Bath has been on my travel list for years, and last week I finally got the chance to visit this historic city. It was our first trip to Bath as a family, and whilst we were looking forward to exploring a new city, we also wanted to relax. As the kids are getting older they both need their own space on holiday, so I booked a 3 bedroom lodge at Bath Mill Lodge Retreat, which is about a 15 minute drive from the centre of Bath.
The Roman Baths
No visit to Bath would be complete without a trip to see the Roman Baths. Based in the heart of the city and right next to the Abbey, the Roman Baths is full of wonder and history. We spent a good few hours wandering around, taking in the atmosphere and listening to our audio guides. At the end of the tour you get the chance to taste the famous spa water which contains 43 minerals. It is certainly an acquired taste.
Try a Sally Lunn Bun
I must admit I had never heard of a Sally Lunn bun before our trip, but people kept saying we must try one. So try one we did, whilst sat in the oldest house in Bath. You will also find the Sally Lunn museum at the back of the restaurant, which is free to enter if you are having refreshments. I must admit the buns were huge, and my smoked salmon and cream cheese Sally Lunn bun was delicious.
Take a Bus Tour
The perfect way to get to know the city is by hopping on a bus tour, and we decided to do this on our first morning in Bath. We caught the bus right outside the Abbey, and the tour took around 45 minutes. There is also another tour that takes you to the outskirts of Bath, and your ticket includes both tours. We didn’t get the chance to do the other tour, but we are hoping to return to Bath later in the year.
Visit Bath Abbey
You can’t help but gaze up in wonder the first time you see the Abbey. Situated next to the Roman Baths and in the heart of the city, a trip inside is a must. It is free to enter, though there is a suggested donation of £10 per family. Just look at that amazing ceiling.
See Pulteney Bridge and The Weir
Pulteney Bridge in the city is said to be one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. And when you have The Weir flowing by it, it really is a lovely place to stop and gather your thoughts.
Shopping
When you have older kids, shopping is high on your list of things to do on holiday. Bath has a great selection of shops ranging from your high street stores, shops that sell delicious macaroons, and the shop with the cutest name…. The Pug and Puffin.
See The Crescent
Said to be the most iconic landmark in Bath, The Crescent celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2017. The crescent is made up of 30 Grade 1 Listed terrace houses, which includes the 5* Royal Crescent Hotel plus a Georgian museum at number 1. We viewed it from our bus tour, and sadly buses have been banned from going along the crescent (though this is perfectly understandable). We didn’t get time to go back and stroll along it, but it will be top of our list for our next visit to Bath.
Visit a Museum
For such a small city, Bath certainly has its fair share of museums. From Fashion, to a museum showcasing the American arts. The famous Jane Austen Centre, to finding out about the history of the Royal Crescent. The city is full of rich history and wonder, and it is no surprise that Bath has more museums in one square mile than most cities that are twice its size.
Explore the local area
During our trip we spent most of our time in Bath, but I didn’t realise how much there is to see and do in the surrounding area. We are hopefully planning a return trip in the summer, and hope to visit Longleat Safari Park, Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Wells Cathedral, Explore Bristol (which is closer to Bath than we thought) and return to Avon Valley Country Park for some fresh air.
Pamper yourself at the Thermae Bath Spa
Now this will be TOP of my list if I ever get to Bath without the kids. Based in the heart of the city, the Spa is the UK’s only natural thermal spa. And the icing on the cake has to be the amazing rooftop pool they have, overlooking this beautiful city.
Travelling into Bath
As we were staying away from the city centre, we used the Park and Ride service which was fantastic. The Newbridge site was 5 minutes drive from Bath Mill, and was £5.50 return for the husband and I (kids under 15 travel for free). The bus journey into the centre was just over 10 minutes, and the last bus back was 8.30pm. I believe that Bath has 3 Park and Ride locations, and I am sure they are all just as good as the one we used.
Top Tip for visiting Bath
We stopped off at Bath Tourism first as we wanted to get our bearings and pick up a map. As with any tourist board it was filled with maps, leaflets and helpful staff who suggested the best times to visit the Roman Baths (in the morning), and where to get the tour bus from. You can’t miss the tourist board as it’s right next to the Abbey.
As you can see there is plenty to keep the kids occupied during a visit to Bath. I honestly didn’t realise how much there was to do in the city, and we spent 2 full days exploring. We still didn’t manage to see everything, but that just means we have to return to this calming and historic city.
The lovely Donna from What the Redhead Said was also in Bath at the same time, and has written a post on what her and her family did whilst on a mini break in Bath.
I was kindly given a press pass from Visit Bath to explore some of the local attractions during our break.
