What to do in Bath?

[Dancing Queen]

We're going to Bath for a couple of nights in Aug for DHs 40th (childless too apart from the one on board ). Any recs for what to do/see/eat while we're there?

[Lady Leah]

The natural spa http://www.thermaebathspa.com/

We normally eat here at this Italian http://www.martinirestaurant.co.uk/

I know there is lots of touristy things, but we normally go for the Xmas market and shopping!

There is an open top bus tour you can do actually, we did that once and its a good way of seeing the sights of the city.

[minigirl]

If the weather's nice, we like having picnics in the parade gardens which is right in the centre. The botanical gardens in Victoria Park are lovely too.

You can do boat trips up the canal or hot air balloon rides if that's your kind of thing.

For food, there are all the usual chain restaurants, there's a Jamie Oliver italian place and I think a new Gordon Ramsey one has just opened. Gascoyne Place http://www.gascoyneplace.co.uk/ does really nice food, as does the Bear http://www.bearbath.co.uk/ which is a bit further out of town. Oh and go to the Bertinet Bakery, they have the most delicious cakes and pastries http://www.bertinet.com/bertinetbakery/bakery.php.

There are plenty of shops, the best areas are Milsom Street and the new Southgate Centre, but Walcot Street is good for more unusual bits.

If you want touristy stuff, there is loads - The Roman Baths, Royal Crescent, Pump rooms (good for posh afternoon tea), The Circus, Costume Museum.

You could check out what's on at the Theatre Royal too for an evening out. There are also lots of festivals throughout the year, but I'm not sure if there's anything in August.

I'm sure you'll have a lovely time, there's plenty to do here.

[Biba]

Although it is really touristy we did the tour bus thing, there are 2 different routes which is quite good. And we also did a ride up the canal the year we went there when I was very heavily pregnant with Will which was lush. We always get an ice cream from here http://therealitalianicecreamcompany.weebly.com/

[Dancing Queen]

Wow ladies, thank you so much, that is really really helpful!

I had no idea there were canal rides etc, & I'll be 32 weeks when we're there, so I think that'll be soooo lovely ( the weather's good!) and the patisserie sounds like a must too, for some birthday 'cake' as DH has the biggest sweet tooth so I know he'll love that.

I'll go & look up some of the other links now too, I'm a lover of itineraries so I'll prob have a minute-by-minute plan by the time we go!