Photodiary of a weekend in Bath
Some weeks ago I had the pleasure to spend a lovely weekend (despite the weather, it basically rained the whole freaking time) with friends in Bath, in the countryside region of Somerset (UK). It's the perfect weekend getaway from London! Easily reachable via train (but we went by car, which is cheaper and gives you more freedom of course), Bath is famous for its natural hot springs and it still preserves a bath system built by the Romans in the 2nd Century! And every thing that the city has to offer is within walking distance from the station and from the main street. This is a photo-diary of those two days, enjoy and... go visit Bath!
The river Avon, which crosses the city and has a walkable promenade.
Parade Gardens, with a beautiful flower sculpture dedicated to the novelist Jane Austen, who spent in Bath five important years of her life and career. At 40 Gay Street you can even visit the Jane Austen Centre, a picturesque permanent exhibition where you can go back in time to the beginning of the 19th Century.
If you like whiskey you can't miss this place called The Hideout, a stone-walled bar for real connoisseurs, with a warm and friendly atmosphere!
Bath Abbey and the Pump Room, where you can have a good afternoon tea right next the Roman Baths.
The experience of the Roman Baths is a must-do, especially in the evening when the torch lights enhance the magic of that place. The path describes very well the everyday life of the Romans, and you can see perfectly preserved objects and architectural structures. A company of actors recreate scenes from the Roman age and accompany the tourists on their walk.
We stopped at Boston Tea Party for cakes, coffee and herbal tea, and it was very nice!
More views of the city, walking towards The Circus. The umbrellas installation is located just inside Southgate Shopping Center (Southgate St, Bath BA1 1AQ).
Dinner time! Probably because of the Roman origin, Bath is full of Italian restaurants :D We chose Nonna's Cucina Italiana, very stylish place and delicious food! I had Insalata di Mare (seafood salad) as starter, and a rich mushroom risotto, all accompanied by an Apulian wine called Primitivo. Highly recommended if you fancy an Italian dinner!
The morning after we had a good breakfast at Rosarios, and then we visited the Victoria Art Gallery . We crossed Pulteney Bridge and we went exploring the other side.
We stumbled upon a rugby field! I thought it was a croquet field. I've never been too good at sports.
What a great surprise was The Holburne Museum! Full of art and antiques, with a gorgeous park attached. We had a nice wander through the building and enjoyed the green surroundings... and we got caught in the rain again!
I definitely want to visit Bath again soon. Probably in springtime, hoping to find a drier weather :) On my bucket list for next Bath weekend:
Experience the open-air rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa
Visit Alexandra Park for more spectacular views
Have a traditional full afternoon tea
and...
...visit Stonehenge on the way back to London (this time it wasn't possible due to limited time)!
Have you been in Bath? What are your favourite spots? And what do you suggest for my next trip?