Bath’s legendary nightclub, Moles, is the place to get your punk rock fix. Opened in 1978, Moles has built a sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll reputation with music-lovers thanks the incredible line-ups to grace their stage. The Smiths, Radiohead and The Cure are just a small sample of larger than life bands to have rocked Moles’ stage in the last three decades. Moles is the place to release your inhibitions, dance the night away and see some of the world’s best music acts.

The Cork is one of Bath’s most contemporary pubs. Located on Westgate Buildings, the two bars, vaulted booths, conservatory and terrace area allows for large groups of patrons to mingle and socialize at The Cork.  Go downstairs to The Cork Vaults bar, where the renovated cellars offer a unique drinking experience. The Cork Vaults is linked to the outside terrace where the historic building, once a debtor’s prison, now exposes the Bath limestone, juxtaposing The Corks contemporary architecture to the several hundred years old Bath limestone. Outside patrons can enjoy the lounge atmosphere with mood lighting and party music to match. Inside, patrons get a more traditional pub feel with bar games and pool tables ready for patron use. Whether you are looking for a luxurious lounge or laid back pub atmosphere. The Corks provides their guests with the best of both worlds.

The Tollgate Inn is an award-winning pub and considered one of the country’s top gastro pubs. Set over an acre of land, The Tollgate Inn is not only one of the best places to stay in Bath but also offers one of the best places to drink. Their luscious gardens offer beautiful scenery as you unwind during the summer months with one if their many ales. Their friendly atmosphere will definitely keep you coming back for more during your stay in Bath.

Images via Belushi’s, Flickr, Moles, The Cork and The Tollgate Inn

Bath has attracted fashion-lovers for nearly 200 years with its unique shops and stores that line the Gregorian streets, so it would only be natural for Bath to have its own fashion museum. Definitely worth the visit, the Fashion Museum has world-class collections of historical to contemporary styles of dress. Fashion-lovers can see everything from 16^th century ball gowns a replica of J. Lo’s infamous Versace dress she wore to the 2000 Grammys. Get a taste for fashion of decades passed with the “Corsets and Crinolines” display where visitor can partake in trying on reproduction garments. The museum is child-friendly and spouse-friendly as well.

Feel like a Roman god at Thermae Bath Spa. Britain’s only mineral bath spa combines historic architecture and modern spa amenities, giving patrons the spa experience of a lifetime. The contemporary New Roman Bath overlooks the Bath skyline while the remaining thermal baths at the Spa are surrounded by Bath stone, providing an other worldly experience for visitors. A wall of circular glass that is infused with a relaxing mixes of lavender, mountain pine, eucalyptus mint or jasmine surrounds each aromatic Steam Room, providing an aromatic experience second to none. The central waterfall provides sensations of your choice, from a tropical shower to a light mist, indulge yourself in the central waterfall. And what luxurious spa experience is complete without a dip in the whirlpool? Reduce jet lag at the Minerva Bath. A swimming pool-sized whirlpool with invigorating jets, massage currents and warm temperatures, the Minerva Bath is sure to relax even the weariest of travelers. Along with mineral baths and steam rooms, Thermae Bath Spa offers 50 spa treatments and even boasts a restaurant with a health-conscious, always evolving menu. Be sure to book your spa day at Thermae Bath Spa before your trip to Bath, as late availability is not always a guarantee. Rates run anywhere from $100 to upwards of $250.

Calling The Royal Crescent a row of residents doesn’t do this historical landmark justice. Built between 1767 and 1774 by John Wood the Younger, The Royal Crescent is considered one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture. As its name suggests, The Royal Crescent is in the shape of a crescent, made of Bath stone and since its completion has been home to many prominent British socialites and royalty. The architectural design is absolutely breathtaking. Because of its immense popularity thanks to its high-profile residents, TV appearance and its sheer size, tour buses and carriages have been prohibited from driving in front of The Royal Crescent in order to maintain the resident’s privacy. Fortunately for visitors and locals, part of The Royal Crescent is now a museum and hotel. You can also see hot air balloons lifting off the front lawn of The Royal Crescent in the summer months, a spectacle for those traveling with out without little ones. Experiencing the opulence of The Royal Crescent first-hand is not out of reach for those lacking a prolific last name and Swedish bank account. The Royal Crescent Museum, located at Royal Crescent Number 1, gives its visitors a taste of life inside The Royal Crescent with authentic furnishing and original interior design. Admission is not free but a trip to The Royal Crescent Museum is worth the money, as these side-by-side mansions are not your everyday London flats.

