A visitor to Bath has provided us with this enthralling account of their recent stay, exploring the many and varied charms of this popular English city.

The UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath

The attractions are world class: the lovingly preserved Roman Baths, graceful neo classical architecture, the exquisite stonework of its 'Abbey' and the delights of afternoon tea in the 'Pump Room', all of it captured for eternity by Jane Austen.

But then, you probably know that? And, like many, you could, if minded to, breeze in and out in a few days, ticking off the sites as you are whisked around. Here’s a tip from a Brit who knows and loves this place: “Don’t!”.

Instead, base yourself in this UNESCO World Heritage City for a little longer. Explore its delights and those of its surroundings at your own pace, and for a while become a 'Bathonian'.

Pulteney Bridge, Bath

Bath’s is undoubtedly 'a looker', but it eschews the over-groomed sterility of many destinations for a relaxed, 'lived in' feel that quickly leaves you feeling like a local. The warm Somerset accent and hospitality of Bathonians suggest that in human form Bath would be an agreeable aristocrat, the kind who thinks it 'bad form' to treat you as anything other than an old friend.

As fascinating as 'the sights' are, Bath is at its most intriguing just below the surface. Witness its most beloved bookstore, Topping and Co (honest!). A bibliographic goldmine, it is all tasteful, stripped down timber with a vast stock and erudite staff. This, and Bath's many other bookstores also have 'author’s events' to rival any London giant. 

Bath Abbey

Equally special to Bathonians are the musical offerings of the nearby Abbey-Cathedral. The 45 minute Sunday morning peal of bells is enjoyed across the city whilst choral evensong is, for those of faith and those of none, a sublime experience, best enjoyed on a summer’s day when soft light caresses the Abbey's stained glass windows and fan vaulting.

Bath Abbey ceiling - one of the finest examples of fan vaulting in England

Bath roars into life on rugby match days. Rugby is sport as gladiatorial combat, softened by the amenable pleasure of the warmish, hoppy beer beloved of its supporters. Don’t worry about the rules, atmosphere and camaraderie are all. If you 'get' American Football you will get rugby and the local team is one of England’s finest.

Away from the city lie the sleepy Cotswolds and Mendips, areas of outstanding natural beauty and home to pretty villages with intriguing names like Chew Magna, Norton St Philip and Castle Combe. Cosy pubs, cricket pitches and ancient churches abound. 

Glastonbury Tor

And then there’s Glastonbury. A new age paradise: King Arthur and his knights are said to lie sleeping beneath its 'Tor' ready to awaken at the time of England’s greatest peril, whilst the surrounding 'Somerset Levels' are a watery haven for rare birds, insects and amphibians.

When the day is done and you return to Bath, lively pubs, restaurants for every palette and a two-hundred-year-old theatre await your pleasure.

Bath and its surroundings really do deserve a longer stay, and as poet John Betjeman said of England: “It’s just pretending to be small”.

Bath is a superb destination for those exploring the Great West Way, and it also forms part of our England Originals Western Wonders itinerary. If you or your group would like enjoy a visit to Bath as part of a tailor-made tour of England, please do contact our friendly team today.