Holiday: Trip to Bath

Went down to Bath on Sunday 13th February… bit of an odd time of year to go, but decided we needed a nice getaway for a few days.

Stayed in Haringtons Hotel, which was right in the centre of Bath, so great location.  The hotel itself was very clean and pleasant, with nice airy room and very quiet even though it was in the centre.   Breakfast was pretty ordinary but otherwise no problem with the hotel.

We were ready to explore by around 3pm, so went out for a reconnoitre in the drizzle and wind, which luckily we had prepared for!   Got soaked but had a good walk and a lovely cup of tea out and about.  

For evening dinner, we decided to walk literally across the road to the Raven Pub.   It seemed a “locals” pub, but the food was nice despite the tourist prices.   Everywhere we went in Bath seemed to charge a lot for food/drinks, I guess that’s the problem with holidaying in a tourist hotspot !

After dinner had another walk and ended up in the Volunteer Riflemans Arms pub for a drink.  It was about the size of a small front living room, but seemed friendly enough.  

Monday 14th Feb

Up around 8am for our designated “Shopping Day”  Didn’t need to get up so early as Breakfast is served 7:30am until 10am, but think Lynn was eager to get out and about!

In contrast to yesterday, the weather is bright and sunny, not a cloud in the sky, but there is a very chilly wind.    I bought a new compact camera then headed for the coffee house, of which there are loads to choose from so spoilt for choice.   Walked around shops, Lynn bought a watch, had pub lunch,  walked around more shops, had mid afternoon coffee, walked around some shops again and were both glad to get back to the room for a nice long rest.  

Being valentines night, decided to go out for a nice romantic meal.  Lynn fancied pizza so went to Pizza Express.    Wasn’t my choice, but happy enough as I like Pizza too

Tuesday 15th Feb

Today is our “Art & Culture day” but still up around 8am !    Back to drizzle and cold wind, but we are well wrapped up and expect to be indoor most of the time.   First went to Jane Austin Centre but wasn’t open yet… so went to No. 1 Royal Crescent… and that wasn’t open yet either… we’re obviously too keen. 

Luckily the Fashion Museum was just about to open when we got there at 10:30am so were able to get inside and see something.  also took the opportunity to have a nice cup of tea and a Bath Bun in the coffee shop there

Next stop was Bath Aqua Glass.   We paid the couple of quid to sit and watch the glass blowers at work, mainly because it was fantastic to be a nice warm environment and can sit and watch other people working for hours Also has a look round their small shop but didn’t buy anything in the end.  

Lunch soon beckoned, after which we went to the Victoria Art Gallery  The guest exhibitors were rubbish, but had some nice art work, pottery and glass to see in the upstairs gallery.  It is also one of the few free places to visit so good value for money!

Went back to the Jane Austin Centre and managed to get in this time.   It was quite fun, but didn’t really amount to that much so was quite expensive for what you got (more so than the other attractions we had been to today)   After such a hectic day, we we had our fill of culture and headed back to the room for a well earned rest.

Evening meal was at the Firehouse Rotisserie.   The food seemed quite expensive and didn’t even get veg with your main dish unless you ordered them separately (another £7 on top).  Having said that, the food was exquisite and did get good portions so I guess you just have to pay for good quality.  

Wednesday 16th Feb

Another bright and sunny day, but with less wind so a bit warmer.   Nothing specific planned for today, so just wander around aimlessly really.   went into the Abbey which was quite spectacular.

Then decided to go to the Museum of Astronomy, but once we’d walked there, Lynn decided she didn’t want to go… so went back to No.1 Royal Crescent, but found it didn’t open until Saturday so we’re having a nice walk but not getting to see everything we expected !      Popped into the Fashion Museum as we were walking by and National Trust members get in free (to use their very nice toilet facilities) then rather than going to the Building of Bath museum decided to go and get some lunch. 

After such a hectic few days, Lynn was getting a bit worn out (and me!) so just had a leisurely stroll round the shops in the afternoon and found a nice coffee shop to rest in.    Also decided to go into the local Salamander pub for dinner as it was close by, but did some decent “normal” food which went down very well.

Thursday 17th Feb

Up and on the road by 9:30am today and off to Bognor Regis.  The day starts out dull and misty, but by the time we get to Bognor just before midday, it is brilliant sunshine and pretty warm as well !

Had a quick walk on the beach, then it’s time for our Fish & Chip lunch.    Walked around town for a bit but decided not to stay the night and headed off for home.   Stopped at Caffe Verdi in Midhurst for nice coffee and cake

We had a lovely break and Bath was definitely a good place to visit for a few days.   The weather didn’t matter as there were so many places to visit undercover, although is definitely nicer walking around when it wasn’t raining.     It did seem quite expensive to eat out and get into some of the attractions (and I don’t normally notice such things) but Bath does has a lot to offer and is very compact city, so suited our requirements and have no regrets in going there.