48 Hours in Bath

Bath is quite simply the stuff weekends away are made of. It's stunning architecture and endless list of things to do are sure to keep you coming back time and time again. Having visited a few times recently I thought it time I told you my tips for a great 48 hours in Bath!

Where to stay

Bath University

Bath is famously expensive and I've been lucky enough to see both ends of the scale whilst maintaining quality. For a modest budget, book your room at Bath University. During non term time the campus halls double as hotel rooms complete with en suite bathrooms, toiletries and breakfast (canteen style). If you're weekending in a group the kitchens are also open for you to relive your uni day with a few pre-dinner drinks. Be warned, the halls are popular with groups and the wifi is bad at best, but at £40 per person you can't complain. 

Moonraker

For a more quaint and country scene, head out at the city to the Moonraker Hotel. This Manor House style inn is complete with resident pigs, herb gardens and Neil's Yard toiletries, and guests are welcomed with homemade flapjacks. A cosy stay here is definitely more about staying in with a good book and roaring fire than going out!

What to do

The Makery

Artists and artisan wannabes should make for The Makery in Bath. Conveniently in the centre of the city it's the perfect place to spend a few hours before heading back to the shops. On offer are all sorts of crafty capers from headbands and knicker making to espadrilles and lampshades. You'll be guided at each step and likely have the helping hand of a sewing machine and endless pots of buttons, sequins and ribbons for to adorn your creations.

Sessions typically last 2 hours and you can take your creations home with you. 

 

Thermae Spa

The Roman Baths get a 21st century upgrade with all the ancient Heath benefits at Bath's Thermae Spa. 3 distinct experiences will leave you soothed and relaxed.

Enjoy the view over the city from the open air roof top pool before hitting the 4 steam rooms, each punching out a different aromatherapy oil. End your trip in the Minerva pool, where the gentle currently guide you around. If that isn't enough the on site spa will work a little harder to get you there.

Where to eat

Sotto Sotto

If there's one thing Bath does well it's underground vibes. Sotto Sotto is a delightfully authentic Italian restaurant set in bricked arches just below street level.

The menu included a tasty burrata with Parma ham and fig, chocolate lentils and mushroom pasta, all of which go very nicely with a glass or two of prosecco. 

The Pump Room

For afternoon tea in Bath the only place you need to know about it the Pump Room. Set within the historic Roman Baths, the Pump Room will serenade you with its wide tea selection, decisions cakes and live music.

Not forgetting the astonishing decor, the service at the Pump Room is second to none, with the team breaking all expectations to accommodate the nut allergies and vegan diets in our party.

Wakey Wakey, Paddle and Breakie in Studland

13th June

This may have been the weekend of Jurassic World the movie, but this weekend I explored the Jurassic Coast of Dorset with a little help from the National Trust.

I'd discovered the kayak and breakfast morning whilst researching local events for work, and knew this would tick all the boxes for the perfect birthday gift for my husband. Outdoors; check! Scenic; check! Workout; check!

It was an early start to be at Knoll Beach for 8.15am, and the pressure is always on when you realise you're meant to be there at 8am! So, unprepared and over dressed we arrived and slid ourselves into wetsuits and joined the rest of the pack. We'd not thought to bring swimwear so prayed we didn't fall in.

The beach was sodden with seaweed which made for a crunchy then spongy walk to the shoreline with the kayak, and up there with some of my worst nightmares, especially with no scuba shoes! Finally though I was in my kayak and remembering how to get myself moving. Then I heard a splash and realised Mark wasn't getting on so well, and was off kayak, in the sea and starting what would become a bit of  a habit!

With the wind behind us, we coasted along the bay quite pleasantly, taking in the sights of the old and sea worn beach huts, and a World War 2 pillbox, a quite uncommon sight given the Dorset coast's involvement in WW2 training.

Slowly the beach broke into cliffs from the Cretaceous period which led all the way to Old Harry Rocks, one of the most famous sights in Dorset. The water was shallow and clear and despite the overcast weather the cliffs were illuminated.

At the base of the cliffs next to Old Harry, we were able to explore the "beach" make from smoothed rocks from natural erosion. Here we were able to swim and explore the rocks, or, if like me you're scared of seaweed, be dragged gently to a safe spot. It was wonderful to finally be up close to the rocks which have dominated my view as a resident of Bournemouth and Poole across the bay for a lifetime.

After resting our arms, we clambered back into the kayaks (Mark fell in again) and we circled Old Harry and continued towards Swanage before cutting back through a cave and back into Poole Bay (3rd and final swim for Mark). The wind had picked up on the other side, and we were now battling against it, the taste of bacon on our lips. Courteously, I kept watch at the back of the pack of 20 or so other adventurers, bringing up the rear in my usual way.

As we neared the beach the wind calmed and we slid towards the sand with the sun on our backs and the birds singing. What a wonderful way to start the weekend!

Find out more about the National Trust events at Studland and book yourself a Dorset adventure now!

Explore a real Jurassic world at jurassiccoast.org

Dorset on my doorstep

It's been a little over a month since I touched down in England after 5 months in South East Asia and Italy.

Since then I've started a new job, Mark bought a car and we found a place to live.

We've also been out and about making the most of the surprisingly lovely British weather and seeing some of the best Dorset has to offer.

Famous for the Jurassic Coast, Cerne Abbas Giant and a cheeky sounding biscuit, Dorset is and always has been my home county. Over 3.2 million Brits visit Dorset each year and its easy to see why with our rolling countryside, award winning beaches and chocolate box villages.

Our first trip was to an old favourite, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.

Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast, about a 30 minute drive from Poole. The drive itself is exciting as you pass through MoD training land and are warned to be aware of "sudden gunfire" and "tanks crossing".

To reach the door, you drive through the Durdle Door Holiday park, park your car and head down the hill. There's a handy kiosk for a cup of Dorset Tea and an ice cream at both ends of the path - which are much needed after a steep climb.

Reaching the door is a magnificent moment. The beach below is framed perfectly by the door giving everyone a stunning view. The cliffs spread out into the distance from both directions and the sea drifts endlessly to Portland and beyond. It's an unsteady path to the beach itself, but well worth it to take a plunge in the sea and swim through the door.

Following the south west coastal path back up the hill, we then carried on to Lulworth Cove. The views on the walk are breathtaking; sprawling fields of green to the left and endless blue sea to the right.

After fish and chips (of course) we ambled down to the shore where kids crabbed and dogs frolicked in the sea. The village was full of tasty looking bistros, and quirky British charm. There was even a red phone box. It was the perfect way to re-aquatint ourselves with Dorset life.