An Insiders Guide to Bath

Here we give you a look at some of our favourite spots

While Bath’s history and architecture are undeniable draws, the city offers much more if you step off the tourist track. From independent restaurants, boutique shops and markets, Bath is much more than its Georgian heritage. 

 

Foodie Spots

 

Breakfast and Brunch: Located in one of the prettiest areas of the city, Cafe Lucca, is a large, airy brunch and lunch spot. For a relaxed atmosphere and lovely outside seating, Green Bird Cafe nestled between The Circus and Royal Crescent offers  delightful breakfast and pastry options. WatchHouse, a newcomer on Bath’s culinary scene, is perfect for long, lazy weekend brunches with excellent people-watching opportunities.

 

  • Cafe Lucca – a breakfast and brunch spot within an interiors and clothing shop. Be sure to get a table outside when the sun shines
  • Green Bird Cafe – nestled between The Circus and Royal Crescent in Margaret’s Buildings, great for breakfast, brunch, coffee and cake
  • Jaq at The Provenist – perfectly located in the corner of Neptune interiors stylish showroom, this laid back cafe is headed by local chef Jaq Brewer offering field-to-fork vegetarian brunch & lunch
  • WatchHouse – new to Bath, located at the bottom of Milsom Street – great for a long lazy breakfast and people watching
  • The Walcot – stylish and delicious for brunch. They also serve a fantastic lunch and dinner menu and are open for cocktails

 

Evening Dinners and Stylish Bites: For a delicious menu and stylish interiors try The Walcot. Pinxto, is a very short walk from The Yard and serves authentic Basque-style tapas in a laid-back setting, with a lovely hidden outside courtyard for the summer months. Those looking for a beautiful setting will appreciate Beckford Canteen, housed in a former Georgian greenhouse and serving up classic modern dishes.

 

  • Pinxto – authentic Basque-style tapas served in a laid back, relaxed setting with a courtyard
  • Beckford Canteen – nostalgia-inspired modern dishes served in a former Georgian greenhouse. Check out their sister establishment – The Beckford Bottle Shop if you get the chance, which is just further up the street
  • Bosco Pizzeria – uber casual interiors, the tastiest pizza, pasta and other Italian favourites
  • Corkage – just around the corner from The Yard, serving rustic small plates with exquisite wine to match
  • The Scallop Shell – the best fish and chips in Bath! Just a minutes walk from The Yard
  • Noya’s Kitchen – serving mouth-watering authentic Vietnamese cuisine and super popular monthly supper club
  • The Circus – located between The Circus and The Royal Crescent this award winning independent is a Bath institution, serving modern European food and old world wines
  • Henry’s – a seasonal tasting menu and great value two course set lunch menu. Also great for vegetarians
  • Clayton’s Kitchen – locally sourced British food in a relaxed environment. Great for Sunday lunch too
  • Oak – a sustainable artisan restaurant with plant based small plates and natural wines
  • Robun – authentic Japanese food with a modern twist

 

Wine & Cocktails

Cocktail connoisseurs are spoilt for choice, with speakeasy-style bars like The Bath Distillery Gin Bar offering an impressive selection of gins and inventive cocktails, while sophisticated spots like The Dark Horse entice with classic and creative concoctions in an intimate setting.

 

  • The Dark Horse – this hidden gem is tucked away in the vaults of Kingsmead Square mixing seasonal cocktails until late
  • Vino Vino – a laid back wine bar also serving small plates with a large street-side outdoor seating area. Also check out their sister bar ‘The Other Room‘ for a more intimate vibe
  • Square Piano Bar – serving wine and cocktails as well as food accompanied by live piano and jazz music, next to the picturesque Bath Abbey
  • The Canary Gin Bar – Bath’s very own gin palace – an impressive stock of 230 gins as well as their very own ‘Bath Gin’ overlooking a quaint cobbled street
  • Bread and Jam – relaxed cocktails beneath The Walcot restaurant, transforming into a bar with DJ later on in the evening
  • Circo – creative cocktails and decadent decor. An intimate and relaxed bar in a vaulted cellar on George Street

