Rail Europe

When Queen Anne arrived in Bath to seek restoration in the city’s thermal mineral waters in 1702, it helped put Bath on the map as the most well-known spa in England, even though the Romans had founded them sixteen centuries earlier in 75 AD. The city’s proximity to London makes it an ideal destination for a day of relaxation.




Morning

Spending a day in a spa is alluring, but beforehand, a history lesson is in order. Located within a ten-minute’s walk from the Bath Spa Railway station, The Pump Room and Roman Baths date back to 75 AD and originally honored the goddess Sulis Minerva. You can see the original baths and the excavated site of Temple of Sulis Minerva, and the museum displays objects from various digs of the site throughout history. The Pump Room gives you an opportunity to refuel with, tea and coffee.

Afternoon

For a history-meets-modernity spa experience, the Thermae Bath Spa, located within walking distance and near Bath Abbey, is comprised four thermal baths. It also offers a full complement of spa therapies and treatments, along with a café, restaurant and shop. You are required to book a two, four or full-day spa session and treatments (such as massage, stone therapies, facials) can be booked in conjunction with this; it’s not possible, nor would you want to, simply stop in for a massage and then leave.

A day of pampering is not complete without something sweet. Within easy walking distance is a stop at Sally Lunn’s Refreshment House and Museum, home of the famous Sally Lunn Bunn. It’s located in the oldest house in Bath, dating from 1482, and is named for the famous French refugee who came to Bath and started baking these famous little buns.

Details:

Roman Bath and Spas
-Stall Street, in the Bath Abbey Churchyard
-Phone: 01225/477785
-Open daily at 9:30am-5:30, January, February, November and December
-Open daily at 9am-6pm March-June; Sept-Oct; 9am-10pm
-Closed December 25-26.
-Prices fluctuate seasonally from £10 adult (£11 in July and August); £8.50 for seniors and students 17 and up; £6 for children. Family ticket, £28.

Thermae Bath Spa
-Hot Bath Street
-Phone: 01225/331234
-Hours: Open seven days a week, every day except Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, 9am-10pm.
-Full day ticket: £50; 4-hour session £30 ; 2-hour session £20

Sally Lunn’s Refreshment House and Museum
-4 North Parade Passage
-Phone: 01225/461634
-Hours: Tea/Coffee Shop: Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm.
-Restaurant, Monday-Sunday 6pm-10pm.

Journey Time: 1hr45
Frequency: 21
Departure Station: London Paddington
Arrival Station: Bath Spa
Prices From: 126 (Economy) to 201 (Premier / Comfort Flexi)
(prices subject to change)

Uselful Links:

• http://www.romanbaths.co.uk
• http://www.thermaebathspa.com/
• http://www.sallylunns.co.uk

Book this Trip

Back