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.

An insiders guide to Bournemouth

I'm lucky enough that I live in a UK holiday hot spot. Bournemouth is blessed with some of the best of England's weather and beaches which can turn an average weekend a mini break in an instant.

But stained with a reputation for stag and hen groups, nightclubs and nastiness, it's easy to see how you could overlook a town with so much to offer.

Here, I'll take you on a tour of some of my favourite things to do, eat and drink whilst weekending in my Bournemouth.

Art Deco styling at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

Beaches

With 7 miles of golden beaches (4 miles in Bournmeouth and 3 in Poole) along one great stretch its easy to plan a wonderful day by the sea. Families can find parking and mini golf in Sandbanks and Alum Chine, whilst day-trippers and holiday makers flood the piers at Bournemouth and Boscombe. Stretch yourself a little further and you'll find a local crowd at the quieter end in Southbourne.

LV= operate a kids safe zone on certain parts of the beach for a little extra piece of mind, and a land train connects Alum Chine to Bournemouth Pier, and Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier.

Beach huts are available to rent from the council, and some owners also rent their huts on sites like gumtree. Expect to spend upwards of £25 per day.

Views of Poole Bay from Overcliff Drive

Cafes

When it's time to seek some shade, there are some great places to grab a snack or sit down to lunch. One of my all time favourite spots is Delice de Champs opposite the Arcade on Westover Road. This french fancy is great for grabbing a croque monsieur and cafe to go, or for a delicious baguette or salad in the french themed interior.

If you're coming straight off the beach, Urban Reef in Boscombe has a small deli for hot drinks and cafes, plus a decked seating area offering a great range of light bites and drinks overlooking the sea. Grab a seat on the decked upper level and watch the world go by.

Afterwards, treat yourself to some of the UK's favourite gelato at Giggi's Gelataria. Recently expanded, Giggi is famous for their award winning gelato and authentic flavours delivered from from Italy.

Lunch Al Fresco at Urban Reef

Dining

Some say the dining options in Bournemouth are limited, but I don't agree. Bournemouth has an excellent selection of restaurants outside of the town centre, which mostly has chain's. Turtle Bay is a recent addition to the town centre scene, and it's Caribbean flair has taken off!

Outside of The Square are the tapas twins Lolitas and Koh Thai in the Triangle (the top of Commercial Road). Lolitas is a staple to Bournemouth and excellent fun if you don't mind a little 'Spanish hospitality'. Koh Thai is part of an expanding empire in the south, serving thai tapas, and proper sized meals in beautiful surroundings.

Towards Westbourne pizza lovers will be split between the authentically Italian and family run Da Mario's and the hipster friendly Baffi (Italian for moustache). Da Mario's started as a take away and has been serving the best pizza in Bournemouth for some time. They've recently expanded adding more tables. New kids on the block Baffi have outlets in Westbourne, Canford Cliffs and Southbourne and are becoming a town favourite with imported beers and a laid back vibe.

Pizza at Baffi with a glass of red.

Nightlife

Bournemouth isn't just a stag and hen mecca; there's plenty of places to enjoy a few drinks or a dance without being hit it the face by a blow up whatever. 1812, within the Royal Exeter Hotel has a good bar and happy hour. Live music is on most weekends and it counts as your daily slice of history as The Exeter Hotel encompasses the building which founded Bournemouth in 1812.

Gay bars are to be found in the Triangle, along with not-specifically-gay Smokin Aces, with a team of talented barmen and women who'll mix you just about anything you like with style and expert knowledge.

Back in Westbourne, recently opened Renoufs offers cheese, charcuterie and wine flights to anyone lucky enough to get a seat. The wine flights are a particular favourite of mine, allowing you to try 3 wines at a time in smaller doses.

Happy Hour at Smokin Aces

Entertainment

The Pavillion and BIC are the resident concert and exhibition centres and an Odeon and ABC cinema run on Westover Road. On summer evenings you can enjoy candle lighting in the gardens (Wednesdays in August) and Family Fiestas and Fireworks on Fridays (July and August).

The Oceanarium is perfect for a cooler day with the kids. The ticket lasts all day and you can meet the new penguins, coo over the otters and watch the turtles being fed.

Happy feet at the Oceanarium

No matter how you decide to spend the day in Bournemouth, I hope you have a wonderful time, and please share your favourite spots with me.