Bath Breaks

garcon6

Can anyone suggest where to go for a 2night relaxing break in Bath this week Thurs/Friday. Though a Spa would be nice it will not be appropriate as my wife is pregnant although I can use the Spa.

Thanks,

Garcon6.

richardw

Look at lastminute and late rooms.

paddyrg

The main spa is OK, but look at some of the spa hotels in town which are less crowded. If you want to have countryside as well, try Combe Grove Manor if you can get a room in the house (don't accept a room in the modern block, they don't have the charm). I also rather liked the Bath Priory hotel, again a bit out of town but fancyish.

Spa-wise if you're not staying in a spa hotel, there are 2 sets of baths. The main baths are always busy and rather modern in styling. There is also a tiny outdoors only bath 'The Cross Baths' operated from the same place and just over the way. Still natural thermal springs but you'll probably have it to yourselves. Worth a look.

The Special Olympics are in Bath this year and this week, so you might find less availability than usual (mind you, availability is always a bit ropey here, it is always peak season!).

Things to see/do - well you kinda have to see the Roman Baths. Get there early to avoid the worst of the queueing. The Abbey (next door) is always nice. A few moments away is the indoor market which takes you through to the wier and Pultney Bridge (bridge with shops on). Crossing that takes you Pultney Street where many period dramas are shot, it looks the part, 'ideal' proportioning etc. People also generally see the Royal Crescent and The Circus, and hopeless romantics visit the Jane Austen centre, whereas scientifically-minded visitors might find more interest in Herschel's museum place. Loads of other pretty buildings, rakes of cafes, fancy boutique shops, etc.

A few nice pubs and some hideous chain ones. If you like a bit of old-fashionedness in your pub, try The Old Green Tree on Green Street (near the Post Office) or The Star on The Paragon (top of town heading towards the London Road before you double back down Walcot Street).

There are the usual topless circular tour buses, but for a special visit book ahead with a horse-drawn carriage 01761 471888 - it is often available as a regular taxi around the city, but it's hard to predict so worth booking. And will thrill the Mrs. Or if you're more into chopper trikes than horses then there is also a licensed taxi one of those 01225 745708. Either will give you a good but different view of the city.

2 days is plenty - it's a lovely city, not the cheapest by a long straw, but lovely for it. It's generally very safe, too - there's nowhere you can walk to that's a 'troubled' area, and even then it's a very tame 'troubled' compared with many cities. Have a lovely visit.