day trip

'Leaving from London' getaways: Bath

This series will cover a range of UK-based trips that are relatively easy to take from London.

Bath has been a destination for relaxation since the Roman times. People flocked here to chill out way before it was even called ‘Bath’. It’s the OG getaway from London, some might say. Okay, only I’m saying it, but maybe it’ll catch on?

The city lies a two- to three-hour drive from London, or a 90-minute train ride from London Paddington. It’s perfect for a range of travel companions: as a couple, with family, with friends - I’ve done all three over the years - or as a solo traveller. There are many beauty spots around the city, so grab your camera and get snapping!

Roman Baths

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Let’s start with the big ‘un and the reason the city has its name in the first place. The Roman Baths were constructed around 70AD and were a place for people to socialise while relaxing in the thermal waters. Today, you can explore the baths with a guide or audio guide; you can’t swim in them anymore, but you can head to the nearby Thermae Bath Spa to recreate the Roman experience. I originally visited the baths as a teenager, and I’m yet to visit the spa, so that’s one on the list for the next trip!

Royal Crescent

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The Royal Crescent is a beautiful road, shaped in a crescent (obvs), lined with Georgian houses. It is set around a large green where many people have picnics and walk their dogs. We visited under the crisp January sun, and followed our visit with a walk further along the path, passing an array of fancy houses and little gardens.

Pulteney Bridge

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I’ve visited Pulteney Bridge on every trip I’ve taken to Bath so far, often finding a spot nearby that overlooks the bridge and Pulteney Weir. While the water feature looks pretty cool, it was actually created to serve a functional purpose: originally helping to drive the water wheels and power mills, and today, it helps regulate water levels. In the area surrounding the bridge, you’ll find greenery and some Georgian archways, perfect from an impromptu photoshoot!

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The Pump Room Restaurant

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With its high ceilings, glittering chandelier and grandfather clock, The Pump Room is a lavish affair. I dined on a delicious afternoon tea here, but there is a varied seasonal menu too. There is also the opportunity to taste the spa water from the fountain (though this is closed during Covid times), and the chance to listen to a live pianist while you dine. A real Jane Austen-style experience.

Bath Abbey

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The city’s church is beautiful both inside and out. It was originally founded in the seventh century, but was rebuilt over the centuries, most recently in the 1860s (lol, yeah, so recent!) Its grand columns and frescoes ceilings are truely something to be marvelled at, and the exterior is equally as spellbinding.

Final notes

On my next visit - yep, I’ll be back for visit number 5 at some point soon - I intend to visit the Jane Austen Museum and the Thermae Spa, as well as revisit the Roman Baths. Look out for updates to this post.

'Leaving from London' getaways: York

This series will cover a range of UK-based trips that are relatively easy to take from London.

While I love travelling (obviously - it is the basis of this blog) and can live out of a suitcase for weeks on end, I also enjoy having my home comforts around me embarking on a day trip strikes the perfect balance: the excitement of discovering a new city, but the familiarity of returning home - plus the convenience of not needing to drag a suitcase or hold all about. I’ve been known to do day trips to the likes of Paris and Brussels, but this time we’ll focus on a city a little closer to home: York.

Around a two-hour direct journey from Kings Cross (not unlike Paris or Brussels actually, lol), York offers historical landmarks, delightful afternoon teas and a plethora of Harry Potter stores. If you decide to take a trip for the day, here are some top tips, so you can make the most of your time:

Arrive early

I chose to get one of the earliest trains to really maximise my time. One of the first places I visited was the famous Shambles, which had barely another human strolling down its cobblestones at that time of the morning. I was able to admire the 14th-century, sloping buildings without having to dodge other tourists; the same could not be said for a few hours later!

The Shambles - a few hours’ later!

The Shambles - a few hours’ later!

Strap on your trainers

The city is relatively small - well, for a Londoner, anyway - so you may opt to explore on foot. A stroll along the city walls is a must do while you’re here. York has been a walled city since roughly 71 AD, and while the ones you’ll walk are a little more recent, they’re still pretty old: we’re talking 12th to 14th century. You’ll get views of the whole city, and pass through both old and newer areas.

City wall strolls

City wall strolls

Clifford’s Tower is another spot that should be on your walking list. Now, don’t be decieved by the car park it finds itself in today; it is one of the city’s most iconic historical structures. Also known as York Castle, the building sits atop a steep hill, but you won’t need your hiking boots as there are stairs straight up - 55 of ‘em.

Clifford’s Tower/York Castle

Clifford’s Tower/York Castle

A trip to York would be incomplete without a stop at York Minster, and it appeared to be even more beautiful than I’d seen in photos. Once you’re done admiring its exterior (and taking a peep inside if you wish, although we didn’t at the time), make a beeline for the quaint book shop nearby. Although I didn’t buy anything, I loved the narrow staircase and admiring the collection. It felt like I’d stepped into someone’s home.

Grab yourself an afternoon tea

You cannot go to York without visiting Bettys Tea Room. We visited York in November, so although we didn’t have a booking, we were able to get a table at Bettys Stonegate Shop, the smaller outpost around the corner from York’s flagship outpost, after a little wait. The cakes, scones and sandwiches were delicious and the service was fabulous.

Plan your return visit

While a day trip is definitely enough to get a taste of York and see many of its landmarks, a return trip, or a longer trip, is definitely needed if you’d like to explore the surrounding area or museums in detail. If I were to return, I’d probably stay the night and visit the nearby Yorkshire Dales to get a country fix, alongside my city exploration. Heathcliff, Cathy, wuu2?