After getting a few emails from about how helpful you found my guides to NYC, I’ve decided to switch up my Lazy Girls Guide’s a little and start creating more of a regular feature, with easy to follow tips for travelling, living and generally getting through life’s adventures in the simplest fashion. Despite the title, these guides are not so much about being lazy as they are about being smart.
When I travel I always consult friends, blogs and simple guides rather than travel agents, brochures and adverts. When I visit a new destination and need to find accommodation I give anything to cut through the crap and find the cheapest option and when I’m organising an event I scour Pinterest for helpful advice and call on favours from people I know. There is no better testimonial than the power of recommendation and so, while I in no way claim to be an expert on the subjects I discuss in these guides, I’d love to think that passing on my tips might help a few people out. So from now on expect to see everything from travel tips (UK and beyond), fashion trend round ups, organisational skills and, like today, quickfire city guides.
Before my recent girls weekend in Bath, I’d only visited the city once before for a day of shopping so this was my first overnight stay. Granted at the heart of our trip was the task of wedding dress shopping for my friend so we didn’t have quite as much time to play tourist as normal, but we still managed to make the most of our short time in the city and scout out our favourite places (mainly revolving around eating and drinking of course).
Below are just a few of the places we either visited ourselves or spotted along the way and took mental notes for next time, I’m sure there are many more great places but for now these are my top recommendations in Bath…
Stay
If you’re looking for a centrally located hotel that’s easy to find after one too many bevvy’s and accommodating to your needs after a long day of sightseeing, then I’d definitely recommend The Francis Hotel. It’s smack bang in the middle of Queens Square meaning within a short walk you’ve reached every shop, sight, restaurant or bar you may have been looking for.
For a cheaper alternative and if you don’t mind being a bit further away then we also came across this nifty two bedroom apartment so if you’re away with a group of friends it could be ideal. The benefit of your own apartment being you can save pennies on food and drinks while you are at it.
Do
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that there’s plenty do to in Bath. Perhaps you’ve gone with the intention of actually visiting the Roman Baths (something I’m still yet to do) or maybe you fancy a spot of shopping with friends (the high street offers all the big name stores as well as plenty one off independents to keep your tourist eye happy).
I’m always partial to a good wander in a new city and Bath is perfect for this; think quaint cobbled streets, plenty of architecture and small abodes housing knick knacks and souvenirs of the posh kind to duck into. Tea rooms are a plenty too so if you fancy a spot of afternoon tea or simply a scone and jam you won’t have to go far. (The Francis Hotel does one, or you could try Bea’s or The Regency Tearoom at The Jane Austen Centre).
You could visit the Abbey to take some pictures or for later on in the day, perhaps you fancy a bit of culture at the Theatre Royal which shows different productions all year round and again is very central.
Dine
When it comes to eating out, Bath has everything from well known chains; we dined at Bills, because who doesn’t love Bills? (Good food, not too expensive and something to suit everyone), there’s also a Jamie’s Italian and a Slug and Lettuce if you’re really stuck.
For some good pub grub you could try the Hare and Hounds which is said to have great views across the city on a clear day, but it is a few miles outside the city and up a hill so if your wearing heels might not be your best bet.
For something a bit special we were recommended Sotto Sotto restaurant which is by the river and although a tad pricey was said to be worth the spend. I also liked the sound of Yak Yeti Yak, traditional Nepalese food, or Burgers and Barrels, which is essentially burgers, fries and cocktails.
Drink
If you like your gin then definitely check out The Gin Bar. You’ll need to be canny with your timings as it’s fairly small and gets very busy but the decor alone will have you hooked. They serve their very own Bath Gin along with all of your regular favourites to choose from so you can have plenty of fun trialing some new brands or getting them to mix up a cocktail for you.
For cocktails try Circo Bar or Sub 13 and for the humble pub just take your pick as there’s plenty on every street.
Party
Bath doesn’t have a huge clubbing scene but if you’re looking for somewhere that’s open late for drinks, we stumbled across (and by stumbled I do mean literally stumbled after initially searching out somewhere completely different and failing to find it) Opa Bar which suited all of our needs; nice cocktails, outside seating as well as indoor dancing, and open until 2am. It’s a Greek meze restaurant as well if you fancy eating there but as a late night venue that isn’t too tacky/ cheesy/ young (can’t believe I’m saying that) it was brilliant!
So that’s my quick run down of places to eat, drink and see in Bath but as I mentioned I’ve only been there a couple of times and am by no means an expert on the city, these just happened to be the places we ventured and/ or liked the look of.
If you have any further recommendations, I’d love to hear them so please leave me a comment below.
BB
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