A 90-minute train ride from London, the charming city of Bath is the perfect weekend escape.
Here, Founding Editor of Cereal magazine and Founder and Director of Francis Gallery in Bath, Rosa Park shares her insider guide to the city she calls home.
Essential items to pack?
An umbrella. You never know when it’s going to rain in Somerset.
The best time to visit Bath is…
May.
Our first pitstop should be…
The Royal Crescent. The majesty of this iconic building still takes my breath away, after eleven years of living in Bath.
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Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Embracing the full Georgian splendour is the way to go when in town!
For an early morning workout head to…
FLY or Toniq.
Where should we go for breakfast?
The Walcot.
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
Upstairs at Landrace.
And for dinner with friends?
OAK.
Where should we head post-dinner?
The Beckford Bottle Shop.
The best place for people watching…
Queen Square.
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The culture spot to rave about…
Iford Manor. This isn’t in Bath, but it’s very close – a 20 minute drive. The concerts in the cloisters of the manor are so special.
Must-visit art spots in Bath include…
The Holburne, Francis Gallery, Beaux-Arts.
The best place to treat yourself is…
One of the many spas in town. I love Enhance Medispa for a facial, and The Garden Spa at The Bath Priory for full body treatments.
For great shopping head to…
Berdoulat, Found, nām.
The one place only locals know about…
Complimentary tea and coffee while browsing at Topping Books!
For the best views head to…
Bathwick Fields.
For a change of pace try…
Hopping on a 10-minute train to Bristol. It’s the polar opposite of Bath and offers something much more urban!
Photo Credit: Gilly Hopper
Great day trips include…
A visit to nearby Frome and Bruton.
How should we spend the final day of our trip?
Walking through town – through all of the quieter back streets, as well as the parks and gardens – with a coffee or tea, taking breaks at benches and cafes along the way. Bath is one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities, so going for a leisurely stroll is a must.
What’s your Bath secret?
Foraging for wild garlic in the spring along the Bath Skyline walk, then freezing it in batches for the year ahead!
In a word, Bath is…
Idyllic.
Any Questions or Tips to add?