Bath is the perfect place to escape from the hustle of city life in London. With only a 1.5 hour train ride from Paddington station that whisks you a world away to greener pastures and beautiful landscapes, it should definitely make your overall itinerary when visiting the UK and areas surrounding London.
If you’re anything like me, when you travel, you tend to get stuck in the big cities. I already live closeby to huge metropolitan area, so a new goal of mine is branch out beyond the city and see some more of the countryside and what that has to offer. My Bath Itinerary was a perfect introduction to this kind of travel because it was simple to get there and once we were there, everything was easily walkable. Read on for ideas when planning your two day getaway to Bath!
Getting to Bath:
Getting to Bath was relatively easy. England’s train system is nothing short of amazing. You can get pretty much anywhere by train and nothing seems too far. Bath is no exception. There is a train directly from Paddington station to Bath that departs pretty much every 30 minutes on weekdays and every hour on weekends. There is no need to purchase tickets in advance, but if you have a specific time in mind, you certainly can and it will save you a few bucks from buying the tickets at the station.
If you are going directly to Bath from Heathrow, even that is easy. Take the express train from Heathrow to Paddington and then follow the directions above and you will be there fast. One of the things that I love about the train system in London is that you really do not need to purchase tickets in advance. All you have to do is use your Apple or Samsung Wallet, or any major credit card that has tap to pay at the turn style and off you go.
Where to Stay:
There are plenty of hotels and guest houses in Bath for all budget ranges. Find one that is centrally located and you will have no problem making your way around town. Here are few to consider:
Guesthouse No. 15: Cute Georgian row house that has been renovated with several unique and nicely appointed guest rooms with a nice bar and restaurant. A short walk to the city center.
Indigo Hotel Bath: Boutique hotel that is a short walk from the train station and the city center in a renovated Georgian Terrace home. The restaurant here, The Elder (more below) is also excellent.
Gainsborough Hotel: This is a newer luxury hotel in a historical building in the city center with its own thermal pools. Be prepared to pay a premium here, but it looks magnificent!
When to go:
Autumn is the perfect time to plan your Bath itinerary as the leaves begin to turn and the summer tourists start to dissipate. The town center is still active but there are thinner crowds making the city more easily navigable at your own pace. Peak tourism season is the height of summer, making the shoulder seasons of spring and fall the best time to plan your visit.
Where to Eat:
Bath is full of great restaurants and cute pubs for all occasions that can rival many in London and all parts of the UK. Here are a few recommendations from whatever your mood.
Watchhouse: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, coffee, or even a light lunch!
The Pumproom: Have high tea overlooking the historic roman baths.
The Elder: Enjoy a tasting menu that is perfectly delicious.
Sotto Sotto: The best Italian food in Bath IMO! I recreated my salmone alla mostarda from my visit here!
Wine tasting and lunch or dinner at Corkage.
Taste some cheese aged in a cave at Paxton & Whitfield.
The Huntsman: Perfect pub for a night cap!
Things to Do:
For a small town, there is certainly not a lack of things to do in Bath! Add some of these spots to your Bath Itinerary.
It is basically required to visit the Roman Baths and it’s definitely worth it to learn the history of the area and see the ancient bathhouse which was essentially the center of the community. You can’t actually swim in these baths, so be sure to book a spa treatment or just use the facilities at Thermae Bath Spa. There are tons of facilities to use and a rooftop pool with sweeping views of the city.
For more views of the city and a little workout, walk up to Alexandra Park viewpoint for panoramic views of Bath.
Check out the Royal Crescent where Netflix’s Bridgerton was filmed.
Walk around the Bath Abbey and Pultney Bridge.
Check out the artisan quarter and blow your own glass trinket at Aqua Glass Blowing Studios!
Your Bath Itinerary:
Here is a suggested Itinerary for your adventure to Bath. If you are coming from Heathrow you may arrive late in the day, so 3 nights and 2 days is perfect for this sample Bath Itinerary. If you are arriving earlier in the day, definitely book yourself a tea at the Pumproom!
Day 1: After arriving late afternoon, check into your hotel and then make your way to the Elder for an early dinner of a tasting menu. Check out a pub for a nightcap on the way home, like The Huntsman.
Day 2: Start your day with a spa treatment and a swim at the Thermae Bath Spa. Then get ready for a late lunch at Sotto Sotto. After lunch, make your way back to the town center and tour the ancient Roman Baths. For dinner, try some local wines and foods at Corkage.
Day 3: Have breakfast and Coffee at the Watchhouse before shopping around bond street and heading over to the Royal Crescent. If you have the energy, get your legs moving even more and see the sights from a different perspective at Alexandra Park. Finish with a drink and maybe a light bite at the Halfpenny or head back into town and try some Nepalese food at Yeti Yak Yeti or a fun pub like Pulteney Arms with a menu that goes beyond the pub classics.
In Conclusion
Bath is a wonderful place to visit with beautiful sights and lots of things to do. It should definitely make it on your itinerary for your next trip to the UK, especially if you are looking to spend a few days outside of the city. Pick your own adventure and plan your days to perfection with these fun Bath Itinerary suggestions.
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