I would not define myself a local, but I've had the pleasure to live in Bath, one of England's most beautiful cities, for four months as a student back in 2019, so I'd dare to say I know what the best spots in town are. Let's start from the touristic attractions: the very main thing to see is obviously the Bath Abbey: it was founded in the 7th century, and it is a marvelous example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. You can even reach the highest tower to take a look at the city from a very central spot (I believe the ticket is 7£, or at least that was the price the last time I checked)
The square in which the Abbey can be found is usually the scene of many wonderful buskers and street artists gracing tourists with their several talents! That is also where the Roman Baths are situated, a well-preserved thermae built between 60-70CE by the Roman Emperor Vespasiano. The visit is a bit pricey but you're offered a guide that will explain all the details of the glorious history that once occupied that site.
Just behind the Abbey there is a wonderfully green park, called Parade Gardens, which is the perfect spot for sunbathing during the summer, and for taking pictures of the lovely artificial "waterfalls" just in front of Pulteney Bridge. The garden usually host the Bath festival in June, but unfortunately there are very few chances that the festival will happen this year. Pulteney Bridge crosses the river avon, and if you're following the right path and paying close attention, you'll notice that there are quite a few (quite hidden) steps heading downstairs, for a very quaint stroll along the river, which is also the perfect place for taking pictures. But then I tell myself that every corner of this city is perfectly instagrammable.
For a panoramic walk, however, there's more than one place that deserves to be mentioned. The first one is Alexandra Park, which is not exactly easy to reach, but once you do the view is breathtaking, and when you decide that it's time to come back down you'll be positively surprised to find out that the path is completely surrounded by nature, so much that it will feel as if you're in a fairytale.
The second spot is called is called skyline walk, and it has that name for a reason. You can reach it by bus, the stop is right in front of it! Once there, however, you'll get the feeling to be miles and miles away from the city centre, it will feel as if you are in the countryside (when it is only 10 mins away from the Abbey!), and if you're up for a little walk then a super cool spot I can suggest is the Sham Castle!
And last, but not least, is the magnificent Royal Crescent with its Botanical Gardens, full of seasonal plants and flowers, of little ponds with benches to sit in and reflect over the meaning of life on, and adorable little squirrels. An incredible skate park with a playground next to it is also part of the the gardens.
-Bonus spot: Prior Park Landscape Gardens.
I'd love to tell you more, but unfortunately, I've never had the chance to visit them! But you totally should, it looks very dreamy and as if time stopped in the 1800's.
I hope you enjoyed this little guide of the major touristic spots, stay with me if you want to read more about Bath and the wonderful places it hosts. My next posts will include the best cafés, italian restaurants, clubs and uni life there. If that's something that could interest you please become a subscriber and never miss a post! Thank you for reading.
Yours,
Bea, xo.
Some pictures were taken by these incredible instagram accounts:
@ellisreed
@maisie_walker