(11SEP23) I usually spend my September as a travel hiatus from going outside the UK and for this year, I had an overnight stay in Bath! Well, I actually went there on a group tour last July but we didn’t manage to go around the town due to the tour lapses itself. But anyhow, I’m glad that I finally had this chance even for just a short time—-though surely, I’m going to return here! It has become one of my favorite places in England that is perfect for a staycation. 💓
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Here’s a short feature to one of England’s elegant cities with a taste of Ancient Rome. The links to my suggested itineraries are included! 😉
Thanks to my friend, Debbie, for inviting me to her birthday week trip!
TRANSPORTATION
The trip from London to Bath (via London Paddington station to Bath Spa) takes 90mins thru Great Western Railway. Train tickets can be bought in advanced through Omio or Trainline.
Getting around the city of Bath is very manageable on foot from wherever accommodation you’ll stay since most of them are situated at the town centre. In addition to that, you can also go on a City Sightseeing Bus Tour (Hop-on, Hop-off)for easy access to all attractions in the city.
ACCOMMODATION
We stayed at Henrietta place which is a cool, stunning apartelle located about 5-10mins walk from the city centre. I felt like living in a flat with their room arrangement and the ambiance gives very Victorian style.
Of course, you can’t miss an authentic English breakfast when going out of London.
ITINERARY
As its name suggests it, the city of Bath is mainly known for its water spa as it was built by the Romans.
It was such a thrill for me to finally visit the Roman Baths! Though I often say that I’m not really a museum-type of person but this exhibit is interesting. Imagine that there’s this part of England that’s been colonized by Ancient Romans at some point?
This self-audio guided tour takes about 2hrs and I highly recommend NOT to skip any of the audio guides—-they are very informative from how these thermal baths were made, how they were used and the finesse lifestyle of these Italian folks.
The Roman goddess Sulis Minerva is pretty much the highlight of this ancient tale. I was amazed on how the whole temple structure and some of its artifacts were well-preserved.
Yet, despite how moss-greenish and filled with algae this main bath spa is, it still remains as a picture-worthy area. There are many visuals on how the Romans utilize the thermal spa along with its sauna/steam and gym facilities. All of these has really amazed me for someone who likes spa breaks. These ancient people were definitely living the life!
A traditional sauna
You can have a chance to taste the thermal bath water at the end of the tour (though I won’t spill how it taste like!) plus a souvenir shop by the exit.
Of course, there’s a modern version of this spa in the city where people can almost have the same vibes as this which is at Thermae Bath Spa! This wellness facility holds a roman bath inspiration which contains a thermal infinity pool/jacuzzi, steam/saunas and a massage area. Taking of pictures are prohibited inside all premises so for further information, please visit their website. It was certainly a great experience and a perfect stress reliever.
Apart from that, there’s more to admire around its city center and you can go to all of it in just a few minutes' walk!
The Bath Abbey or the main centrepiece of the city, is situated nearby the Roman Bath entrance. It has an entrance fee of GBP 6.50.
Even the city's hospital speaks of water!In ancient times, this health facility was known to cure sick people with mineral water.Though apparently, this is now the National Hospital for Rheumatic Disease. Pretty much this will be amusing for someone who works in the NHS (like me! 😆)
Another interesting fact here is that the town is filled with quirky street names! So stroll along the outskirts and see how many unique street and shop names you can get!
The Pulteney Bridge where the famous Les Miserables took place. There's a beautiful Sulis-Minerva garden upon its entrance.
They have a very gorgeous and spacey park which comes with a fee as well. Not quite sure if this is free for Bath residents.
The Bath Guildhall Market welcomes you with good finds of antiques, home accessories and books!
People come to donate old novels here and they sell it for as low as GBP3!(That depends on what kind and popularity) I tried to read much classics lately so I bought an Agatha Christie story 😅
Apart from the bookstore at Bath Market, there’s this gorgeous old-fashioned bookshop called Topping & Co which gives Belle in Beauty and the Beast vibe! There are tons of books to choose from and this is certainly the place for the bookworms. Plus, most of them come in unique hardbound covers!
And last, lets talk about a bit of food in Bath. There are various food choices around the city but they close as early as 9PM (whilst cafes close at 5-6PM). Here's a hot stone steak we tried at Joya's Italian Steak house and desserts at Mrs Potts'. I believe that afternoon tea is always the highlight in every out of town in England 😉
Overall, it was a short trip but very worthwhile to visit. I hope to come back the soonest!💝
**I’m still catching up from my previous trips but y’all can check out my Instagram on what’s the latest. As I finish this post, I will be travelling back home for personal time. Indeed, the -ber months has been eventful as I have a new job, new place but the same friends for keeps. 💝
‘til then!
