decorated with handsome hand-painted marbled wallpaper, the rooms of the house contain period furniture and the artefacts of 18th century daily life. On the ground floor there is a dining room with a sumptuously spread table, and a study where the men took their port and card games. On the first floor a drawing room and a bedroom are carefully preserved. The basement kitchen, with its many utensils and long wooden bench table, seems still alive and working, right down to the old-fashioned mousetraps. Don't miss the period sedan chair in the corridor under the stairwell.

Description:

The city of Bath has a very near and deep connection to the life and writing of Jane Austen. Transplanted there when she was a little girl, Bath influenced Austen's writing and found its way into the backdrop of two of her novels. The Little Bookroom publisher has comprised a beautifully bound guidebook that brings the Bath traveler along a tour of the city in which Austen lived and wrote. Follow along the walking route that shows you the sites and sounds which helped shaped the author's life.

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:

Located in the center of Bath, this popular family-owned pub has two separate bars. It serves Bellringer from Abbey Ales, and also has five pumps which feature a changing selection. Some of its ales include: Blindmans Brewery's Icarus, Shepherd Neame's Spitfire, and Badger's Tanglefoot. The Raven also specializes in pies. If you want to eat, drink, and be merry, this is the place for you.

Description:

Situated in the Podium shopping centre, The California Kitchen is a popular stop-off for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu consists of mainly burgers, steaks, fish and sandwiches and for those wanting just a quick bite to eat, it is handy to know that they also serve the most delicious muffins and pancakes all day. Service is friendly and the restaurant is relaxed and well placed for a spot of people-watching. Caffeine addicts will be pleased to discover that the coffee here is excellent and just the thing to revive one's tattered nerves after a hard days shop.

Description:

If you want to experience the best views of Bath, then head for Alexandra Park in Bear Flat. Access to the park is by a long flight of steps, otherwise known as Jacob's Ladder. At the top you can see for miles. If the children have not yet dropped from exhaustion, then direct them to the small play area while you prepare yourself for the downhill strait. Wimps can also gain access to the park by car from Shakespeare Avenue.