Before traveling to Bath, I had pretty big expectations.  Considering it is the only entire city that I’ve ever been to that is designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the bar was set fairly high.  I’ve seen some beautiful cities in my time…Florence, Paris, New York…so needless to say, Bath was going to have some big shoes to fill.  I was hoping for the best, but prepared to be pleased with mediocracy.

Well.

Many words came to mind the second I stepped off the train in Bath, but mediocre was definitely not one of them.  Enchanted would be more appropriate.  A city steeped in romance, drenched in charm, and laden with gorgeous architectural aesthetics in every direction you look, Bath is truly something special.  Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, hen party (i.e. the British term for “girlfriend getaway”), or a historical city of wonder to take the whole family, Bath has something for everyone.  Here’s how we spent our 48 hours:

Day #1

Visit Bath’s Famous Resident 12pm

Jane Austen called Bath home for six years, from 1801 to 1806.  While it may be true that she wasn’t ever so fond of her time here, she still remains one of Bath’s greatest residents, and the reason countless Austen fans visit the city every year.  Take in the museum, and if you are a true Austen fan, the walking tour should be on your agenda, too.  Read more about our Austen adventure here, and then peek in some of Bath’s boutiques and vintage shops, making your way to the Crescent.

Photo Credit: Lauren Welch

Afternoon Tea 3pm

Being in England, it’s practically mandatory that you sit for at least one proper afternoon tea during your stay.  The Royal Crescent Hotel spares no expense in giving you an exquisite experience.  From their thinly sliced cucumber finger sandwiches to the delectable clotted cream, topped with their creme of the crop service, you will leave feeling like the Queen of England.  For our entire Afternoon Tea experience, read on here.

Gorgeous Gardens at the Royal Crescent (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)

Rest and Refresh 6pm

Ahh, the Thermae Bath Spa.  Bath was originally founded for its healing water, so make sure you take the waters during your stay.  We quite enjoyed the Twilight Package, combining the spa experience with a light, nutritious dinner, and glass of bubbly.  Watching the sun set over Bath is the kind of experience that may just ruin you for anything less extraordinary.  We warned you in advance.

Photo Credit: http://www.thisisdaisydoes.com

Nightcap 9pm

Circo Bar and Lounge was like a little piece of home: New York, without all the pretension.  Bella the bartender knows how to concoct drinks of pure magic, topped with fire and spice and everything nice.

Photo Credit: Lauren Welch

Photo Credit: Lauren Welch

Day #2

Bring Out Your Inner Fashionista 10am

The Assembly Rooms were where the elite did all their schmoozing back in the day, and are also now home to the Fashion Museum.  Peruse classic styles, view the “Dress of the Year”, and even try on a few bonnets and hoop skirts of your own.

Photo Credit: Lauren Welch

Vegetarian Delight 1pm

For my fellow vegetarians, I did you the honor of scoping out the best vegetarian restaurant in Bath: Demuths.  We loved the quaint, rustic appeal, not to mention the pumpkin soup.  Seats fill up quickly though (even for lunch), so reservations are recommended.

Photo Credit: Lauren Welch

Explore The Roman Baths 3pm

You can hardly Google the city of Bath without delightful images of the Roman Baths popping up.  My advice: take the audio tour.  It’s easy enough to peruse through quickly, but it’s fascinating to listen to the history behind it all.  And give the water a taste at the end.  It’s absolutely retched, but you know what they say…when in Bath.

Photo Credit: Lauren Welch

Bath Abby 5pm

Much like it would be a sin to visit Rome and not stop by the Vatican, the same goes for Bath and its Abby.  If you’re feeling adventurous, climb the 212 steps of the Abbey tower and take in a bird’s eye view of the city.

Photo Credit: Lauren Welch

Swanky Dinner 8:30pm

Hudson Steakhouse Bar and Grill is the perfect way to end your visit to Bath.  Serving up classic cocktails, immaculate service, not to mention the mouthwatering food, Hudson’s will be a place you put on your list for the next visit you make to Bath (because let’s face it, there will be a next time).  I know it’s on mine.

Photo Credit: Lauren Welch

If You Go

For a personalized Bed & Breakfast feel with old-school charm, The Kennard Hotel is a prime choice.  The elegant morning breakfast was what caught our heart: no flimsy American style continental breakfasts here!  The owners truly go all out with the Full English Breakfast, French Coffee Press brought tableside, and linen napkins.  The hotel’s Standard Double rooms for 2 people start at 110 pounds.

The Kennard (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)

For a luxury accommodation (minus the luxury price tag), Bath Boutique Stays is a perfect pick.  They offer a fabulous collection of boutique styled Georgian properties to rent in the heart of Bath, that can easily accommodate a family or group of friends traveling together.  We stayed in the gorgeous 2 bedroom Roman View Georgian City Apartment (which I quickly dubbed as my “home away from home”), and loved taking afternoon tea on our own personal terrace.  The Roman View starts at 129 pounds per night.

Bath Boutique Stays (Photo Credit: Lauren Welch)

By: Jessica Tiare Bowen

A very special thank you to the wonderful folks at Visit Bath!