Steeped in a history that can trace itself back to the Roman Empire, Bath is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and viewed as one of the world’s finest architectural masterpieces. At its heart are the famous thermal springs, which the Romans first developed 2000 years ago, but it’s the stunning Georgian buildings of golden stone and its beautiful setting amongst the Cotswold hills that make Bath so special.
But it’s something altogether more modern that we checked in to – the SACO apartments on St James’s Parade. Behind the front door of this Georgian terrace, we did not expect the entire floor to be devoted to our accommodation. Fully loaded, it was literally a luxe home from home with all the mod cons and on the doorstep of the city’s main fashion parade and touristy bits. The McDonalds on the corner of St James’s also providing a welcome hangover breakfast on the Sunday morning – we all do it, right!? 😉 CLICK HERE for more details.
Roman Spa
But back to the Saturday; there is so much to see and do in Bath that a weekend is almost too short. Due to the brevity of our trip, we decided to stay central and enjoyed the area around the city’s amazing Roman Spa (a mere five-minute walk from the apartment). The spa in itself is a must see. Built over 2000 years ago, you need to set aside at least two hours to see it properly – any less and you really will be kicking yourself.
Thermae Bath Spa
If the idea of all those Romans lounging away their afternoon has made you a little jealous, then there is always the Thermae Bath Spa, where you can bathe in the unique natural hot waters in surroundings that are a little more contemporary than that of the Romans! The spectacular open roof top pool is worth a splash on its own simply for the phenomenal views. CLICK HERE for more details.
Where to go
Bath is full to the brim with everything you would expect of a high street. Turn down one of the many small lanes and side streets and you will discover a whole host of interesting and independent boutiques, interior stores, and antique emporiums. Fans of Brighton’s Lanes will find favour here amongst the streets surrounding Milsom Place and the Pulteney Bridge – one of only two bridges in the world to have shops built into it (the other being in Florence, fact fans).
If you have any energy left after all that shopping, a night out in Bath can be as grand or laid back as you desire. The 200-year-old Georgian Theatre Royal is newly renovated and there are multiple quirky bars (check out Opium Bar) and gastropubs dotted throughout the centre as well as Komedia; the place to be for live music, comedy shows and club nights. There are also multiple evening walking tours of the centre for those keen to soak up more culture – including the well-regarded Comedy Walking tour. CLICK HERE for more details.
Our quick getaway to Bath merely skimmed the surface as to what this beautiful city has to offer and we will definitely be back to discover more, we won’t leave it as long next time!
We were guests of SACO Apartments, St James’s Street, Bath, BA1 1UH. Tel 0845 122 0405. CLICK HERE
For more information on Bath and its attractions, check out visitbath.co.uk