 

Local Sights & Unforgettable Walks

 

Tranquil Retreats: Sometimes, a quiet escape amidst nature is the perfect way to unwind. The Botanical Gardens at Royal Victoria Park offer a tranquil space to enjoy a picnic, while Alexandra Park rewards those willing to make the climb with breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

 

Architectural Gems: Pulteney Bridge, a historic Georgian bridge overlooking Pulteney Weir, is a must-see for any visitor. Prior Park Gardens, a beautiful landscape garden featuring an unusual Palladian bridge, offers a classic view on Bath’s Georgian history. Margaret’s Buildings, known as the sweetest shopping street in Bath, is a treasure trove of art galleries, cafes, and interior shops. Lansdown Crescent, set halfway up Lansdown Hill, might require a climb, but the panoramic city views are well worth the effort.

  • The Royal Crescent, Circus and Roman Baths are all must-sees of Bath, but the city boasts some lesser known and equally magnificent location
  • Botanical Gardens at Royal Victoria Park – a tranquil spot to enjoy a picnic just a short walk out of the city centre
  • Alexandra Park – worth the hike for a fabulous panoramic view of the city. Grab a choux bun and coffee from ‘The Choux Box’ stall there Friday – Sunday
  • Pulteney Bridge – a historic Georgian bridge overlooking Pulteney Weir. One of only four bridges in the world to have shops span across both sides.
  • Prior Park Gardens – a beautiful landscape garden on the edge of Bath featuring an unusual Palladian bridge. As seen in Netflix’s Bridgerton
  • Margaret’s Buildings – the sweetest shopping street home to art galleries, cafes and interior shops
  • Lansdown Crescent – about halfway up Lansdown hill (North of the city) but the climb is worth it. Built on a smaller scale than the Royal Crescent but just as beautiful
  • Walcot Street Steps – picturesque centuries-old steps leading down to Bath’s artisan quarter – Walcot Street
  • Skyline Walk – only a short stroll out of the city centre, this 6 mile loop of the Bath hills covers meadowland, forest and secluded valleys
  • Hop On – Hop Off Bus – the best way to see all of the city and learn interesting facts about the many unique landmarks. The closest stop to The Yard is Queen’s Square

 

Near to Bath

 

The surrounding Somerset countryside had rolling hills perfect for scenic hikes or leisurely bike rides. Explore the enchanting village of Lacock, a film location for numerous period dramas or for a touch of history, delve into the ancient mysteries of Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument shrouded in legend. Alternatively, explore Cheddar Gorge, England’s largest gorge, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for spelunking or rock climbing. 

  • Frome – this small market town is full of independent shops, delicious food and creative people. Check out the Frome Independent – one of the largest curated markets in the South West on the first Sunday of every month
  • Bruton – the much hyped Somerset town boasts a handful of foodie spots like At The Chapel and Osip with Hauser & Wirth gallery and gardens on the outskirts. The Newt estate is a short drive out of the town centre, if you’re lucky to have a membership.
  • Bradford on Avon – a quintessential Cotswold town. If you’re feeling active take the 8 mile (entirely flat) walk there along the Kennet and Avon Canal from Bath
  • Castle Combe – a postcard Cotswold village which has been the backdrop to many films and TV series
  • Iford – the most idyllic little hamlet with a beautiful manor house, Edwardian garden and award winning restaurant and garden kitchen

Experience Bath Like a Local

 

The Yard in Bath is more than just a luxurious stay – it’s your gateway to experiencing Bath like a local.  Our team’s insider knowledge, which they love to share, ensures you’ll step beyond the tourist spots in the city. 

 

Book Your Boutique Escape Today

 

Ready to explore the magic of Bath and unwind in the luxurious comfort of The Yard?  Visit our website today to browse our room options and book your unforgettable escape.  We look forward to welcoming you to Bath!