Destination...: ...Bath

Probably one of England's most historical cities, owing to its Roman heritage. Ideal for group visits, romantic breaks or the entire family. There’s probably something for everyone. Just remember, just because Bath is a City, it is small, which is one of its charms.

The Roman Baths is probably the most famous and popular attraction. And there is a reason why. It’s fantastic. And, if you do visit the Roman Baths and feel the need to take a dip, the Thermae Bath is definitely for you. I’ll be honest. I've been to better spa’s/Baths. However, this is England's only natural, thermal spa! You do pay for that privilege, but there is a reason you go to the Thermae, and that is for the view! The rooftop spa is wonderful. The panorama you get of the City , with steam rising from the water is well worth the price. We went in the winter, with snow on the hills and roof tops and it was magical. In the summer, I can imagine it to be just as spectacular.

There is of course plenty of shopping to be had in Bath, all the major high street brands and many independents too. And the surrounding areas have lost of active pastimes, so if you are staying for a couple of nights and want to do something a hit more exhilarating, check out the possibilities. (See links at the end of this Blog).

Where to stay:

We stayed at Henrietta house. A lovely old building run by a German couple. Honestly, I stayed there because it was within budget and catered for a one night stay. But it was a lovely place, with some lovely touches, like homemade biscuits in the room, but if you’re staying for longer then do look around. The rooms are not huge (well, ours wasn’t). The breakfast was lovely I should add. It reminded me of our stay in Salzburg.

The staff were extremely helpful, offering us towels etc for the Thermae Bath, to save us some money. The location is ideal. You can walk into the main part of the City within minutes, having crossed over the river and passed some lovely independent shops. You can walk from the train station to the Hotel,but we opted for a taxi. There is parking if you drive.

Where to eat:

I researched lots of places to eat. I was on a budget and ended up settling on Brown’s. Set in a Grade II listed building, I hoped it would a lovely setting with reasonable food. I was right on one count. The building is lovely. However, I would hate to go there on a busy night. We ate on a Friday and it wasn't hugely busy, yet we were served warm food. How long it had been waiting around is anyone's guess. The flavours combinations were good but to be quite frank, for what were ordered, you can do better at home. A note to the chef, fancy plates do not make food tastier.

On a positive note, I did have a voucher for a discount on their fine wine selection. And when i scanned the receipt the next day, i noticed the wine had not been charged at all. Somewhat of a win after a decidedly limp culinary experience. I would not suggest you avoid Brown’s. I try and give places the benefit of the doubt. If you’re with a group of people and the food is not the main event, then it’s is probably ideal. And don't forget the setting. the restaurant itself is exceptionally comfortable and has a nice ambiance to it. I didn't wholly dislike my experience there.

Now strictly speaking, a cocktail bar is not somewhere to eat. And I think i’d struggle to suggest Door 34 is. However, when we visited on Burns night, there was not only Haggis on offer, delivered by a kilted man, but there was also cheese and biscuits (probably more of a regular occurrence). Door 34 is one of these backstreet cocktail bars where the tables need a bit of a clean. You felt surfaces were a bit sticky. But the staff are extremely entertaining, the cocktails are fabulous and if you’re lucky they throw in the odd freebie too! We were so glad to have made the effort to find this place. It was a real talking point. Other, more ‘shiny’ cocktail bars can be found in Bath!

The oldest Tea Room in the Land (or so they say) can be found in Bath. the famous Sally Lunn’s. My partner nearly went here on her last visit to Bath, with friends. they couldn’t get in so went else where. We did get in. And I wish we hadn’t. Sally Lunn’s, aside from being the oldest tea room, is famous for the Bath bun. There’s not much you can’t serve with or on a Bath bun, it would appear. The safe option, would be traditional rarebit, or so you would think. Soggy bread (er sorry, Bath bun) with melted, cheddar cheese on it and a side of bitter salad is not really what I call rarebit. It was a pathetic attempt. I looked around and the soup looked lovely, as did the smoked salmon on, yes, a Bath bun. Plates were being left empty all around us. (my plate left me empty too).

The tea there undoubtedly good. I can recommend the Russian Caravan. if you do decide to go, then don't sit on a table for two. They’re not big enough. And hopefully they’ve shown the place a lick of paint. It just looked very tired in there. Maybe they were trying to emphasise the fact it’s old(?).