Emma Westwood
Guinea Team Blogger
Nothing is more refreshing than a weekend away. Sometimes you just need those couple of days in a different location to relax and recharge, and you don’t even need to go to a different country. We’ve been having some glorious weather here in Britain, and we have some amazing historic city breaks right on our doorsteps.
My personal favourite? Bath.
Steeped in history and renowned for its architecture, no wonder this city is used as a filming location time and again. If you have ever admired it on screen, you won’t be disappointed in person, as there is very little set dressing necessary.
Whether you are a Jane Austen enthusiast, a fan of the scandalously salacious Bridgerton, or merely a history buff, these are some sight-seeing highlights.
Let’s start at the top and work our way down- I always think it’s always better going downhill- and one thing Bath is not short of is steep streets!
The Royal Crescent. A quiet street of towering Georgian architecture, is out of the city centre and features No. 1 Royal Crescent, a magnificently restored town-house, decorated and furnished as it would have been in Georgian heyday between 1776-1796. This museum boasts an immersive experience of life above and below stairs. Well worth a look round, but if you would rather have a rest from the walking, the lovely green space of Royal Victoria Park opposite would make a wonderful place for a picnic. The horse chestnut trees look simply glorious in autumn.
As you head on down the hill remember to go via The Circus, a magnificent circle of Georgian town houses, before carrying on towards the Bath Assembly Rooms.
While not a tremendously large building, it has stunning interiors, with an interesting tale to tell- especially the chandeliers! Currently undergoing some big changes, as they are creating a new visitor experience, it is best to check out the National Trust Website to see opening time and tour availability to avoid disappointment.
It once housed the Fashion Museum Bath, which is currently awaiting relocation into new premises, but until then some of its collection is available to view online.
As you amble on towards the city centre, you can always detour via the Jane Austen Centre with its regency tearoom, the afternoon tea options are utterly delightful, or aim straight to the Abbey down the main shopping streets.
Bath Abbey and its square are really the ancient heart of the city. Beside the towering Abbey you will find the Roman Baths and the grand Georgian Pump Room, where you can still sample the ‘medicinal’ waters. Though a word to the wise, once tasted, it is an experience never to be repeated! I would much rather recommend afternoon tea in the Pump Room Restaurant.
If I haven't tempted you into an afternoon tea yet, in this area you will find numerous shops and yes, more tea rooms. In one of the oldest houses in Bath you will find Sally Lunn’s, famous for its Bath Buns. I would advise making a reservation if you have your heart set on visiting this tea room as it is very small and extremely popular.
If you aren't too tired from walking, or sampling afternoon tea, only a short way away is Pulteney Bridge and Weir. It makes for a spectacular photograph, and if it's a nice day and just bit further away from the centre (but still perfectly walkable) is Sydney Gardens and The Holburne Museum home to an impressive art collection and feature exhibitions.
After all that walking and for the ultimate relaxing experience, I would highly, highly recommend a visit to the Thermae Bath Spa. If I could live in their heated rooftop pool I would! An amazing experience any time of year, but if you opt for the Twilight package - especially in autumn or winter when the night draws in early - it can be a truly magical experience.
Looking for somewhere to stay in the heart of Bath, and to truly immerse yourself in the Georgian experience, how about considering a stay at a Landmark Trust property. Period properties decorated in a appropriately sympathetic style, Marshal Wade's House and Elton House are both adjacent to the Abbey and extremely convenient for shops, museums, restaurants and the Theatre Royal Bath.
I do hope you have enjoyed my Guinea guide to a weekend in Bath. It is one of my favourite places to visit and hope it will become one of yours too.
What's in our weekend bag?
What Guinea garments would I be popping in my weekend holdall? Stylish flats, an easy to wear, slouchy fit jumper to fling over a summer dress, an Emily silk blouse, so easy to pair with anything, and if the weather is truly determined on being cold and rainy, a classic camel wrap coat. #guineaglam
I need of a new a bag to fit all these fab clothes in? I'm extremely tempted by Osprey Adaline Leather Weekender in tan, but the hydrangea blue is just too beautiful, I can't decide!