![\"\"](\"http:\/\/suitcasejournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/London0850.jpg\" "\\"Pedestrian")
<\/a><\/p>\nAs we stepped off the train in Bath, we were greeted with cool, crisp air (fresher and colder than London). \u00a0We walked about 5 minutes from the train station and I found myself standing in a pedestrian zone filled with retail shops! \u00a0It was very unexpected – I envisioned a quaint country town, not a modern city with shopping (it was a pleasant surprise). \u00a0We also had a surprise with a Christmas market. \u00a0When we researched Bath, we found information that the Christmas market would not be there in late November, so this was a real treat!<\/p>\n
Our first stop in Bath was the Royal Crescent (see picture below), but just to admire it from the outside. \u00a0One of the houses is open to the public (it was closed for renovations while we were there), and there is also a Royal Crescent Hotel. \u00a0It’s uphill and away from the main square and a nice break from the crowds. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Immediately after that we looked for a place to eat lunch. \u00a0We walked around until we found The WestGate Pub<\/a>. \u00a0We were intrigued by the menu, which consisted of some of the traditional pub grub (like fish and chips, which is what Ryan was looking for) and also some unexpected options like burgers and nachos. \u00a0It was about 1:15 when we walked in and we were able to find an empty table in a cozy corner in one of the rooms on the ground floor. \u00a0There was more seating upstairs, but the downstairs area was fairly packed. \u00a0The pub was set up more like a house than a restaurant, with separate dining areas and mismatched furniture throughout. \u00a0Overall\u00a0it was the best pub meal of the trip, which might be because I opted for a burger and wine over a shepherd’s pie and beer.\u00a0<\/p>\n After lunch we headed for the main attraction of the day – the Roman Baths. \u00a0If you’re in Bath, do not miss this! \u00a0The cost is \u00a312.75 for adults and includes an audioguide, which is a fantastic way to learn about the history of the baths and how they were used. \u00a0In additional to the normal guides (which is all we listened to), there was also an option for a children’s guide and one narrated by author Bill Bryson. \u00a0We stuck with the normal audioguides throughout the tour, and we learned fascinating tidbits about the life of the wealthy. \u00a0The baths were treated as a sort of health club or spa and both men and women were welcome. \u00a0<\/p>\n The tour starts at the upper terrace (built in the late 1800s as part of the site), then continues through an interior museum, and ends at the lowest level at the main bath area (pictured above), which splits off into side rooms with additional baths. \u00a0We spent about an hour and a half here, but would have stayed longer if we had more time in Bath. \u00a0<\/p>\n Our quick day trip to Bath ended with a walk through the Christmas market and a stop or two for some quick shoe shopping. \u00a0We made it back to the train station just in time for the 5:13 train back to London. \u00a0<\/p>\n Even though Bath was touristy, it was a lot less so than London, and was a nice respite from the overly crowded streets of London. \u00a0I definitely recommend a day trip to Bath for anyone visiting London (especially if you are staying for at least 5 nights) and even an overnight stay if you have the time. \u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" London’s location is great for many in-country day (or half day) trips – Stonehenge, Bath, White Cliffs of Dover, Cambridge, Windsor, and more. \u00a0In the end, Bath won our vote and luckily, it was a very easy day trip. \u00a0 … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n