As a first-time visitor to Bath, my main goal was to find out if the city was a good destination for me to take my family in the future, and quite simply the answer is yes.
I had an awesome visit to the city of Bath.
Let’s start with the train journey from the north of England to Bath. I was booked with Cross Country Trains from York to Newport, and then from Newport to Bath Spa with GWR. The journey was with Cross Country and took around 4 hours. The Cross Country Train was really comfortable, with allocated seats, a food and drinks trolley, and was on time, which meant that everything ran smoothly.
The Roseate Villa
Once in Bath I checked in to my hotel The Roseate Villa on Henrietta Road, located just out of the city centre yet within walking distance of everything. The Roseate Villa is only a short walk from the city itself, taking just 15 minutes by foot to be in the heart of the action. Moreover, the 21-roomed boutique hotel offers parking for guests, an early check-in if required, and a warm welcome.
Firstly, I was greeted with a smile. Secondly, I was offered a drink and slice of cake. Thirdly, my suitcase was taken to my room. What more could a girl ask for, I was in heaven! I stayed in Room 5 (priced at £369 B&B), which looks out onto the very pretty Henrietta Garden. The garden has tables and chairs set out for guests to enjoy surrounded by heavenly herbs and sweet flowers. My room had a bespoke Hypnos bed, goose down duvet, Egyptian cotton linen, and Penhaligon’s toiletries.
The room itself oozed with natural light through the giant windows and pretty white shutters. A seriously spacious room that could easily accommodate a spare bed for children. The team at The Roseate Villa even left homemade shortbread for me to enjoy, which I imagine they do for every guest! Moreover, this was a lovely unexpected treat.
Afternoon Tea
I had heard about The Villa’s Afternoon Tea (£35 per person, £47.50 with Champagne) and knew that it was something I should try. My table in the Henrietta Bar was overlooking the garden and there were other guests also enjoying Afternoon Tea. The menu looked exciting. With five Tea Cocktails, and ten Tea’s to choose from I didn’t know where to start. Furthermore, the menu even included Lady Whistledown Tea, in honour of the period drama Bridgerton.
The food didn’t disappoint either, indulgent sandwiches, scones galore, and exquisite homemade cakes. My personal favourites were the Pulled Pork & Hoisin Sauce sandwich, and the Lemon Meringue Pie. Plus, the homemade strawberry jam was so good I wanted to take some home!
Bath Abbey
It was time to start my adventure looking for family things to do in the city. So I strolled across Pulteney Bridge, and into the shopping district. I shopped, meandered down quaint streets, and was in awe of the majestic Bath Abbey and all the beautiful architecture around.
My first stop was Fudge Kitchen, opposite the Abbey, where the staff were so much fun it was impossible not to buy some fudge. Everyone is welcome into the tiny Fudge Kitchen shop, where they make fudge in front of you, and offer tastings galore. This is a perfect little place to take children as they can try different fudge before buying.
Then I joined the queue to enter Bath Abbey, priced at £6.50 per adult, £5.50 per student, and £3.50 per child (5-15). Bath Abbey is open daily for visitors, but do check the website as sometimes it is closed for services and events.
Once inside, I spent an hour walking around, taking in the beauty of the East Window, and reading some of the 635 memorials that adorn the walls. Alternatively, I could have joined a church service, taken a tour of the Abbey, lit a candle, or watched the choirs.
The Royal Crescent
After visiting the stunning Bath Abbey I headed out of the city and up to The Royal Crescent, one of Bath’s most visited landmarks. A majestic crescent of 30 Grade I Listed houses which today are home to The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. The Royal Crescent is an outstanding piece of Georgian architecture, built between 1767 and 1775, designed by John Wood the Younger. It’s a great spectacle and one well worth visiting. In addition, it spans 500 foot in length, has 114 Ionic columns, overlooks Royal Victoria Park, and it is free!
Image Credit: Visit Bath
Bath Aqua Glass
Back at the hotel I changed and got ready for an early evening event at Bath Aqua Glass Studio on Walcot Street. I had never blown glass before, so this was a great opportunity to experience something different. I must admit, I was a little nervous as it looked like hot molten lava that I had to blow in to. However, I shouldn’t have worried because the team at Bath Aqua Glass guided me through every aspect of blowing the glass.
I opted to make a bauble for my Christmas tree, and chose the colour palette that I liked. I had to blow into a huge pipe with quite a sharp breath. And then, hey presto my bauble had been shaped! The professional glassblower took over, reshaped my design and set it ready to go into the setting machine. Notably, my bauble would be ready within a couple of days and would then be sent to my home address.
This is a great family experience at Bath Aqua Glass. Something that everyone can take part in, and at the end of the session you’ve produced a beautiful bauble. The Breath In A Bauble Session costs £22.50 per person and is for anyone aged 4 and over. Alternatively, if you don’t want to produce something yourself, there’s plenty of pre-made glass items to purchase. Additionally, the Shop can be found at 15 Abbey Churchyard bang in the centre of Bath.
The Roman Baths
At the end of the evening, I visited the most famous of all attractions in the city, The Roman Baths. Not only are they a tourist hotspot during the day, but throughout summer they are open in the evening too. I was lucky to be entering at dusk with just a few other guests and I couldn’t have chosen a better evening to visit. The sun was setting, the torches were lit, and I ventured through the museum and out to the baths. The Roman Baths are breathtakingly beautiful and seemed to ignite a relaxed calmness over me as soon as I entered the space.
Visitors aren’t able to bathe in the baths as the 2,000-year old archaeological site is being preserved for future generations. Prices at the weekend start at £18.50 for children (aged 6 – 18), £25 for students and seniors, and £26 per adult. Prices are slightly cheaper on weekdays, and family tickets can be purchased at a discounted rate.
My feet were hurting by this time. On the positive side, my day had been filled with fun, excellent shopping, and great food. Nevertheless, it was time to collapse into bed.
After a great night’s sleep at The Roseate Villa I packed my suitcase, and enjoyed breakfast in the Henrietta Bar. I then made my way to Bath Spa Train Station for my return journey home. I definitely had an awesome visit to the city of Bath.
Thanks to Visit Bath, Visit West, Cross Country Trains, The Roseate Villa, Bath Abbey, The Roman Baths and Bath Aqua Glass.
An Awesome Visit To The City Of Bath – Words by Rachel McAlley
