If you find yourself in the UK I beg you to visit Bath. It is a stunning city, full of delicious history and is wonderfully romantic, made even more so as it is featured in many of Jane Austen’s books, and also where she, herself, resided. Although Bath is a wonderful place to visit on a romantic getaway it is also a fantastic place to take the whole family. One of my favourite things to do while in this blissful part of the world is to simply meander through the streets. You can stumble across some crazily beautiful buildings and historical sites this way, without ever needing a guided tour. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and much of it is built using the lightly golden coloured Bath stone. Another reason I love Bath is because it is delightful any time of the year, and not confined to either Winter or Summer. In saying that, there is something wonderful about curling up in a snug, Georgian café over hot chocolate in the winter months, especially in the festive season. Bath is also extremely accessible by public transport from many parts of the UK, so you don’t necessarily need a car to get there.

ACTIVITY GUIDE

Bath Preservation Trust Museums
1 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LR, UK
The Trust Museums are the place to go to learn a little history about Bath. No 1 Royal Crescent is one of the museums, decorated and furnished exactly as it would have in the late 18th Century, in some of Bath’s most iconic years. The museum sits on Royal Crescent is a stunning street, with many well-known people taking residence there over the years. If your children are a little older and interested in a bit of fun history, then this is definitely one to visit.

Royal Victoria Park
Marlborough Ln, Bath BA1 2NQ, UK
Royal Crescent overlooks the tip of this 57-acre park. The park is idyllic, featuring stunning grounds including a bucolic pond and a large botanical garden. The best thing though, for us parents, is the playground. It has various play equipment for different ages, and large enough to keep the children entertained for hours.

The Roman Baths
Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ, UK
Although the older child will enjoy this more than the younger you really cannot visit Bath for the first time without venturing to the Roman Baths. Grand statues overlook the geothermally heated Great Bath, where the steam rises vigorously off the water. The changing rooms, heated rooms and plunge pools are also open to the public to view. It is incredibly preserved and well kept for the amount of foot traffic the baths get, and also the fact that it was built in 70 AD. The audio guides are very informative, and available in 12 languages, and best of all, they come free with the entrance ticket.

Bath City Farm
Kelston View, Whiteway, Bath BA2 1NW, UK
A delightful farm covering over 37 acres which is free of charge and full of things to do. It has a small pop up café, a play space for toddlers, and of course lots of animals. They also run a kids club on Saturdays and a toddler group on Tuesdays.
The Fashion Museum
Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QH
Originally the museum of costume, this museum houses hundreds of vintage clothing. There are many fun family activities to do along the way such as a sticker trail and an interactive lace game. There is also a dressing up area where young and old can dress up in Georgian and Victorian dress.

WHERE TO EAT

Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House
4 N Parade, Bath BA1 1NX, UK
I love Sally Lunn, actually I love all things bread, so the idea of sitting in a café while stuffing myself with freshly made and toasted bread dripping with cinnamon butter is pretty much heaven. Sally Lunn is situated in one of the oldest houses in Bath, also features a museum, and the original kitchen Sally Lunn first created her famous buns in. A great place to take the children for a bit of history, and delicious food.

Dough
14-16 The Corridor, Bath BA1 5AP, UK
Most children love pizza, and this place caters to everyone, including those with allergies to certain foods. These gourmet pizzas are a little different to other franchise pizza places, and there is ample room to sit and feel comfortable with children.

WHERE TO STAY

The Royal Crescent Hotel
16 Royal Crescent, Bath
Why wouldn’t you want to stay on one of the most iconic and stylish streets in Bath. It has a beautiful landscaped private garden, impressive restaurant, and a family suite. The spa is an indulgence that shouldn’t be missed, unfortunately, not for the under 12’s- the hotel does provide a babysitting service though.

2 Crescent Gardens Guest House
2 Crescent Gardens, Bath, BA1 2NA
Although not as luxurious as the previous hotel, this is still a great option. Very well maintained with a fantastic family room, plentiful breakfasts and free WiFi. Within walking distance to many of the main landmarks and attractions.