Off the beaten Bath

Description:

There isn't a better way of spending a lazy summer afternoon than hiring one of these romantic narrowboats and gliding down the river. Apart from the obvious benefits, such as getting away from the crowds, becoming one with nature and taking some time out to recharge your batteries, travelling by water also offers a unique perspective of the city and the chance to do something a little different for a change. This area has some of the prettiest stretches of water in the country.

Description:

The canals of England, once the arteries that carried the life-blood of commerce, have in the past few decades become one of the greatest pleasure boating venues and conservation areas. The Kennet and Avon Canal, by virtue of the beautiful countryside it traverses, is one of the loveliest of English canals. Completed in 1810 it was built to connect Reading with Bath and then Bristol via the River Avon. Aside from its beauty, the canal boasts a spectacular flight of 29 locks which haul the water level up an astonishing 70 metres in the space of two miles, and are now equipped with a water-saving system of backpumps to recycle the water so the locks can now be open to boats every day.

Description:

Smart and relaxed, with an outside covered patio and a few more tables out in the open in summer, this is tucked away under an arch off Broad Street just above the Postal Museum. Mostly used as a good class restaurant, though quite a few regulars use it as wine bar, this is a reliable, but not cheap, favourite with many. Cuisine is what might be termed contemporary European, and lunch is excellent value at £6.75 for two courses, desserts £3.50, with the evening set menu at around £20. Try not to be seated upstairs; it's on the way to the WC. Dress, although casual, is inevitably smart and mostly black, while the staff are usually svelte and sociable.

Our Local Expert Says:

Voted Best in Bath by locals and noted in the Good Food Guide

Description:

Demuths-"positively vegetarian"-restaurant specializes in dealing with the most difficult of dietary needs. Principally organic food is served here and vegans, vegetarians, gluten and nut-intolerant individuals are all catered for in an atmosphere of friendly welcome. For excellent specialist food in appealing surroundings, Demuths can't be bettered. Main dishes range from the Moroccan 'toureg tajine', through Thai red curry and Glamorgan sausages. Even the desserts represent a variety of different countries, and include such delights as Indonesian black rice pudding, apple and pear crumble, banoffi pie and organic mango sorbet. An extensive range of organic wines is also available.

Description:

A delightful guesthouse situated away from the main road yet within easy reach of the city centre. It is particularly convenient for walking to the Royal Crescent where, it should be pointed out, traffic is no longer allowed. Interestingly, this is one of the few hotels that prides itself on providing cuisine using organic products, including organic wine. Candlelit dinners are offered in its lovely dining room which, like the rest of the house, is furnished and decorated in keeping with its age and ambience. A ground floor bedroom is available for those with mobility problems and for the disabled travelling in company. Fishing can be arranged for those so disposed. Special prices for mid-week breaks are available on request.

Description:

Extensive and picturesque ruins command splendid views over the valley of the River Frome. The superb chapel contains wall paintings and the fine tomb of Sir Thomas Hungerford, who built the castle in the 1370s when, we are told on good authority, all knights were bold and chivalrous and all their ladies beautiful and good. The inhabitants of Farleigh seem to have been the exceptions: one was a damsel who, far from being in distress, showed a distressing ability to take care of herself. For this talent the wicked Lady Hungerford was hanged at Tyburn in 1523 on a charge of strangling her husband and then having his body burned in the castle's kitchen. A later Lady Hungerford was walled up in one of its towers for four long years by her husband. And no one has been able to satisfactorily explain the eight lead coffins in the crypt beneath the chapel. No wonder the castle is a ruin - it was obviously dangerous to live there!

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.

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:

Serving excellent Indian food for over twelve years, Bengal Brasserie's unique lighting and booth seating are the perfect setting for an intimate meal. A plentiful starters menu has several mouth-watering choices. Main courses specialities of tandoori, curry, Biryani and vegetarian varieties abound. A special Balti menu and a selection of four set menus make deciding what to order a pleasure, and a long lasting one at that! A full wine list offers liquid satisfaction by the glass or the bottle and beer and spirits are also available. It is advisable to book on Fridays and Saturdays. A takeaway service is available. There is no non-smoking designated area.

Description:

If Walcot Street is Bath's bohemian centre, then The Bell is its heart and soul. Perhaps we could throw in eclectic and cosmopolitan there too. And, usually, crowded. Real ales flow freely, and there's music every night; live on Sunday (lunchtime), Monday, and Wednesday evenings. If you like loud and seriously good music, try this place for bands, such as Planet Groove, described in the monthly programme as - "Big Chunk a'funk from unca Jerry C-C and the crew - the bass is gravity, the drums are solid ground and the guitar, organ and guests give an atmosphere that we live to breathe." Almost the last bar billiards table in the world is here, plus an outside courtyard that gets seriously packed on summer evenings, a games room, chess and good company of all ages and inclinations.

Description:

A delightful guesthouse situated away from the main road yet within easy reach of the city centre. It is particularly convenient for walking to the Royal Crescent where, it should be pointed out, traffic is no longer allowed. Interestingly, this is one of the few hotels that prides itself on providing cuisine using organic products, including organic wine. Candlelit dinners are offered in its lovely dining room which, like the rest of the house, is furnished and decorated in keeping with its age and ambience. A ground floor bedroom is available for those with mobility problems and for the disabled travelling in company. Fishing can be arranged for those so disposed. Special prices for mid-week breaks are available on request.

