When wanderlust strikes, we typically flock to far off exotic locations which promise novel experiences and ample scope of digital cataloging. This summer I decided to break the pattern and visit someplace close by; you never realize how little you know about your home turf until you vacation there and explore it like a tourist.
About 150 km west of London, Bath, Somerset is a well-frequented tourist destination, which I had never yet visited. We decided to head there for our annual summer break and we did not regret our decision! Bath is a melting pot of diverse histo-cultural influences; discovering its many wonders was a very exciting prospect indeed.
We spent a considerable amount of time at Bath and tried to explore all its nooks and crannies. Here’s my take on the top 10 things to do in Bath when vacationing:
Below is also the Travel Vlog from our Bath Staycation – Hope you enjoy watching it.
Visit the Roman Baths
The Roman Baths complex is arguably the most popular tourist attraction of the city. It ranks high amongst the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. At present, the site has four features of interest; the Sacred Spring, the Temple of Sulis Minerva, the Roman Bath House, and the Museum.
As historic records go, the Temple of Sulis Minerva was created sometime in 60 – 70 AD, followed by construction of the baths in the subsequent 300 years. The hot springs of the bathing complex were presumably a site of recreation and relaxation for the Romans, and interestingly, serve a similar purpose in contemporary times.
When you visit the Roman Baths, you get to explore the bathing complex, with its fascinating features like ancient changing rooms and tepid water plunge pools. But for me, the highlight was tasting the spa water here which is touted as being therapeutic in nature, enriched with the goodness of 43 minerals! You can taste the water from a spa fountain stationed in the west baths or a traditional fountain maintained in the Pump Room here.
A bonus treat is the wide range of archeological finds and ancient relics displayed in the museum. Do explore the museum if you’re interested in the historic significance of this site.
Relax at the Thermae Bath Spa
The epitome of historic confluence with present-day reality, the Thermae Bath Spa proffers a unique experience to visitors. It combines the authenticity of ancient spa water with a modern, luxuriant exterior, which is quite honestly, the best of both worlds.
The New Royal Bath is at the heart of the Thermal Bath Spa, enveloped in glass with fine aesthetics. It encloses two natural thermal baths which are fed by hot springs in the same vein as ancient Roman practice. But that’s not all. The Spa also has a separate open-air, roof-top pool, another indoor pool, two steam rooms, an Infrared Sauna, several relaxation arenas, spa treatments rooms and a few other surprises.
It’s safe to say that the Thermae Bath Spa promises an unforgettable experience of rejuvenation that is relaxing and glamorous in equal measure. In my opinion, this is a great place of a girl’s day out!
Explore Bath Abbey
Bath Abbey is a beautiful Cathedral with imposing Gothic architecture and an a curiously, alluring history. Though it was founded in the 7th century as a site of Christian prayer and worship, it’s current form can be attributed to major restoration work pioneered by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the late 19th century. The vast expanse of the Cathedral is able to house 1200 people with secular ceremonies, lectures, and concerts taking held here regularly. You can drop by here for spiritual pursuit or merely to explore this historic, architectural gem.
Go Boating on River Avon
River Avon is a stunning example of nature’s beauty and boating across its waters is incredibly soothing. You can hop on a boat form the Bath Boating Station and enjoy the gently lapping waters in the navigable section of the river. You can watch the lovely scenery passing by and spot kingfishers, herons, moorhens, mallards, and other beautiful wildlife on the way. If you plan accordingly, you can boat up to the Bathampton Mill for a meal or snack.
Stroll Through the Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent is emblematic of the opulent lifestyle of the rich and famous in Georgian times. A marvelous example of post-medieval British architecture, the Royal Crescent comprises a series of 30 terraced houses, poised in a semi-circular arrangement, which accords it this name. Having been constructed over 240 years ago, the stone façade is as was over two centuries ago. If you want to delve deeper into the history of the Royal Crescent, you can visit the No.1 Royal Crescent Museum which is a shrine to its past.
Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Hot air balloon rides are a popular tourist activity in Bath. There are several service providers that offer such rides, which all begin from the Royal Victoria Park. The direction of your flight is determined by the wind pattern but rest assured that the view is going to be spectacular in any case. Hot air balloon rides are great romantic or family recreation, and if you have young kids, they will surely have a memorable time.
Visit the Jane Austen Center
The famous English woman writer – Jane Austen – is immortalized in the permanent exhibition set up at the Jane Austen Center, Bath. For avid readers and Austen fans, this place provides interesting insights into her life and her writing, especially how life at Bath, her place of residence, is reflected in her work. The most fascinating of all is a life-size wax statue of the author on display, which is presumed to be the closest likeness to the celebrated novelist.
