Bath

So this morning (Thursday), after packing some overnight stuff, snacks, activities, etc, we hit the road to Bath. For once, we didn't miss the A14 roundabout thingy, and thus had no unplanned detours. We hurtled down the M5, only stopping for a brief toilet break (and a Costa Coffee I must admit). We arrived in Bath around noon and looked carefully for a place to park. We found a short stay park at the Waitrose (grocery store) and zipped in there. Then it was off to see the sights.

Our first order of business was of course lunch, and we chose a small cafe after wandering a few streets. Thus fortified, we then began our walk up to see the famous curved Georgian house facades at the Circus and Royal Crescent. The streets of Bath are certainly beautiful and unique and the walk was an enjoyable one, save for Philip constantly tugging on our arms to get away. At the Royal Crescent, we went in the Georgian House Museum (?), a house that is fully outfitted to the period. This is at the top of the hill in Bath and overlooks Victoria Park and other parts of Bath.

(the Royal Crescent - elegant homes for the wealthy back in the 1700s)

We then meandered through streets lined with shops - which we wold have loved to go in, but I knew we didn't have time for that and for the Roman Baths and other city center sights. So, with a longing look at Space NK, L'Occitane, Monsoon, and in Bill's case, Orvis, off we went to get a quick snack and drink from the car. We got a new ticket good for another four hours and then headed to city center.

The next two hours were spent going through the Roman Bath Museum - very cool! They have excavated this site - a temple, and very extensive baths, several of which they keep filled. The water naturally runs into the baths at 115 degrees F - and I think 13 liters a minute. We had a plan - and it was a very good one, but did have some flaws. We thought we would get Philip to just "happen" to jump in the spa (bath), and OF COURSE we would have to jump in to rescue him. And if we just "happened" to have our swimsuits on at the time, well, what a coincidence!!!! The main flaw here was the weather - after all, it is Autumn and the outside temp might be in the high 50s or so. So how were we going to go about in our swimsuits without freezing? With no answer to this dilemma, we abandoned the plan, at least for now. I do have to say though, that without ANY coaching on our part whatsoever, Philip did come very close to getting in the spa. I feel very proud of my restraint in preventing him from getting in.

Bath does have a Thermae Spa that uses the natural springs, but they don't allow under 18s and it costs 55 pounds. Strike out there! Anyway, the excavation of the Roman site is really neat - with chunks from the temple - original stone floors - of course the original baths - some partial mosaics - and many other things recovered.

We emerged from the museum, after a quick glance into the Pump Room which was closed because of the time, and headed over to see the Bath Abbey. This was a nice break for me. See they have all these things called pews, and I sat right down to rest my now weary feet. I no longer had Philip yanking on my arm to get away - another break for my weary arm! There was hardly anyone in there, and the people were very laid back, so I let Philip roam around. Well, after getting the obligatory pictures of the interior (finally, a place that actually ALLOWED pictures inside), we went in search of some dinner. By this time, it was raining a bit, so in the interest of not getting too wet walking around to peruse the restaurant choices, we zipped right in to Pizza Hut. Then it was a short walk back to the car park and a short drive here to our hotel.

(inside Bath Abbey - beautiful fan ceilings)

Wentworth House is a very large old house - now obviously converted into a hotel of sorts. We have a very reasonable family room here for the night and are looking forward to a hearty breakfast in the morning.