From culture to cafés, go off the beaten track with FACT’s guide to Bath.
If you’re looking for a truly relaxing break from London’s intensity, Bath in Somerset is a good idea. This beautiful city boasts Georgian architecture, a rich history, plenty of greenery and even better culinary offerings. Bath has been a wellbeing hub since the Roman period, and continues to be known as the place to go for deep relaxation and a restful spa weekend. Spanning museums to independent shops, the city centre is stacked, aesthetically pleasing and accessible to all, making it the perfect city break. Here’s FACT’s guide to exploring the stunning city of Bath in 24 hours
Morning
Follow our guide to Bath, and start your day with a top-tier breakfast at none other than Good Day Cafe. Nestled in the centre of town, there’s no better spot to try. This fan-favourite serves up some seriously good brunch dishes, from Turkish eggs and chorizo stew to its signature Good Day pancakes and sweet brioche French toast. Wash it all down with an oat latte, and finish with one of the many freshly baked treats on display.
Walk to The Holburne Museum to kick off your day of Bath culture. Located in Sydney Pleasure Gardens, it’s the city’s first public art gallery. The Grade I-listed building is home to fine and decorative arts built around the collection of the esteemed Sir William Holburne, as well as exhibitions. Grab a coffee from the café and take a stroll around the property’s serene gardens. (Fun fact: the museum was used as the façade of Lady Danbury’s house in the Bridgerton series.)
Gander over to Topping and Company Booksellers of Bath, an independent bookshop next to Bath Abbey. Housed in a beautiful stone building with high ceilings, the shop looks like something out of a Disney film. Its walls are lined with books across multiple floors. One could easily spend hours here, browsing everything from fiction and cookery books to medieval history. The bookshop also hosts author talks – previous guests include Michael Palin, Mary Berry, Prue Leith and Nick Offerman.
It only makes sense to pop into Bath Abbey. One of the most culturally significant buildings in the city, Bath Abbey is a beautiful church and former Benedictine monastery. Founded in the seventh century, it is a Grade I-listed building. Built from Bath stone, the church is beloved for its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate fan vaulting. The Abbey provides a moment of peace and quiet in the midst of the bustling town centre.
Afternoon
After a morning of culture, you’ll need to refuel. Visit Wild Café – the cosy lunch spot is tucked away from the typical touristy spots, and hidden down a small cobbled side street. It serves everything from eggs and pancakes to burgers and salads. The team use local suppliers and runs on 100 per cent renewable electricity. For a hearty, healthy and quick lunch that doesn’t compromise on quality or generous portions.
For a post-lunch wander, head round the corner to Quiet Street Antiques. This shop has been trading for 40 years, with a collection that other antique stores can only envy. It stocks furniture, clocks, bronze and metal sculptures, porcelain, glassware, art, silver and more. Browse at your leisure and discover a different side of Bath, away from the bustle of the town.
If the weather is nice, head over to the Royal Crescent for a siesta. One of Bath’s most iconic landmarks, the Royal Crescent was built around 1767 and designed by the renowned architect John Wood the Younger. It comprises 30 Georgian Grade I-listed terraced houses arranged in a sweeping crescent spanning 500 feet, overlooking the lawns of Royal Victoria Park.
Just down the road is the Museum of East Asian Art, an institution that is often overlooked in Bath. The MEAA is home to over 7,000 years of art and history from across East and South East Asia. Based in a converted Georgian townhouse, it was founded in 1993 by Brian McElney OBE. The museum contains a collection of more than 2,000 objects from the region, including Neolithic pottery, ceramics from Imperial Chinese kilns, jade, lacquerware and bamboo carvings. The museum also hosts exhibitions, events and activities for all ages, from traditional Japanese tea ceremonies to Lunar New Year celebrations.
Evening
Dine at Emberwood to end your day, The Francis Hotel’s in-house British brasserie. Led by Executive Chef David Hazell, the restaurant focuses on local suppliers and simple cooking over a natural flame, allowing seasonal produce to take centre stage. Dishes span beef shin and stout pie with cavolo nero and celeriac; Cornish cod with caramelised fennel, samphire and charred potatoes; and red mullet and crab risotto; and much more.
After following in the footsteps of our Bath guide, you will need to get a good night’s sleep at The Francis Hotel itself, located on Bath’s first Georgian square and steeped in history. Today, the hotel has been reimagined as a wellness-focused city break destination, bringing together elegant living spaces, curated guest experiences, a new thermal spa and memorable culinary offerings.
Contact: https://www.visitbath.co.uk