A Weekend in Bath - Must Sees

As a Bath local through and through, I thought it was about time I put together a little guide to some must-see places if you're planning a weekend away in our fair city. 

Must-See Places and Attractions:

1. The Roman Baths: Explore the ancient Roman bathing and temple complex, complete with interactive exhibits and guided tours.
2. Bath Abbey: An impressive Gothic cathedral with stunning architecture and great views from its tower. The centre of the city - it's always buzzing with buskers. Looks beautiful at night too. 
3. The Royal Crescent: An iconic row of Georgian townhouses forming a crescent, showcasing Bath's Georgian architectural style. This leads on to...
4. The Circus: Another Georgian architectural gem, a circular arrangement of townhouses with ornate details.
5. Pulteney Bridge: A picturesque bridge lined with shops, reminiscent of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. 
6. Victoria Art Gallery: This gallery houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
7. Holburne Museum: An art museum with a diverse collection, including works by Gainsborough and other renowned artists. Used extensively in filming of Bridgerton. 
8. Thermae Bath Spa: Enjoy modern spa facilities while soaking in the natural thermal waters that Bath is famous for.
9. Bath Botanical Gardens: A serene place to stroll, relax, and appreciate a wide variety of plant species. This is within the larger Victoria Park, great for families or a picnic. 
10. Prior Park Landscape Garden: A landscaped garden designed by Capability Brown with a stunning Palladian bridge and beautiful views of Bath.

Best Restaurants:

1. The Pump Room: Dine in an elegant Georgian setting near the Roman Baths, offering traditional British cuisine.
2. Sotto Sotto: A cosy Italian restaurant known for its authentic pasta dishes and intimate atmosphere.
3. Clayton's Kitchen: A great atmosphere and fantastic food - modern British classics. 
4. La Terra: Authentic and delicious Italian food. 
5. Raphael: Enjoy a mix of British and international dishes in a stylish brasserie setting. The small plates are always a hit. 

Best Cafes:

1. Colonna & Small's: A specialty coffee shop known for its high-quality coffee and knowledgeable staff.
2. Good Day Cafe: The most decadent bakes and delicious brunches - try the brookies! 
3. Same Same But Different: A quirky café known for its delicious brunch options and unique decor.
4. The Colombian Company: Our neighbour at the shop - we think it's the best coffee in Bath. 
5. The Green Bird Café: A charming café with a focus on sustainability, serving coffee, tea, and light bites.

Best Shops:

1. Milsom Street: A shopping destination with a mix of high-end brands, boutiques, and department stores.
2. Bath Christmas Market (seasonal): A festive market offering a wide range of crafts, gifts, and holiday treats. This year it's from 23rd November - 10th December. 
3. Hidden: A beautiful boutique store with a showcase of independent makers - all of the items sourced for Hidden are made by UK based designers, makers and creators.
4. Magalleria: A unique shop specialising in independent magazines, showcasing a diverse range of publications.
5. Topping & Company Booksellers: Based in the beautiful building on York Street, which has allowed them to expand over two floors and a gallery - becoming the biggest independent bookshop in England to open in living memory. They have a focus on author events, hosting an Autumn Literary Festival which runs from September to December every year, and an emphasis on the value of bookseller knowledge and enthusiasm.

Best Pubs:

1. The Raven: A historic pub with a wide selection of beers and ales, plus a cozy atmosphere.
2. The Hare and Hounds: Enjoy spectacular views over Bath in this charming pub. 
3. The Bell Inn: A traditional pub with a great selection of real ales and pub grub.
4. The Crystal Palace: Offers a variety of craft beers and a lovely beer garden.
5. The Old Green Tree: Known for its character and selection of local and guest ales.