No matter the number of visits I make to this gorgeous Georgian city, I always feel uplifted as I wander around and I think how my Father, who lived here as a boy, must have felt too growing up surrounded by such beauty and immense history. This charming UNESCO world heritage city, home to the stunning Bath Abbey and the simply awe inspiring Roman Baths as well as the Jane Austen centre and Royal Crescent has so much to offer the first time or returning visitor.
Although a short and very manageable day trip from London, Bath is worthy of much more than a day if you really want to delve deep into its charm and allure.
Here I will give you some unmissable stop off points to take in during your visit
The site of the Abbey has been a place of worship for around 1000 years, the current Abbey was built in the 16th century and replaces the previous Saxon monastery and Norman cathedral. No longer a cathedral, (the throne of the Bishop of Bath and Wells is at Wells Cathedral 20 miles away), Bath Abbey, whose full name is the Abbey Church of St Peter and St Paul is the most visited parish church outside of London.
As you approach the West door look up and see the statue of Henry VII staring back at you .... maybe this is the reason that the Abbey was spared the most brutal treatment that his son Henry VIII bestowed upon the monasteries during the Dissolution he ordered from 1536!
Today the Abbey shows the results of some restoration undertaken by George Gilbert Scott, the celebrated Victorian architect.
Take time to have a tour of the tower... the view is simply superb!
A visit to the famous Roman Baths – Visit the beautifully renovated original Roman Baths, dating from around 60AD, at the height of the Roman occupation of Britain
Afternoon tea is that quintessentially English custom that has been around since 1840 and was credited to Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford. She is credited with first making ‘Afternoon Tea’ into a formal social occasion and although a formal afternoon tea is unlikely in most homes today, many hotels and luxury country houses will offer this to their guests.
Stroll along Great Pulteney, one of the grandest streets in Bath and be sure to stop off at No 15. This boutique style hotel is pure luxury and their afternoon tea, in my opinion, is quite simply the best ever!
If you plan to stay in Bath overnight then you'd be well cared for at this award winning hotel.