This is Bath, so let’s make it iconic. Head to Thermae Bath Spa to bathe in Britain’s only warm, mineral-rich waters, just as the Romans once did. Try a little watsu therapy to drift into a delicious state of relaxation. Stick around for the Bath Skyline walk through meadows, woodlands and secluded valleys.
Check out the abbeys at Bath and Lacock, and the cathedral at Wells, reputed to be Britain’s finest. Keep going through beauty and history to Prior Park Landscape Garden, for magnificent views of Bath, and to the Courts Garden in Melksham, home of formal and water gardens, herbaceous borders, lawns, topiary and an arboretum.
Take a tour of the Box Steam Brewery, named after Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s famous Box Tunnel, or at Wadworth and Co. complete with brewing memorabilia in the free Brewseum. Try aerial archery, axe-throwing or stand-up paddle-boarding at Battle Archery, or paintball at Hamburger Hill.
Alternatively, just wander the highways and byways of downtown Bath. Shop in one-of-a-kind independents for antiques, arts and crafts, books, fashion, food, jewellery and more, or find major names in the SouthGate centre. Follow the alleyways that emanate from Bath Abbey for confectionery, glassware, fashion and accessories.
From homely pubs in Box that promise a fuggy fireside warmth in winter and beer-garden pageantry in summer to switched-on, neon-lit nightlife in downtown Bath, this corner of East Somerset and West Wiltshire will appeal to everyone from family groups to stags and hens.
Head out on foot to The Queen’s Head or The Quarryman’s Arms. Take a trip into Bath to the Hare and Hounds, home to lovely terrace views, real ales and really helpful staff. Stay there for the Holcombe Inn’s far-reaching views and cosy bars or for coffee, lunch, dinner or just a swift pint at the Marlborough Tavern.
Hit the club scene at places like Walcot House or Po Na Na. Watch top comedians or catch a little burlesque at Komedia, join the Bizarre Bath Comedy Walk for an irreverent tour of the city, or catch some live jazz at Green Park Brasserie. Or how about acoustic folk at the Chapel Arts Centre?
Head for the aroma of the greasepaint at Theatre Royal Bath or The Mission Theatre for musicals, dance, comedy and drama. Get your pulse going at Century Casino Bath, complete with luxury cocktail lounge with a balcony overlooking the Theatre Royal. Or chill your evening away with a Twilight Package at Thermae Bath Spa.