Explore the Bath Botanical Gardens
Bath’s Botanical Gardens were established in 1887 and remain to be a delightful expanse of nature’s many wonders. There is a vast plethora of trees, bushes, herbs, insects, birds, and wildlife here. The added bonus of a picturesque stream, a rock garden, a pool, a scented walk, and an aerial walkway make the Bath Botanical Gardens a mini wonderland for nature buffs.
Discover the Delights of the Parade Gardens
If your lust for natural beauty is not satiated by the Botanical Gardens, the Parade Gardens will get the job done. This garden area, in the heart of the city, is a tranquil spot from which the surrounding architecture, which in invariably extraordinary in any part of Bath, may be observed without distraction. This park has had many historic figures walk through it, has hosted many concerts and events, and even been a wedding location for many. Revel in the richness of the manicured greens and groomed flower beds.
Sign Up for the Open Bus Bath Tour
Bath has an extensive network of Hop-On-Hop-Off open bus tours which are lovely way to explore the city. These tours take you across all tourist attractions, allowing you to explore them at your own pace. Best part is, the panoramic views you are privy to from an open bus give you a different perspective and appreciation for the city. If you are visiting Bath with family, open bus tours are a great way to sightsee!
So, these were my top picks for things to do at Bath. Do let us know if you enjoyed visiting them too!
Delhi had the perfect autumn weather during my trip. I styled two outfits from 
With Christmas round the corner, there was no better motivation to visit the local Christmas market and outlets to pick up some lovely things. Whether you are looking for one of a kind unique little gift or something designer and classy, York has it all. Wander through the cobbled streets of Stonegate centre to have a look at the antique shops, vintage stores, and small boutiques selling everything from pottery, jewellery and artefacts. Whatever is your budget you are sure to find something worthwhile to treasure. In case you are in a mood to shop for some classy labels and not blow up your pockets, head over to designer outlet to satisfy your craving. Wait! There is more. A visit to the famous Shambles market (It is nowhere in shambles, but a gem!) right in the heart of the city is perfect for that leisurely stroll through 70 odd merchant stalls selling local produce, flowers, antiques, books, etc. museum; you name it and you will find it. York promises to satisfy every kind of shopper ever born!
There was even a Christmas carol presentation at the Victorian place, not to mention a Christmas trail for kids to explore. Our next stop was the magnificent York Minister, one of Northern Europe’s largest Gothic cathedrals complete with stoned masterpieces and stained glass. The vast spaces come alive with the deep reverence for worship, tradition and music. There are even some inspiration corners at the Revealing York Minister that were displaying artefacts and various audio visual clips perfect to soak in the 2000 year old history of the cathedral. If you’re fit enough, one can climb up the 275 steps of the Central Tower, from where you can get a complete view of the city. Believe me it is so worth the effort.
We were very keen to see the York castle dungeon, which is a thrilling show showcasing city’s brutal history like the Viking invasion, murderous rogues like Guy Fawkes etc. However, with our 3 year old kid in tow, we had to do something less extreme, so we headed to the National Railway museum, just behind the York station. It has so many impressive locomotive exhibits dating back to 1820’s like Queen Victoria’s Palace on wheels, King Edward’s smoking saloon and even a Japanese bullet train. There are countless demonstrations, exhibitions, live theatre and science shows perfect for kids and adults alike. I can say that this was most enjoyable for all of us.
We reached the property around 2 p.m.; as soon as I entered the hotel building, it gave me a feeling of an old world charm of high ceilings that is typical of the classical 19th-century architecture and some contemporary soothing decor of leather upholstery. After checking in, we wandered out to the quaint village outlet for shopping and then to the Christmas market to simply absorb all the Christmas cheer.
Later in the evening, we headed over to their in-house bar for a drink, to relax. For dinner, we headed to their Bistro which had a very earthy warm decor of dark wooden floors, restored fireplaces, paintings and soft lighting making it a perfect setting for a relaxing evening. Now comes my favourite part of food and drinks.
I was very impressed with their selection of wines, and we were recommended a perfect wine to go with your meal. To my surprise, the a-la carte was equally delightful for a vegetarian like me and a non-vegetarian like my husband. My husband ordered some seafood which had combined the taste of some freshly caught fish cooked slowly with some of their homemade mayonnaise, shallot vinegar sauces and condiments. Vegetarians like me did not have to fret because they had fresh green Super food kale salads, Tomato Consommé for starters and baked sweet corn and courgette cakes in the main course.
All their food was cooked in a beautiful French home-style cooking enhanced with some traditional British flavours. Coupled with beautiful presentation and perfect wine, the meal was most satisfying for all the senses.
Starting with breakfast which was simply out of the world. I was felt spoilt for choice with a wide range of fresh yummy goodies laid out on the country table that included freshly squeezed juices in cute small bottles, quirky mini jars of natural yoghurt porridges, baked pastries, and homemade granolas. After digging into some continental bits, we ordered the traditional cooked breakfast and a serving of poached eggs and avocado. As they say, breakfast should be fit for a King and it was fit for so many Kings!
