Bath is the largest city in the county of Somerset in England and it is often named as one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, and indeed on our latest road trip we fell in love with the city in a short space of time. We would recommend you to visit for at least a day as that would give you time to cover the city which is named as a World Heritage Site.
You can get around the city quite easily on foot, we enjoyed walking as we got to explore the architecture of the Georgian mansions on the Royal Crescent down to the streets lined with shops, restaurants and bars and then wander across to see the River Avon flow past.
We were in Bath on a Sunday and parked our car for free at Victoria Park which is close to Royal Crescent, if in Bath any other day of the week we recommend taking the stress out of parking in the city and drive to the Newbridge Park and Ride, free parking and £3.60 per adult for a return bus ticket into the centre of Bath.
Here is what we got up to on our whirlwind stop in Bath…
Bath Abbey
Pre and Post Covid lockdown restrictions, you can tour the inside of this former Benedictine monastery which was founded in the 7th century and rebuilt in the 12th and 16th centuries, for us we admired the beautiful architecture and structure from the outside as we wandered around the streets
The Roman Baths
The city of Bath was founded by the Romans, who were drawn there by the natural thermal hot springs, hence the city being named so. The original Roman Baths can be explored on a tour, where you see the hot springs and the baths
You unfortunately cannot swim in the Roman Baths but if you do want to take a dip whilst in Bath, then check out Thermae Bath Spa, which is a stunning rooftop pool and spa facility
Parade Gardens
The Parade Gardens were opened in 1830 by the 11-year-old Princess Victoria, there is a £2 entry to the park, but we couldn’t see any access for us to wheel Gigi’s pram down into the park, so we viewed the pretty park from street level
Pulteney Bridge and the River Avon
Pulteney Bridge was completed in the 18th century and crosses the River Avon, the bridge has shops built across its full span on both sides (and reminded us of Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence). Enjoy watching the The River Avon flows beautifully under the bridge
Royal Crescent
One of Bath’s most famous landmarks is the Royal Crescent, which is a sweeping row of 30 mansions built in the 18th century by renowned architect John Wood, the Younger. The Grade I listed buildings are celebrated as one of the world’s finest examples of Georgian architecture. Be sure to visit the heritage museum located at No.1 Royal Crescent
The Circus
Inspired the Colosseum in Rome, The Circus was designed by John Wood, the Elder in the 18th century and is a large ring of townhouses which sits at the opposite end of road from the Royal Crescent, and is equally as impressive
Victoria Park
This park is located across the road from the Royal Crescent and is one of the largest and prettiest parks in Bath
City Sightseeing Bus
On our next visit to Bath we will hop on the City Sightseeing Bus as we need to find out more on Jane Austin (author of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility etc) who lived in Bath, by visiting the Jane Austin Centre, along with various other museums and art galleries
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