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Bath is somewhere that I have wanted to visit for years, it looks so beautiful. It sounds like you had a lovely break away. Xx
It really is a beautiful city and can’t believe we have never visited before now. Hope you get to visit one day x
It looks so beautiful and I didn’t realise there was so much to see. I’ve only been once but didn’t see it properly at all. I definitely need to go back and I’m going to take this list with me!
Glad the list will come in handy Tas and I am sure you would love the city. It’s quite a small city so would be perfect with the boys x
Great recommendations! It really is a lovely city. My sister was at university in Bath, so we used to visit quite a bit. When I think of Bath, it’s always the weir that springs to mind – I don’t think there’s anything quite like it anywhere else.
I don’t want to make you jealous, but we have been to the spa several times and it’s very nice!
Oh I am VERY jealous of your spa trips Sarah, and what a wonderful place to go to university. I wonder if I can persuade Morgan to go to Bath university (purely for selfish reasons lol). As you can see we totally fell in love with Bath, and hopefully we will get another visit in during the summer holidays x
I have always wanted to visit Bath, I really would love to see the Georgian Crescent and the Baths but I had no idea there was so much more to see. I’d read Donna’s post too and was surprised how family friendly it was although it would certainly be nice for you to get back to try out the spa 😉 It looks fab Tracey and sounds like you had a great time there. I love the sound of The Pug and Puffin! xx
We HAD to go to the Pug and Puffin as Zoella had been there before Christmas (don’t ask, all Katie’s doing). Thankfully it didn’t just have a great name, it sold so many lovely things too. I can’t believe that Donna was there at the same time as us, and looks like she did similar things to us as well. It was very family friendly but I have my eye on a pre Christmas break with the husband. I WILL get in that spa x
Looks like you guys have an amazing time! We’d love to visit the Roman baths. Hopefully we will get to Bath one day! x
Thank you and we are already planning on a return visit in the summer. The Roman Baths were fantastic, and I really hope you get to Bath one day x
I really want to visit Bath and the roof top spa. Maybe when my kids are older. Looks like you had a lovely half term. #myfamilyadventures
The roof top spa looks amazing doesn’t it. I can just imagine being sat in it as the sun is setting over Bath. I really need a kid free visit so I can book in with the husband x
I haven’t been to Bath since I had the kids; it really is a beautiful city. So many good ideas here to enjoy as a family #myfamilyadventures
I couldn’t believe how much there was to do with kids. We were there for 4 days and still needed longer to explore. I am longing to go back kid free to try the rooftop spa x
I LOVE the sound of the pug and puffin and oh my goodness weren’t you temped to dip your toes in the Baths! It really does look like a great place to visit and seems a few did over half term. I really love that row of terraced houses. Plenty of door selfies I am certain of it! We must add it to the list. Thank you for adding your post to #MyFamilyAdventures Tracey x
Must admit the water is a funny green colour at the Roman Baths, but I did see someone sneaking their hand in (despite signs everywhere, naughty). Yes we were there at the same time as Donna, and it looks like we did virtually the same things. It is such a beautiful city and we can’t wait to return, hopefully in the summer x
Oh this just brought back so many memories oh my goodness, I went to bath believe it or not five years before I ever met hubby and moved here. We were on a college trip with my friends. It’s lovely there. Great tips for things to do too. Great places to take the whole family. #myfamilydadventures
Oh Jenny how crazy that you visited 5 years before meeting your husband, and I bet your trip was amazing. It was our first visit and we have fallen in love with the city, and can’t wait to go back in the summer x
It looks like you had a great break there and it’s so funny seeing the Pulteney Bridge from the other side. I’ve never heard of a Sally Lunn bun before and I’ll have to try that, along with the Roman Baths and the Abbey. We visited the Royal Crescent on foot and it was impressive to see #MyFamilyAdventures
That’s what I thought when I saw your pictures. I never thought of going over to the other side. We will definitely visit the Royal Crescent on foot next time, as we were quite far away on the bus tour. Bath seems to be a very popular destination at the moment x
I’ve never been but wouldmlove to go to bath especially to see the Roman baths #mondayescapes
The Roman Baths are amazing to wander around, and I didn’t realise what a huge site it is. I hope you get there one day x
We have enjoyed a fleeting visit to Bath whilst staying in Bristol a few years ago but we didn’t have long. I really want to plan an extended stay – the Roman baths are high up on my list of places to see.
