Short Breaks in England: Bath, in Somerset
Review of Bath Tourist Spots and the World Heritage Site
Mar 1, 2009
One of the main attractions of Bath is, of course, the old Roman Baths. Used by members of the Roman Empire nearly 2000 years ago, this ancient and natural spa is well preserved, and welcomes roughly one million visitors a year. One of the sections, The Sacred Spring, is a natural marvel that is complimented by the overall amazing architecture. It is like stepping into an epic past.
River Avon and Boat Trips
A short walk away from the crowds is the River Avon. Couples and small groups walk along the riverside, soaking up with the calm vibe.
A boat tour operates, engineered by friendly locals, making a slow journey along the settled river, while one of the operating team shares details local knowledge.
The River Avon is clean enough to bathe in (as the Romans did), and even consume in small doses, as proven by one of the dedicated engineers!
The boat tour is an inspiring experience that shows off some wonderful scenery.
The Jane Austen Centre
One of central Bath’s highlights is The Jane Austen Centre, on Gay Street.
Author Jane Austen often visited Bath, and lived there for five years.
The Jane Austen Centre has a passionate team totally dedicated to delivering all things Jane. Some of the staff are dressed in 19th century attire, and refuse to break character while they interact with the guests.
The Jane Austen Centre houses a small, digestible education of this great writer’s time in Bath, as well as an exhibition. The little-known nuggets of information and trivia about Austen, and the enthusiasm of the team behind the exhibition, make this an invaluable and utterly fascinating experience, for Austen fans, and Austen virgins alike.
Thermae Bath Spa
The Thermae Bath Spa is central in the World Heritage Site of Bath. Its historical link to the Romans is instantly recognizable.
The configuration boasts brand new designs and building work, combined with the already present ancient structures. The result is quite impressive.
Steam Rooms, Therapy, Luxury
The warm Spa’s therapeutic effects are, not surprisingly, the central appeal. Most guests report a feeling of tranquility and empathy, as connection with the outside world dissolves into relative insignificance.
The Steam Rooms are a highlight, each room boasting a unique aroma, such as mint, or lavender. Even short visits can be intoxicating.
The open-air rooftop pool is an amazing place to finish up and relax, especially at dusk, when the great heights, the lights, and the orange skies can be truly appreciated.
For Pure Indulgence
The enormously indulgent will reap the most fruit from such a dreamland as the Thermae Bath Spa, and indeed those who enjoy such extravagant settings for a release from life’s pressures. But generally, a lot of people will find that relief and liberation through plenty of alternative pursuits that do not involve a mass Romanesque exhibition of flesh in heat.
However, it remains a memorable experience of luxury.
Sally Lunn’s Refreshment House. A Popular Choice
Sally Lunn’s is truly outstanding. Bath’s magic and charisma are encapsulated into this little retreat that sits neatly on North Parade Passage.
Sally Lunn’s is Bath’s oldest house, dating back to 1482. Sally Lunn herself arrived in the 1600s and introduced a local baker to a bun made of her special recipe. That bun is now the world-famous “Sally Lunn” bun.
The setting of Sally Lunn’s is charmingly old fashioned. It seems to disregard the fast-moving 21st century to embrace a simple image and set-up that really works wonders for a relaxed peace of mind. It is simply carefree.
In a world where sometimes too much effort is put into a hosting house, it is satisfying to indulge in a place that keeps it effortless, yet welcoming, and enjoyable.
The staff are warm and friendly, which is important. It makes for a more pleasurable experience.
Sally’s lack of music or any other distracting features encourages quiet conversation in a cosy, homely atmosphere. To enjoy a drink or a meal at Sally’s is to forget the mad rush of the inner city, and unwind in a nest that replicates a time when folks were probably more inclined to take the weight off their feet and celebrate life’s little pleasures.
Visitors to this world famous house have included, unsurprisingly, Jane Austen. And Hollywood actor Nicholas Cage visits Sally Lunn’s when he’s in the UK. “He comes with his family. He loves it here,” said a Sally’s staff member.
As the great writer Charles Dickens put it, “Sally Lunn is the illustrious author of the bun.”
The gift shop and, more importantly, the kitchen-museum, on the lower floor are some special features of the house.
It’s easy to see why most travelers and tourists prefer the more relaxed and subtle vibes of Sally’s, over the more mainstream nearby diners, that may have good food, but lack a personal, hospitable touch.
Sally’s is a gem, deserving of the attention it receives.
The Moon and Sixpence
Around the corner, on Broad Street, there is The Moon and Sixpence. This restaurant draws its biggest crowds on the weekends, as there are bars and pubs a short walk away.
The food itself is of a high standard, and so is the wine list!
The Real Bath
Like any city, the real Bath can be found not in the central area, with the restaurants, museums, and market stalls selling postcards and hilariously-shaped hats, but in the back streets, the quieter pubs, the roads that hold terraced houses, and the family-ran establishments the locals like to haunt.
Pubs like The Crystal Palace, and the close by Huntsman, host real locals, not just tourists, who share varying, fascinating opinions and stories about the area.
The Bathonians, as they call themselves, take pride in their close-knit co-existence. They are generally friendly, and helpful, and they have a zest for life; the kind of passion that seems to have slipped away a little in London.
A First Great Western Train journey, 85 minutes from central London, is all it takes.
And realistically, only a short break in Bath is barely an appetizer.
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