Prior Park Landscape Garden and The Botanical Gardens of Greater Bath are the epitome of traditional English gardens. The Botanical Garden is located in Royal Victoria Park and stretches across 9 acres of impeccably manicured trees and shrubs. Take in the tranquil scenery of the scented walk and rock garden with an accompanying pool. One of The Gardens’ highlights is the replica of a Roman Temple. Once exhibited at the British Empire Exhibition held at Wembley in 1924, visitors can now marvel at the temple’s beauty. Another traditional English garden to visit is Prior Park Landscape Garden. Built in the 1700’s by Bath entrepreneur Ralph Allen, Prior Park Landscape Garden offers magnificent views of Bath. Among the rolling valleys is the famous Palladian Bridge, one of four in the world. Prior Park Landscape Garden is an ideal spot for a picnic or a an afternoon to admire wildlife strewn throughout these picturesque gardens.

Images via Best Value Tours, Fashion Museum, Thermae Bath Spa, Wikipedia, Ukoln,  Garden Guide and Pbase

For a night of fine dining, sink your teeth into The Dower House Restaurant’s award-winning cuisine. Located in the center of the posh and historic, The Royal Crescent, The Dower House Restaurant provides a truly unique culinary experience. The location may be unmistakably English, but this restaurant offers exotic dishes drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean to the Far East. The Dower House offers outdoor seating during the summer months where guests can dine among the restaurant’s luscious gardens.

On the other end of the culinary spectrum is Lime Restaurant at Homewood Park. Offering award-winning modern English cuisine, Lime was voted Country Restaurant of the Year in the Good Food Guide and also flaunts culinary credentials like two AA Rosettes. With out without Lime’s critical acclaim, experience the outstanding cuisine for yourself. Head Chef, Daniel Moon, is ready to satisfy his patron’s appetites by recreating their favorite dishes and constantly updating the menu.

Afternoon Tea

The ultimate in traditional British afternoon tea experience, The Bridge Tea Rooms offer unparalleled service and delicious English tea to its globe trotting guests. This is not your tea bag in a coffee mug type of tearoom. Inside and out, The Bridge Tea Rooms’ atmosphere welcomes its guest into a relaxing environment. The staff serves homemade cakes and pastries in Victorian costumes while classical music plays in the background. Judged as “near perfect” and awarded The UK’s Top Tea Place 2009 and again in 2010 by the UK Tea Guild, The Bridge Tea Rooms serves traditional English tea with all the pomp and circumstance.

When you want the traditional afternoon tea experience without all the bells and whistles, the Riverside Café is the place to go. Underneath the arch of Pulteney Bridge, situated on the banks of the River Avon, Riverside Café supplies its tea-loving patrons with some of the most privileged views in Bath. Since November 2003 Riverside Café has garnered a reputation for serving traditional English dishes along with afternoon tea. The modest interiors let patrons focus on Riverside’s menu, which features only local produce. Your stomach, and wallet, will thank you for Riverside’s delightful afternoon tea and top-notch location.

Farmer’s Markets

Take in Bath’s local produce and freshest selections of meat and fish at Bath’s farmers’ market. Visitors can snack on freshly picked berries as they stroll through the city’s two main markets, Bath Farmers’ Market and Midsomer Norton Farmers’ Market. Bath Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday at Green Park Station in the central Bath. All produce is sold directly by the people who grew it. Midsomer Norton Farmers’ Market is held in the Hollies Garden in the center of town on the first Saturday of every month. Like Bath Farmers’ Market, you can find fresh produce from local farmers at Midsomer Norton along with organic quiches, cheeses, salads and herbs- perfect for hungry travelers unable to purchase and prepare the farmers’ produce for themselves.

Images via The Dower House Restaurant, Lime Restaurant at Homewood Park, Our South West and War-minster Web

If understated elegance is more your style, then rest assure that Bath offers an array of traditional bed and breakfasts. The Plaine resembles a traditional English estate overlooking the historic village of Norton St. Phillip. This family-friendly bed and breakfast is full of modern amenities while still maintaining its traditional interiors.

For those of you visiting Bath on a budget, then like many European travelers, staying in a hostel is the cost-efficient, practical choice. You don’t have to compromise comfort for price when you stay at any one of Bath’s hostels. Bath Backpackers is located in central Bath. The staff is friendly and is available for organizing tours of the city. St. Christopher’s Inn is another popular Bath hostel. The décor is modest and the amenities are comfortable with full size beds and more than enough room to store everything from backpacks to several luggage. No matter where you stay in Bath, comfort and leisure are never out of reach.

Images via The Plaine, St. Christopher’s Inn and The Royal Crescent Hotel