Spring has finally sprung and it felt like the perfect time to hop in the car and head out of the city in search of some architectural and interior inspiration.
We piled the car with enough stuff for a week away rather than just a weekend away and drove to what can only be described as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Bath.
I’ve been daydreaming about strolling through the town and soaking in the impressive architecture for way too long and decided to finally escape with my little sister.
Despite it being spring the weather was rather chilly but the breezy winds didn’t stop us from checking out the stunning views.
Bath is set in the Southwest of England located in the lush green countryside. We were instantly charmed by the 18th century Georgian architecture that felt worlds away from the bland motorway we’d just come from.
First up on our agenda we headed to the Roman Baths, one of the most well preserved Roman remains in the world.
The Roman Baths was the public bathing site people would come to visit much like we would use a leisure facility nowadays. We imagined swarms of people gathering around the Baths socialising on weekends relaxing in the warm waters.
On the top floor you have the backdrop of Bath Abbey contrasted against the jade green jewelled tone waters. From this section you can see the statues surrounding the bath that represent the Roman Emperors.
The hot spring waters rise at an incredibly fast rate reaching 46 degrees bubbling into the King’s Bath.
Ceramic pots and lost coins were found buried in leather parcels; many think this was to keep possessions safe to pass onto generations.
Mosaic flooring was popular back then, with aquatic scenes with sea beasts being displaying in the best rooms in private houses. Thankfully this interior trend has past!
The massive stone blocks support the corner of the building over the Sacred Spring.
The Roman Baths attracts an unbelievable amount of tourists so be sure to head there early to try and avoid some of the crowds.
Feeling left out by all the selfie stick users we ended up taking an attempted selfie ourselves.
Next up we had to tick off a couple of my addictions, tea served best with cake of course.
The Pump Room is an 18th century elegant space; the neo-classical salon has a fountain for drinking the hot Spa water.
The pianist played charming music that made us naturally sway as we felt like we were sat in the setting of a Disney movie.
We ordered afternoon tea for two, which were really reasonably priced, filled with fresh finger sandwiches and plates topped with fancy baked goods.
Lauren as always couldn’t wait to tuck into the sweet treats.
Whilst I explained the best way to layer up a scone and bored Lauren explaining the difference between the two methods. In Devon the scones are split in two piled with cream and then topped with jam, whilst the Cornish folk smother with jam and then pile on tonnes of clotted cream. I’m a Cornish girl when it comes to my scones, what’s your speciality?
The unbelievably high ceilings overwhelmed us; the elegant window treatments framed the salon.
In the Pump Room you can taste the Bath thermal springs which is meant to have healing properties, I decided to pass on this one as the scent alone put me off.
After enjoying the violinist playing some dreamy notes we slowly strolled outside to admire Bath Abbey.
The Grade I listed building is an example of Gothic architecture and was founded in the 7th century. My photography doesn’t capture the real beauty of the exterior detailing with 52 windows and clad in Bath stone.
Visitors can enter the Abbey and listen to a service or quietly sit at the back to briefly soak in the astounding interior. As I stepped into the Abbey I felt a sense of awe being in such a magical building.
The fan-vaulted ceiling not only is a thing of complete magnificence but also provides a structural support for the weighty roof.
The Eastern end is where the intricate stained glass window catches your eye and where the altar is located.
After being wowed by the Abbey we continued our stroll across the Pulteney Bridge.
The bridge crossed the River Avon and is an example of Palladian style; it is also Grade I listed and is quite simply just a stunning spot to people watch.
As the winds picked up I thought Lauren might fly away in the breeze, so we headed passed the greenery back to the car.
Next up us two little piglets whizzed to The Pig Hotel.
What an amazing place, I know where I’ll be going for my next weekend break. Those pictures look incredible, so much history, it has definitely inspired me to take a break in England and enjoy Bath. Can’t wait to go there!!!!!
I’m glad you’re feeling inspired to visit! Book a trip soon, I have a few more Bath posts coming up so keep your eyes peeled.