Overview of Bath, England

Famous for its Georgian architecture and Roman baths, this spa town is a lovely getaway from the hustle and bustle of London. It may be a small town of only around 85,000 but when you travel to Bath, England there will be no shortage of exciting sights and plenty to do.

Unique attractions in Bath

Most visitors will be ushered away to the Royal Crescent and nearby Stonehenge, but there is much to see and do right in bath that the tour books may not always mention.

Head to Cheddar Gorge

This is an adventure that you will want to spend most of the day on, with 7+ activities to enjoy, cafes, and shopping that will be a full day of excitement.

You’ll love exploring Gough’s Cave on a 45-minute audio tour and The Crystal Quest in Cox’s Cave will emit a magical atmosphere. You better pack your walking shoes, because after the cave adventures you can’t go without climbing the 274 steps to the lookout tower for riveting sights of the gorge. If these three activities haven’t slowed you down, you can also take a 3-mile walk to the clifftop. It is perfect for taking a picnic and relaxing. If you have been slowed down from the tower climb and cave walks, hop on the Gorge open-top bus for a tour around the area. The children will enjoy the Museum of prehistory where they can learn how ancestors survived in the Ice Ages. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, you can grab coffee and cake at Costa Coffee or for some shopping, there are over 30 specialty shops.

Let your memories last

The Makery in Bath is a popular crafting spot for people of all ages. The whole family will enjoy making a special gift to commemorate the travel to Bath. You make your own bath bombs or buntings to take home and the kids will enjoy sewing their own cushion animals. These are unique gifts of your own making that will always bring you back to your holiday.

Make your own bauble or two

Head to Bath Aqua Glass to watch esteemed glass blowers create works of art that adorn the homes of many. You can find baubles and bracelets, vases and candle holders, the trouble will be finding a place in your home for all of the finds that you will want to buy. You can also create your own bauble to take home with you.

Jane Austen comes to life

This museum is a permanent exhibition that tells the story of Bath’s effect on Jane Austen. The period atmosphere will  let you experience life as it was during Jane Austen’s day and you’ll also enjoy a waxwork of Jane Austen based on forensic evidence. Visitors of all ages will enjoy one of the newer sections of the museum where you can dress up in regency dresses, coats, bonnets, top hats, and more. It gives you a chance to be among Jane Austen’s era.

Take a dip in the springs

Bath was constructed atop three natural hot springs and during the time of Roman rule, they constructed a complex of beautiful bathhouses. The ones situated in England are one of the best preserved in the world. The complex now offers a restaurant and an audio guide. If you would like, you can sample the spring waters.

Accommodations for every visitor type

Luxury stay: The Bath Priory Hotel, Restaurant, & Spa-$406/night

The Priory Hotel in Bath is a luxurious find, a tranquil escape with lush gardens and cheeky gargoyles standing watch. Take afternoon tea in the library and drawing room for some time to yourself or head down to the renowned spa for some rest and relaxation. Weather isn’t so great outside? Take a dip in their decadent, indoor pool or a grab a bite in the award-winning restaurant. You receive a complimentary dressing gown and slippers along with designer toiletries during your stay. The cost may be priced above average but you’ll feel like a Royal in this gorgeous house.

Bed & breakfast: Bath Paradise House-$253/night

Nothing is quite as charming as staying in a quiet bed & breakfast for your holiday. Bath is a lovely backdrop for doing so and the Bath Paradise House will ensure a lovely stay. The elegant, Georgian house was built circa 1720 and offers 11 delightful rooms filled with flat screen TVs, yummy Molton Brown products, and Wi-Fi connection. Traditional English breakfast or Continental Breakfast is served either in the dining room or in your own room. Each gorgeous room is designed individually for a mix of traditional elegance with modern comfort. You’ll love the beautiful claw foot tubs and overlooking views of the colorful garden.

Budget stay: Bath YMCA-$40/night

Many think that you need to be a multi-millionaire to afford travel, especially with rising hotel costs, but it is actually completely realistic for students or even those on a shoestring budget to experience the world. The Bath YMCA offers cheap dorm rooms for a high quality. The refurbished rooms are right along all of the top tourist attractions. Rates include linens and a light breakfast.

Unique stay: The Hobbit Hole-$125/night

Bilbo Baggins captured our hearts in the Hobbit series and the Lord of the Ring series. Remember that time the dwarves took over his house? Now you too can stay in your very own Hobbit Hole. It has been called Glamping at its finest, meaning it is the crème de la crème of luxurious camping. The Hobbit Hole is set in the private gardens at West Tyning Bed and Breakfast. It has a double-sized bed with lamps and a futon for children. You’ll find all of the luxuries of home such as electricity and heating, exterior lighting, a BBQ, a cool box, linens, tea & coffee. Inside the main house, you’ll find bathrooms and a TV set in the lounge. There is an outdoor bathroom for evening use as well.

Simply a hotel: Queensberry Hotel-$212/night

Some don’t need the froufrou or adventure, some just want a regular hotel to lay their head at night with their own privacy, and that is okay. It will be hard to find a plain hotel in Bath, as they are all beautiful, so the Queensberry Hotel is unsurprisingly, insanely beautiful. While the rooms are classy and elegant, you won’t find pretentiousness here, just really great style. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, rooms for every budget, a three-star AA restaurant, and they are located in the heart of Bath.

Bath will captivate your heart and treat you like a friend, but you will still want to plan for the unexpected with international travel insurance to ensure the whole family is taken care of.

Image courtesy of Flickr user Allison Stein; cropped from original