Description:

Originally a commission by the Countess of Huntingdon in 1765, the Methodist chapel on this site now houses the Building of Bath Museum. The main exhibition contains images and models of Bath during its stage of development, and catalogues the architects and builders who influenced its unique style. Visitors will learn about carpentry, stonework, moulding, plastering, ironmongery, and even the importance of the door on Bath buildings. A model of Bath on a 1:500 scale gives a bird's eye view of the wonders of the city. A small gift shop offers books and gifts related to Bath and architecture. Groups should book in advance. A study centre is available for research on architectural history or building conservation by appointment.

Admission: £4; concs £3; children £1.50

Description:

The wonders of the Eastern world preserved in this Georgian house number over a thousand, and date from 5000BCE right up to the 20th century. On the first floor are Chinese jade and stone carvings, as well as a large room devoted to bronze and other metallic arts. The Chinese Scholar's Studio hidden in the back is easily missed, but well worth seeking out. The second floor gallery is full of ceramics, sculptures, and bamboo carvings. In all areas, helpful displays assist you in understanding the significance of the art forms in Asian culture. Around every corner something will catch your eye; look out for Chinese and Japanese lacquer, and prints of traditional figures. Admission: Adults GBP5, Seniors GBP4, Students GBP3.50, Children between 6 to 12 years old GBP2 and children under 6 years old can visit for free

Description:

If you're looking for a cheerful, unpretentious Italian eatery then this is the place. There's plenty of room here with the ground floor overlooking George Street, a huge cellar overlooking nothing at all, and a small terrace with views over the city. Service is brisk from staff who do speak Italian - as well as English - and booking is often necessary on busy evenings in midsummer. The menu lists the usual range expected of a trattoria or pizzeria and there is an extensive vegetarian menu. While the cooking is generally average, the real virtue is their seriously good pizzas, and not many people seem to know this, they are available for takeaway meals. Drinkable house wine and generally reasonable prices make this good value for parties plus pasta and pizza fans.

Description:

Situated in the Camden/Walcot district, Hedgemead Park offers a pleasant environment for that mid-morning stroll. Ball games are permitted, but the park is on a slope, so better perhaps to leave the football at home and concentrate on enjoying the surroundings. Autumn is an ideal time to visit because of the amazing array of different colored leaves on the trees (some unusual specimens here too) and the sloping paths are not as slippery as they would be in winter. For children, there is a small play area with slides, swings and a climbing frame as well as plenty of great hiding places for a game of 'hide and seek'.

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:

Open in Kingsmead Square for over four years, this little gem of a cafe serves good food at reasonable prices. Decorated in bold red and blue with sturdy wooden tables and chairs, the seating area is comfortable without being pretentious. The usual cafe fare of salads, soups, jacket potatoes and breakfasts are complemented by stew, omelettes, chilli, lasagne, followed by a host of delectable sweets and desserts. In addition to tea, hot chocolate and espresso-based coffee drinks; wine is sold by the glass and lager by the bottle. This is a place frequented by locals and hidden from prying tourist eyes! Try the big breakfast - you won't regret it. Certainly cheap, definitely cheerful and the music's not bad either, if you like Jazz.

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 delightful guesthouse situated away from the main road yet within easy reach of the city centre. It is particularly convenient for walking to the Royal Crescent where, it should be pointed out, traffic is no longer allowed. Interestingly, this is one of the few hotels that prides itself on providing cuisine using organic products, including organic wine. Candlelit dinners are offered in its lovely dining room which, like the rest of the house, is furnished and decorated in keeping with its age and ambience. A ground floor bedroom is available for those with mobility problems and for the disabled travelling in company. Fishing can be arranged for those so disposed. Special prices for mid-week breaks are available on request.

Description:

Situated on the outskirts of the city, The Boathouse is a popular watering hole for families who flock there in the hundreds during the summer months. Children entertain themselves by playing in the small playground provided, or more usually, with a game or two of hide and seek in the thick bushes. Behind the pub is a small field with a donkey, so don't forget to bring him a carrot. The beer garden is a pleasant place to waste a few hours, and the atmosphere owes much to the waterside setting. Food is served all day and consists of the usual steak house fare. In addition, a carvery menu is also available on Sunday lunchtimes. Altogether, a great little find for parents looking for somewhere to spend a relaxing afternoon.

Description:

Open in Kingsmead Square for over four years, this little gem of a cafe serves good food at reasonable prices. Decorated in bold red and blue with sturdy wooden tables and chairs, the seating area is comfortable without being pretentious. The usual cafe fare of salads, soups, jacket potatoes and breakfasts are complemented by stew, omelettes, chilli, lasagne, followed by a host of delectable sweets and desserts. In addition to tea, hot chocolate and espresso-based coffee drinks; wine is sold by the glass and lager by the bottle. This is a place frequented by locals and hidden from prying tourist eyes! Try the big breakfast - you won't regret it. Certainly cheap, definitely cheerful and the music's not bad either, if you like Jazz.