Down in the South West, hugged by rolling Cotswold hills, you’ll find one of England’s most fashionable cities - complete with classy coffee shops, designer boutiques and one-of-a-kind spas.
1. Bathe at Thermae Bath Spa
Start the day with a dip in a rooftop pool - one of the most popular things to do in Bath. Let the mineral-rich waters melt those morning muscles while you drink up epic views. For the more adventurous, there’s also a new Wellness Suite with a Roman Steam Room and Ice Chamber.
Top tip: go mid-week or in the evening when it’s less busy.
2. Brunch at Hunter & Sons
Widely considered one of the best brunch spots in Bath - from the spot-on eggs, crispy bacon and creamy avo to wondrous strawberry waffles with clotted cream. (Check their Twitter account for menu updates.) The coffee is superb too, oh, and the craft beer - but maybe come back in the evening for that.
3. Behold the Royal Crescent
It’s one of the most iconic sites in Bath but still a total must-see. Just imagine you’re Jane Austen or Charles Dickens for a moment and take a leisurely stroll past the golden Georgian townhouses where the city’s high society have lived since the 1700s. Don’t forget that parasol.
Top tip: If you’re feeling fancy you can always stop off at the five-star Royal Crescent Hotel for afternoon tea in their manicured garden.
4. Cherish FOUND
Wonder why everyone in Bath looks so chic? Well, design boutiques like this one have a lot to do with it. If you can’t stretch to that Karen Walker Rodeo dress just yet, treat yourself to something small: even their grocery bags are gorgeous.
5. Chomp at Chai Walla
Spice things up with some authentic Indian street food. Wrap your chops around an onion bhaji wrap with a sweet smothering of mango chutney, then chase it down with a cup of hot chai - close your eyes and you’re away to India in a single slurp.
6. Covet the Fashion Museum
Find out how fashions have changed through the ages and go googly-eyed over sequined gowns, lace frocks and sweeping satin skirts. You’ll also discover a whole new meaning to ‘vintage’ when you try on one of their Georgian or Victorian outfits - hey, maybe we should bring bonnets back next season?
7. Revive at the Society Cafe
Quite possibly the most hipster cafe ever invented: stripped back interiors, fixie bikes on the walls, latte art, succulents, stacks of independent mags... But whether that’s your scene or not, you’ll go wild for the flat whites. A great place to chill while you ponder what to do in Bath next.
8. Read at Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights
You know a bookshop’s worth visiting when their tent at Glastonbury is packed out while the Saturday night headliner’s playing. Make a beeline for one of their reading spas: retreat into your own cosy ‘bibliotherapy’ room, and enjoy a stack of books - picked to your tastes - over tea and cake.
9. Redeem at Magalleria
If there’s a cool zine or high-end magazine you’re into, you’ll find it among this beautiful collection: from rakesprogress, all about ‘progressive gardening’; to Nourished, a wellness and lifestyle periodical. The perfect souvenir to enjoy on the train ride home.