Five Reasons You Need to Visit Bath Immediately

The oolitic limestone, its close proximity to Bristol and its historical interests places Bath in my top ten of England’s Cities. And if you haven’t been, here are five reasons why you should bump it to the top of your English bucket list.

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Sally Lunn’s Bath Bunn

Not a riddle, but a world famous tea house, and one of the oldest houses in the centre of Bath. The Sally Lunn Bun is best described as ‘ part bun, part bread, part cake’ with a ‘brioche-like personality’. It gets its fame from its creator Solange Luyon –  a Huguenot refugee who came to Bath in 1680 after escaping persecution in France.

A popular baker in the then Lilliput Alley bakery, Solange became known as Sally Lunn due to her colleagues unfamiliarity with French pronunciation of her name. Her ‘Bunn’ became a popular delicacy in Georgian England with its akin to the french festival breads. Today, visitors flock to taste the original creation, and spare a glimpse at the original kitchen.

You can enjoy morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, pre-theatre dinner and dinner – but you’ll need to reserve a spot.

Bath's Oldest House - Sally Lunn's

The World Famous Sally Lunn Bath Bun – with cream and jam

Bath's Oldest House - Sally Lunn's

Bath’s Oldest House – Sally Lunn’s Exterior

Bath's Oldest House - Sally Lunn's

Inside Bath’s Oldest House – Sally Lunn’s

December 25th

I bet you didn’t know that Bath is home to a year-round #Christmas shop?! December 25th is a themed bauble wonderland,  with changing themes from Venetian gems, grand traditions and ornate nativity characters. It’s fantastic for a little Christmas tree inspo, or even just to have a little nosey. If you’re one of those people who starts planning for Christmas in June then, this is the store for you. You’ll find it located next to the Bath Abbey.

 

Bath's December 25th Christmas Shop

December 25th – Christmas Shop

Bath - December 25th - Christmas Shop

Bath’s Christmas Shop – December 25th

Thermae Bath Spa

So, you’ve probably heard about Bath’s non-Roman spa – the one you can actually bathe in – and despite its popularity it is well worth a visit. Perfect for a couples retreat, birthdays, girls day out, hen parties or just to treat yourself –  the heated open air rooftop pool is worth a visit alone.

A 2 hour spa session with the use of towel, robe & slippers costs £36 Monday to Friday, and £40 Saturday to Sunday. If you’re heading there during the week, or on a Sunday, I’d recommend taking a look at the Twilight Package and the Sunday Taster – offering you an extra hour AND a tasty meal for just £8 – £12 more.

Thermae Bath Spa

Thermae Bath Spa Rooftop Pool (Image source: https://www.thermaebathspa.com)

Bath Abbey

Rich in history, the abbey is one of the most visited places in the South West of England and looking up at the ceiling alone it’s easy to see why. The Bath Abbey is free to enter, but there is a suggested donation of £4 to enjoy the special atmosphere. But for something a little extra, pop into the on-site shop and book yourself on a tower tour! At £8 (adult) and 212 steps, you’ll be rewarded with exclusive access to the Abbey’s ringing chamber, bell chamber,  atop the fan vaulted ceiling, and behind the clock face. This is all before your ascent to the roof for the ‘best vantage point in Bath to enjoy spectacular views of the beautiful city and see right into the countryside.’

Book a Tower Tour

Bath Abbey Tower Tours

Behind Bath Abbey’s Clock Tower during a Tower Tour

Bath Abbey Tower Tours

Bath Abbey Tower Tour – Rooftop View

Afternoon Tea Tour Bus

I usually turn my nose up to those big red tourist buses, but this one lured me in with the promise of tea and cake – and it didn’t disappoint. All aboard the Vintage Route master bus, enjoy the world heritage sites of Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, Royal Crescent and more whilst sipping from a beautifully illustrated travel mug. Having also taken this tour in London, there’s truly no better way to sight see than with lemon meringue pies and finger sandwiches.

Book your tour here.

B Bakery Afternoon Tea Tour Bus

B Bakery Afternoon Tea Tour Bus

I would also hasten to add Roman Bath’s, but I’m due a visit myself  so stay tuned.

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