Historic Bath England UK

Tiny but charming Bath
By Sebastian Saenz @sebastiaenz

Forget about big, chaotic, noisy and polluted cities. Tokyo is expensive, Paris is overwhelming, and don’t even get me started with public urination in New York. Yes, most tourists avoid all these by visiting Greek or Costa Rican beaches, but for those who don’t like sand, or who don’t want to risk losing their savings due to a hurricane, picturesque little towns are a true paradise, and Bath has to be on this bucket list.

Imagine yourself walking down the hills and streets of a tiny and traditional English town. Imperial buildings, one right after another, form a scenery that looks like it has its own sepia filter, and a soprano soothes the afternoon in a niche that seems to be just for yourself.

 

The history of Bath is as rich as the one of Athens or Prague. It was colonized by the Roman Empire because of its natural (and still in use) steaming springs. Visitors from the whole world have visited Bath for centuries in order to cure their illnesses, or simply to relax in the warm waters. The Thermae Bath Spa not only offers dream-like spa services, but it does it with magnificent views of the town.

Jane Austen’s avid fans visit Bath as well in order to check out one of the houses she lived in. In there, the ancient woods and fabrics make anyone feel like Mr. Darcy or Elizabeth Bennet, which makes Bath perfect for lovers to get away for a romantic weekend. However, for those looking for history with more adrenaline, the ghost tour is a true must. Rumor has it that sworn enemies, tragic lovers, and scandalous families still wander the lanes and buildings of Bath after centuries of their deaths.

The city might not be popular for its monstrous gay scene, but it is extremely friendly. All visitors are welcome everywhere (as in the whole UK). Nonetheless, gay locals and tourists usually gather at the Mandalyns bar: cozy, fun and, as everything in Bath, tiny but worth checking out.
Friendly spots are also the lovely Paradise House B&B (with a charming garden, and a sublime view), The Pig Near Bath (for great local food), and The Canary Bar (awesome decor for gin aficionados).

Don’t forget to visit the abbey, the popular Pulteney Bridge and Royal Crescent. Bath is great for students of nearby towns during the weekends, and it is so itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenie, that everything is a few steps away.

Tourism  info @ Visit Bath

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