A Luxury City Guide to Bath, U.K

The city of Bath has long been associated with 3 types of people; Romans, Georgians and of course, tourists. I got to try my hand at being all 3 of these things when I experienced a luxury weekend in Bath last weekend. After a rare couple of months without any overseas travel, I was itching to get away and couldn’t wait to jump on the train from Paddington to Bath Spa.

The main reason for my trip was to investigate whether Bath was the perfect destination for a Londoner’s weekend break. Having lived in London for 3 years, I know the importance of getting out of the city now and again for a slower pace and change of scene. These are the main reasons why I thought Bath would be ideal;

• No car required (it’s only 1 hour 30 minutes direct train ride from London Paddington)
• The city is compact and everything is in walking distance (a great novelty for tube-frequenting Londoners)
• A great restaurant and bar scene (essential for the new wave of London ‘foodies’)

Here’s what I got up to during my weekend and the things that I would highly recommend for anyone from London and beyond planning a trip to this beautiful Georgian city;

THINGS TO DO 

Afternoon Tea in The Pump Room Restaurant

For a first-class and quintessentially British dining experience, head to The Pump Room Bath restaurant on Stall Street. This iconic restaurant serves up British cuisine with a modern twist, but their speciality is afternoon tea. I got to try out their champagne afternoon tea during my trip which was a real weekend highlight.

The Afternoon tea comes with a choice of over 30 loose-leaf teas as well as sandwiches, freshly baked scones, strawberry jam, Devonshire clotted cream and masterpiece of sweet treats. You can add on a glass of champagne for an extra £9, which further adds to the luxurious affair.

With a sparkling chandelier, high ceilings and a whimsical pianist filling the room, I’ve never seen a more elegant setting for afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea at The Pump Room costs £21 per person
The Pump Room, Stall Street, Bath, BA1 1LZ 

Grab a Sally Lunn Bunn

For something much more affordable but equally as famous in the city of Bath, head over to North Parade Passage for a cup of tea and a famous Sally Lunn Bun. Sally Lunn’s tearoom is somewhat of an institution in Bath and is listed many of the city insider guides. Built in 1483, The Sally Lunn tearoom is also one of the oldest house in Bath.

4,  North Parade Passage, Bath BA1 1NX

The Roman Baths 

This one kind of goes without saying, but I thought I’d throw it in for good measure. The Roman Baths are one of the most visited attractions in the whole of the U.K and are one of the best preserved Roman remains in the world. Wrapping your head around the history of the baths is mind-blowing and the attraction brings the history to life. The Roman Baths and The Pump Room are right next to each other, so if you’re planning to visit both you can fit them in at the same time.

Adults £14.00
Roman Baths, Abbey Church Yard, Bath, BA1 1LZ

A Visit to The Royal Crescent

A trip to this famous street is an absolute must for anyone on a weekend break in Bath. To live on this famous crescent shaped street during Georgian times was the ultimate fashion statement and indication of good standing. Today the beautiful architecture still remains and you just imagine the ladies in their corsets and bonnets parading down this street.

You can even go and snoop around one of the houses in it’s original Georgian style at No.1 Royal Crescent, which has been transformed into a fascinating museum.

Admission: £9 Adult / £7 Concession / Student

Shopping on Milsom Street

Milsom Street is known as Bath’s number 1 shopping street , partly because it is home to Jolly’s department store. Jolly’s is the perfect place to pick up your big designer and high street brands as well as perfume, make up and home wear. Milsom Street is also connected to Milsom Place, a fabulous little labyrinth of  restaurants and al fresco dining areas. Perfect for a lunch stop in-between shopping,

NIGHTLIFE AND DINING

Dine at Brasserie Blanc

If you’re looking for an affordable restaurant in the centre of Bath with exceptional service, a buzzing atmosphere and utterly delicious French bistro menu, I can highly recommend Brasserie Blanc. Connected to The Francis Hotel on Queen Square, Brasserie Blanc is a dining concept created by Michelin-starred French chef Raymond Blanc. The menu offers all of the french classics as well as creative daily specials.

My boyfriend and I enjoyed an epic 3-course meal at Brasserie Blanc and I was so impressed by the exceptional level of service. Our waiter, Rami, knew the menu from back to front and advised us both on our wine and dish choices.

Get Silly at Komedia

If you’re a fan of live comedy, head to Komedia for some side-splitting laughs. Komedia is Bath’s No.1 comedy venue and hosts comedy and club nights all week round. You can get a general entry ticket or make a night of it with dinner in the venue too.

General Entry £18.00 / Ticket & Dinner £28.50 / VIP £45.00
22-23 Westgate St, Bath BA1 1EP 

ACCOMODATION

The Francis Hotel

I was determined to find a central hotel that was in walking distance to all of the main sights, streets and attractions of Bath. I also wanted a luxury hotel to try out and potentially recommend to my readers. Fortunately, Francis Hotel ticked all of my boxes.

The hotel is located in a long row of connecting Georgian houses on Queen Square and has a beautifully boutique feel to it. Combined with extremely friendly staff and a top notch Eggs Benedict, it’s ideal for a central and luxurious base in Bath.

Rooms from £129 per night for a classic room with breakfast
Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HH

What did you think of my Bath city guide? Has this post inspired you to enjoy a weekend break in Bath or have you visited recently? If you enjoyed this post please leave me a comment in the box at the bottom of the page x