Out & About in Bath

Famous for its Roman Baths and Georgian Architecture, the city of Bath is justifiably popular with tourists from all over the world. Home to two universities and the beautiful Bath Abbey, the city manages to provide all the modern conveniences of city life with a landscape that is incredibly pleasing at every turn. Situated in the south west of England in the valley of the river Avon, Bath was founded around the natural hot springs that gave it its name and today has a population of around 80,000.

Shopping

Shopping is something that Bath does extremely well, which might explain why the locals are always so well turned out. The city centre is compact and easy to navigate making it the ideal place to begin your shopping tour of the city. Despite the old fashioned appearance of many of Bath's streets, you can find the most cutting edge fashion on offer if you know where to look. A fabulous shopping spot is the Corridor Shopping Centre, right in the heart of the city. Here you will find a range of interesting shops, such as Free Spirit, the divine Leonidas Chocolates and Uttam London all under one roof. Or for those that enjoy the energy and buzz of market trading, a trip to the indoor Guildhall Market, full of independent traders, is a must.

As well as fashion, Bath also has a great literary heritage and so perhaps unsurprisingly is a wonderful place for browsing in bookshops, both new and second hand. Jane Austen lived in Bath and used the setting as a backdrop in several of her novels. Fans of her work should visit the Jane Austen Centre, where you can purchase copies of her novels and learn more about her life and inspiration. Each year Bath hosts the Bath Literary Festival, which draws some of the most talented writers from the UK and further afield.

Food and Drink

Eating in Bath is always an exciting experience, with so much choice it is difficult to know where to begin. From small cafes to Michelin star cuisine, Bath really does know how to dine. If you are looking for a quick lunchtime snack, try one of the many incredible independent cafes or bakeries. A great location for a midday meal is the Riverside Cafe, nestled under the Pulteney Bridge and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with amazing views of the River Avon on the side.

For a tasty evening meal, there is even more choice with Bath offering dishes from every continent. Of course Bath is very much the quintessential English city and no visit would be complete without sampling some traditional fare, such as a real Sunday roast or a hearty plate of fish and chips. But variety is the spice of life and if spice is your thing, Bath will satisfy your taste buds with authentic Indian curries and spicy Thai noodle dishes galore. Try the wonderful Jaflong Indian Restaurant offering incredible creations from all over the sub-continent.

The nightlife in Bath is tough to beat and the youthful buzz of the city really begins to show after dark. From traditional English pubs to contemporary cocktail bars, Bath centre has it all. A great place for music fans is the Moles Club on George Street, famous for live bands and DJ sets. Some past performers include The Killers, Editors and Snow Patrol. For a more traditional evening, the St. Christopher's Inn is a homely bar attached to a backpackers hostel serving local ales and beers and quality meals all day.

Arts and Entertainment

Bath boasts an impressive range of museums and galleries, making it a culture lover's dream. Those interested in the local history should pay a visit to the Roman Baths and discover how the city developed. There is also a Fashion Museum, The Jane Austen Centre and the Building of Bath Museum, ensuring that there will be something to amuse all tastes. Bath is also a great centre for art and Holburne Museum of Art and Victoria Art Gallery are two of the best places to enjoy it. Outside of the city it is also possible to visit the historically intriguing Stonehenge and the mediaeval Farleigh Hungerford Castle.

Hotel and Travel

Bath is easy to reach by all modes of transport, well connected to the motorway network and served by rail and bus links. Bath is only an hour and a half from London by train and only 15 miles from Bristol International Airport.

When looking for accommodation in Bath you may once again find yourself spoiled for choice with everything from youth hostels to luxury hotels available. For those on a budget, the University of Bath can provide student accommodation outside of term time, including en suite accommodation. Guest houses are also abundant in Bath, with some gorgeous Georgian townhouses offering overnight accommodation. Quality hotels are common both inside and outside of the city centre. Some great places to try include Harington's Hotel, which has only 13 rooms so you can be confident you will receive personal attention. Whether you are visiting for a family break or a business trip, shop around and you are sure to find the right accommodation option for you.