They are amazing Sam and I am sure your children would find them fascinating. I didn’t realise Bristol was so close to Bath, and wish we had had the time to explore Bristol too x
I still remember the Roman baths from a school trip when I was 7 years old. They must have made a huge impression. I must get round to taking my own kids, it isn’t too far for us and doable as a short break. #MondayEscapes
How lovely that you can still remember going to The Roman Baths on a school trip. We had a lovely short break, and we are hoping to return in the summer x
I’m not sure why, but for the life of me, I can’t remember why we didn’t go into the Bath Abbey!? We always go into the churches and check them out! I feel like I’ve missed out now! #MondayEscapes
You need a return visit just to see The Abbey. It is such a beautiful building and so calming inside x
I’ve pretty much done the same as you did when I visited Bath:) #mondayescapes
There is so much to do isn’t there. We are looking to return in the summer and hopefully get to explore more of the surrounding area x
Your photos are so good Tracey and I really hope I can see it one day. A hop on hop off is always good isn’t it? At the moment we always have to strap E into a car seat as he just tries to leg it constantly!
Aw thanks Tas, though I never use a ‘proper camera’. My trusty iPhone is used to take all of my pictures. Hope you get to Bath one day as I am sure you and your boys would love it x
I’ve wanted to go to Bath for a long time. It looks like such a beautiful city and there is loads to do in the local area too. Thanks for sharing this post. #mondayescapes
Joanne it was on my list of places to visit for so long, and then a few months ago my teenager said he wanted to go. Cue a quick research and it was all booked x
We go every summer – take a picnic and sit on the grass in front of the Royal Crescent. Love Bath it is a lovely place to visit – I have yet to go into the Roman baths but will be making it a priority this year when we go! #theweeklypostcard
I would love to do that in the summer. I bet it is such a wonderful atmosphere sitting by the Royal Crescent in the sunshine. You must do the Roman Baths as they are fascinating x
Roman architecture always fascinates me and I am keen to visit bath if only to see the Roman baths there. Having said that, how impressive is the Abbey? #MondayEscapes
The Abbey is breathtaking and is so calming just wandering around inside taking everything in. You can even book a tour and see more of the Abbey x
I used to commute from Bristol to work in Bath, and each time I felt as though I was on a day trip! It really is a remarkable place. I never did a bus tour though. Missed out there! This is a fab post – I’ve arrived here via #MondayEscapes, but it would be perfect for my own #CulturedKids too. Do stop by this Friday (3 March) if you fancy linking up!
It must have been lovely to work in Bath everyday, and I must admit I didn’t realise how close Bristol was to Bath. Thanks for letting me know about #CulturedKids Nell x
Bath looks like such a beautiful and relaxing place..it’s been on my radar for a while now. Seems like the perfect place to go with older kids too. #mondayescapes
I am so glad we got there, as it has also been on my radar for ages. It is definitely a great place to take older kids too x
I visited the Roman Baths a couple of years ago but didn’t sample the water – sounds like I made the right decision! #Mondayescapes
It was certainly an acquired taste, the kids faces were a picture x
My parents are heading to bath later on in the year. Going to send them this as its a great post with lots of ideas. Love the Roman Baths. They look really interesting to explore #MondayEscapes
Aw thank you and I hope they get some inspiration for their visit to Bath. It is such a beautiful city and we are already planning to go back x
This has got me so excited about our visit to Bath in a couple of weekends. We’re there for a family wedding but I’ve resolved to see a bit of the city too. I’ve visited so much to see family but still have a lot of the city to see. The Roman Baths are top of my list too. We’ve seen the amazing Abbey and Royal Crescent. I’m going to try to aim for a few of the family attractions too. Thanks for the inspiration! #MondayEscapes
It must be lovely to have family in the city, and have a wonderful time at your family wedding. As you can tell we absolutely loved our trip, and the kids loved exploring the city. We are hopefully returning in the summer to explore more of the local area x
You know I’ve never actually been to Bath. It’s definitely up there on my list of places to visit. We might actually try and do a trip at Easter so have saved your tips on Pinterest to remind me! Thanks for linking up to #MondayEscapes
Karen it was our first visit and we have fallen in love with the city. We are hoping to go back in the summer, and fingers crossed also squeeze in a pre Christmas trip just me and Hywel x
i have visited Bath before (for a hen do) and loved it, plus we got to go to the Thermae Spa. It’s such a beautiful city, I would love to go back with my family and, as you say, there’s so much to do in the surrounding area #MondayEscapes
Ah I am so jealous of your visit to the Thermae Spa, I bet you had a wonderful time being on a hen do. I hope you get to visit with your family too x
Do you know it is somewhere I have always wanted to visit and it looks so fab, I am adding it to my list. Thanks so much for linking up Tracey #Mondayescapes xx
Sarah it is such a beautiful city, we all fell in love with it. Kids loved exploring The Roman Baths and going on the bus tour. We really want to go back hopefully in the summer x