On my fourth trip to England, I knew I wanted to see more than just London, so Sammi and I planned a day trip to Bath. We knew it as the setting for Persuasion, one of our favorite Jane Austen books and film adaptations.
I wasn’t really sure where to begin planning our day trip, so I spoke with the lovely ladies at Visit Bath, who set me up with a complimentary pass that got me entrance into all the sights.
So after less than the ideal amount of sleep after a late flight into Heathrow, Sammi and I hopped a train to Bath, which cost us £60 return. The journey only took around 2 hours. We started at the Roman Baths, the biggest attraction in the city. There are still remains of a Roman settlement on this site.
The best part of the Roman Baths? The Bill Bryson-narrated audio guides. The waters in the natural springs are supposed to have healing powers, so they sell the spa water for 50 pence in the Pump Room restaurant.
As for the spa water, it tastes like what you would have if you let pennies soak in hot water and then charged people money for it. The last sip was the most potent, but I don’t feel any better or worse for having drank the magical water. Apologies for the sketchy iPhone video.
Since we are Jane Austen geeks, a visit to the Jane Austen Centre was entirely necessary. I was disappointed to learn that the building is not actually the house she lived in, but is down the street from it. If you’re not into Austen, you should probably skip this attraction as it’s lots of information on the family and their time in Bath.
There are artifacts from the film adaptations of her books and costumes to dress up in. Of course, I had to go for the bonnet. If nothing else, go to the gift shop at the centre for all the I Heart Darcy gear.
I spent less money for this excursion than I would have sightseeing in London, so I highly recommend taking a trip to Bath, England if you want to escape the fast pace of the city in favor of spas and classic literature. Most of the attractions, like the Royal Crescent and the Bath Abbey, are free of charge, as is a walking tour.
No day in Bath is complete without watching the sun set over the Royal Crescent.
I received a complimentary visitor’s pass from Visit Bath, but all opinions are my own.
I am not Jane Austen geek, but found your post interesting and informative ;)
You look cute dressed up :)
I was lucky enough to take a day trip to Bath from London when I visited some years ago and I loved it especially the Roman Baths. Pennies having soaked in it is a good way to describe the taste of the water. Did you visit the church next to the Roman Baths? Being a fan, I also visited the Jane Austen Centre. They’re really milking that for all it’s worth, lol.
Agreed! Poor fake Jane Austen house.