Bathing, Books and Tea
Brimming with literary allure, Old-world architecture and British quirk, Bath is a city that draws you in and lifts you up. Refined yet playful, it’s been a little different from the start.
Discovered by the temporarily ill-fated Prince Bladud around 863 b.C., the waters of Bath, which cured the aforementioned royal of his skin condition, have mesmerised the Celts, Romans, Saxons and Georgians and remain utterly mysterious. The water you bask in today fell as rain around 10,000 years ago before sinking deep into the earth (it’s impossible to say just how far down this water travels). Heated by high temperature rocks, it returned to the surface, and the city’s baths, through a network of ancient cracks. Naturally, no one is entirely sure where these cracks actually are.
Once you’ve wandered the original Roman Baths and indulged in a little local history you can take advantage of the city’s famed water at Thermae Bath Spa. Mixing ancient and contemporary architecture and focusing of internal wellbeing, here you learn that few things are as delightful as bathing in a steaming rooftop pool as snow falls and the neighbouring Abbey is illuminated by the sunset.
For those after more than just water there’s plenty of Austen. While Jane may have had mixed feelings about this city of stone and poise, which she called home from 1801 to 1806, she shall forever be associated with it – I mean, have you read Persuasion! Connect with the ultimate lady of letters by venturing to the Jane Austen Centre or perfectly preserved Assembly Rooms, conveniently located above the Fashion Museum. You can spend hours waiting for a Darcy here.
Alternatively, you can just focus on indulging. Don your finery, be flabbergasted by the effortlessly elegant Royal Crescent and slink through the door of number 16 for the ultimate high tea. Overlooking a blossom packed garden, this thoroughly secluded haunt, otherwise known as the Royal Crescent Hotel, makes overindulging feel rather glamorous. Match your afternoon foodie selection with an equally delightful place to spend the night. The Queensberry Hotel, found just behind The Circus a little away from the boutique-lined cobbled streets, reminds guests not to duel or ride horses in the lobby and recommends removing motorbike helmets before downing a cocktail. There is just a touch of Wonderland in the air here.
Relaxing, indulgent and just a little stuck in Regency days gone by. Bath is modern England at its Georgian best.
