Mentioned by Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
15 best and most beautiful places to visit in Bath
"Red pandas, gorillas, lions, kangaroos, penguins and meerkats - Bristol Zoo is home to animals from across the globe. From the littlest beetle or spider to giant hippos, children and their families will be able to explore the incredible animal kingdom in one place. The zoo also offers an outdoor adventure playground, splash play area, aquarium and an adventure ropes course."
"Opened in 1836, this historic zoo is home to over 400 species of endangered, rare and exotic animals from all over the world. Their conservation and research projects help to protect species and habitats. In addition educate young people about the future of their planet."
"Bristol Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in England, although that might be more to do with Goldie Lookin’ Chain than the animals that live here."
"Then strike out from Pulteney Weir across Pulteney Bridge (popping into the odd boutique shop along the way, such as Found, for funky homeware, and The Antique Map Shop) to the Holburne Museum (Great Pulteney Street; 01225 388569), which backs onto Sydney Gardens. The museum houses old masters, porcelain and ornaments. Temporary exhibitions change regularly; next up is a retrospective on George Shaw (Feb 8 - May 6)."
"That was clearly true for Jane Austen, who would find respite from a restless mind and hours of writing in Sydney Gardens. Formerly the Pleasure Gardens, this green space was built behind the Sydney Hotel (now the Holburne Museum), another ‘place to be seen’ in Bath’s special social scene. Stroll or take a picnic among the flowerbeds and look out for a replica of the Temple of Minerva."
"The lawns are manicured, there are always gorgeous flower beds to admire, and they have an excellent café. It’s a place where you and your family can safely admire the weir and Pulteney Bridge, and watch the boat trips come and go. “When I visit, I am reminded of watching outdoor Shakespeare performances – with the beautiful Bath Abbey as the backdrop – and seeing Jane Austen lookalikes parading around every September."
"Situated in the City by the River Avon, overlooking Pulteney bridge and the weir and close to the Abbey. It’s a splendid place to relax in the Summer. You can take a picnic and listen to the music from the bandstand."
"With its famous Georgian terraces, thermal spa waters, cream teas and Jane Austen – you can’t say Bath isn’t on the UK tourist trail. Its quintessentially English charms pull in visitors from around the world and it has so many historic buildings that the entire city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But although you might have to dodge a few tour groups, its still more than worth it to explore the sights of one of England’s most beautiful and historic cities. So here’s my 48-hour itinerary for spending the perfect weekend in Bath."
"– Once back outside take a different route back via the Georgian Gardens, a small but quaint garden often overlooked. In spring, when I visited the flowers were just starting to peek through the soil. I can imagine it’s a beautiful garden to visit during the summer months in Bath."
"The Volunteer Tavern dates back to 1870, and today, its beer garden sits enclosed by Grade II listed walls, shaded by London Plane trees. It’s got all the markers of a great pub garden; from homemade bunting to colourful lights, to cosy, covered seating areas, transporting you out of the city centre hustle and bustle and into a quaint, quiet, laid-back setting. The team have released a Flexible Booking Form for reservations, with responses given priority upon the pub's reopening this month."
"For first-timers, finding The Volunteer Tavern – tucked away on a back street behind Cabot Circus, and a stone’s throw from the Trinity Centre – can be a little tricky. It’s worth seeking out, though, because its’ historic nature, homely feel, high quality food and revolving real ale range add up to something rather special."
"Retire to The Volunteer Tavern’s cosy, all-weather pub garden. (Yep, they’ve got heaters – perfect for those chillier evenings). The Volunteer Tavern dates back to 1870, and today, its beer garden sits enclosed by Grade II listed walls, shaded by London Plane trees."
"To the east of Bath’s famous weir are the Beazer Gardens, with a curling maze paved into its simple green lawn and detailed mosaics depicting scenes from Bath’s history, both recent and distant. Relax on the grass after a day wandering the better-known sights. The Beazer Maze, Spring Gardens Road, Bath"
"Why: The Knowle feels very much like your local, with huge Victorian windows that offer up beautiful views of the city and a cosy, eclectically styled interior with wooden-clad walls. There’s also a small terrace out the back, which is a hidden Bristol gem when the sun makes an appearance. You’ll find all the classic drinks listings here, with everything on offer from wine and gin and tonics, to soft drinks and beers."
"The Knowle pub are open complete with table services, a reduced menu and capacity as they adjust to the new rules. Address: Leighton Rd, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2LL"
"The Knowle are opening back up complete with table services, a reduced menu and capacity as they adjust to the new rules."
"Parade Gardens near the River Avon in Bath Our first priority is to get the lay of the land. In Bath, we accomplished this by booking a private walking tour of the city with Sulis Guides. They provide tailor-made car and walking tours of the city and surrounding areas, and can put together just about any kind of tour you might be interested in."
"You can pay to get into the Parade Gardens (£1.50 for adults, £0.80 for kids 5 years and older), or walk over to the free Royal Crescent Park and hang out there, your choice!. Everything in Bath is so close together, you really cannot get lost."
"Examples of potential stops include: Arbor Ales, Moor Beer, New Bristol Brewery, Left Handed Giant, Barley Mow (BBF pub), Beer Emporium. Depending on venues transportation may be added to the tour."
"While we're on the topic of central Bristol, it'd be a crime not to mention Taste of Napoli, an authentic Italian cafe also located inside The Arcade. Alongside an enviable selection of savoury bites, Taste of Napoli is the place to go for sweet Italian treats. Pastries, traditional desserts and gelato in the summer: if you can't get to the Amalfi Coast, Taste of Napoli brings you the next best thing in Broadmead."
"Taste of Napoli is a family-run restaurant and café that arose from a desire to introduce authentic and traditional Italian street food to Bristol. Address: 32 , The Horsefair, BS1 3HZ"
"This Georgian country retreat offers peaceful seclusion, award-winning cuisine and luxurious relaxation, all amid parkland and gorgeous gardens close to Bath. The house has a wonderful atmosphere where antique paintings, exposed wood floors and log fires blend with modern fabrics, chic designs and contemporary cuisine. It includes a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and heated outside swimming pool with fabulous views."
"Bath is a city steeped in history, from the Roman Baths to the historic Abbey. Looking like a manor straight out of Downton Abbey, walking into MacDonald Hotel feels like being transported back in time. The facilities are very much of the 21st century however, with a pool, fitness centre and lounge all open to guests."
"Set in beautiful gardens, Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel features a spa and award-winning restaurant. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Bath Abbey. With luxury marble and mahogany decor, rooms have satellite TV and tea/coffee facilities."
"No visit at The Royal Crescent Hotel would be complete without the ultimate indulgence – afternoon tea in the perfect English gardens. Enjoy a selection of delicious sandwiches, cut to mouth-watering perfection. Then there’s the freshly-baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve along with a range of exquisite pastries and cakes – each one dainty enough to eat in one delicious mouthful."
"The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa encompasses two townhouses in Bath's showpiece Georgian crescent, plus a large and beautiful garden and further buildings to the rear. The elegant tone is set by curvaceous staircases overseen by classical busts, lounges with chandeliers and oil paintings, and extravagant suites with elaborate stuccoed ceilings."
"Another option, if you’re leaning more toward the luxury side of the equation is The Royal Crescent Hotel, located in the very center of the famous Royal Crescent, which is currently filled with really expensive private homes. The building is Victorian and really stunning."