Our Bath - live like a local!
Our neighbourhood....and a few others you should know about!
We know we’re biased but our neighbourhood is pretty cool. We have a Roman Bath and the Thermae Spa right behind us and the Theatre Royal just around the corner but this guide is intended to sign point you to the places we love, that might not show up on the first couple of pages of a search engine.
The centre of the city can get really busy too, so we’ve also added a few quieter neighbourhoods to the list….especially relevant to the house hunters among you. Have a little look through before your visit so you can live like a local while you’re here.
The Grapes is situated in the Kingsmead Ward of the city and if you turn left out of our door, you’ll be at Kingsmead Square within less than a minute. Full of coffee shops, restaurants and a world famous cocktail bar (more on that later), a massive tree in the middle provides shade for the many benches underneath where you can take a rest and watch the world go by. Saw Close just around the corner is the site of the Theatre Royal and also boasts a plethora of eateries from wood fired pizza at The Oven to the Bath institution that is Schwartz Bros, serving the best burgers in the city for over 40 years.
10 paikallista suosittelee
Kingsmead Square
The Grapes is situated in the Kingsmead Ward of the city and if you turn left out of our door, you’ll be at Kingsmead Square within less than a minute. Full of coffee shops, restaurants and a world famous cocktail bar (more on that later), a massive tree in the middle provides shade for the many benches underneath where you can take a rest and watch the world go by. Saw Close just around the corner is the site of the Theatre Royal and also boasts a plethora of eateries from wood fired pizza at The Oven to the Bath institution that is Schwartz Bros, serving the best burgers in the city for over 40 years.
Known as the Artist Quarter of the city, Walcot Street is just a 10-minute walk away and home to some fantastic independent shops including the quirky second hand clothes emporium that is The Yellow Shop, with the adjoining American Dreams Comics. There are some lovely restaurants lining the street and towards the far end, lies another of Bath’s institutions, The Bell.
11 paikallista suosittelee
Walcot Street
Walcot StreetKnown as the Artist Quarter of the city, Walcot Street is just a 10-minute walk away and home to some fantastic independent shops including the quirky second hand clothes emporium that is The Yellow Shop, with the adjoining American Dreams Comics. There are some lovely restaurants lining the street and towards the far end, lies another of Bath’s institutions, The Bell.
If you head out to the back of Bath Spa Railway Station, there’s a little footbridge that takes you across The Avon and on the other side you will find the villagey neighbourhood of Widcombe Parade. With everything from takeaways to restaurants, delis and gift shops a must visit is The Ring O’Bells and at the far end of the parade, just around the corner, sits the Bath Botanical Gin Distillery & Herbal Apothecary where they offer private gin tastings.
7 paikallista suosittelee
Widcombe
If you head out to the back of Bath Spa Railway Station, there’s a little footbridge that takes you across The Avon and on the other side you will find the villagey neighbourhood of Widcombe Parade. With everything from takeaways to restaurants, delis and gift shops a must visit is The Ring O’Bells and at the far end of the parade, just around the corner, sits the Bath Botanical Gin Distillery & Herbal Apothecary where they offer private gin tastings.
A bit of a longer walk but definitely one for the house hunters amongst you, Larkhall sits on the edge of the city at the end of the London Road. The village atmosphere is bolstered by independent shops including Larkhall Butchers, a farm shop, delis, cafés, florists and even a co-operative printing workshop. If you’re a walker, it is then just 45 minutes to get to the top of Solsbury Hill made famous by Peter Gabriel who lives nearby in Box .
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Larkhall
A bit of a longer walk but definitely one for the house hunters amongst you, Larkhall sits on the edge of the city at the end of the London Road. The village atmosphere is bolstered by independent shops including Larkhall Butchers, a farm shop, delis, cafés, florists and even a co-operative printing workshop. If you’re a walker, it is then just 45 minutes to get to the top of Solsbury Hill made famous by Peter Gabriel who lives nearby in Box .
Our breakfast spots
You're more than welcome to make yourself breakfast at ours but lots of our guests head straight out for the day, so we thought we would share some of tastiest and friendliest breakfasts in town.
We love the Kingsmead Kitchen. The best place for a fry up or something more adventurous such as their yummy Shakshuka if you’re in the mood, will set you up for a days sightseeing. With tables both inside and out, you may need to queue for a bit but you shouldn’t have to wait too long.
14 paikallista suosittelee
The Kingsmead Kitchen
1 Kingsmead StWe love the Kingsmead Kitchen. The best place for a fry up or something more adventurous such as their yummy Shakshuka if you’re in the mood, will set you up for a days sightseeing. With tables both inside and out, you may need to queue for a bit but you shouldn’t have to wait too long.
A cute little place full of Bath stone walls and hanging pot plants opposite the entrance to Bath Spa train station, this place does the best sweet or savoury pancakes in town and is a great place for a spot of people watching if you can get a spot by the window.
Cafe au Lait
12-14 Dorchester StA cute little place full of Bath stone walls and hanging pot plants opposite the entrance to Bath Spa train station, this place does the best sweet or savoury pancakes in town and is a great place for a spot of people watching if you can get a spot by the window.
If you’re not a breakfast person but love your coffee, this place has the best in town, from their own roastery in Wiltshire. The cakes are delish and they make a mean smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel. It’s basically right next door to the Kingsmead Kitchen.
The Bath Coffee Co
If you’re not a breakfast person but love your coffee, this place has the best in town, from their own roastery in Wiltshire. The cakes are delish and they make a mean smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel. It’s basically right next door to the Kingsmead Kitchen.
Out to lunch
A range of eat in options and takeaways if you don't want to stay away from the sights for too long.
Vietnamese food to die for in the cutest Grade II listed little restaurant just around the corner. Friday nights are Supper Club nights with an exciting five-course set menu and if you’re sticking around past the weekend, they run Cooking Classes on Monday evenings between 6-10.
36 paikallista suosittelee
Noya's Kitchen
7 St James's ParadeVietnamese food to die for in the cutest Grade II listed little restaurant just around the corner. Friday nights are Supper Club nights with an exciting five-course set menu and if you’re sticking around past the weekend, they run Cooking Classes on Monday evenings between 6-10.
Serving the best burgers in Bath for over 40 years, this is take-away only but you won’t regret it. The chicken burgers are a worthy opponent to their beef burger and the wide range of toppings will get your head in a spin. Take a pew outside in Saw Close but watch out for the seagulls who have become quite adept at snatching them out of your hands.
10 paikallista suosittelee
Schwartz Bros
4 Saw ClServing the best burgers in Bath for over 40 years, this is take-away only but you won’t regret it. The chicken burgers are a worthy opponent to their beef burger and the wide range of toppings will get your head in a spin. Take a pew outside in Saw Close but watch out for the seagulls who have become quite adept at snatching them out of your hands.
If you walk to the corner just by the local convenience store, you’ll almost certainly see a queue of people outside a shop front little larger than a hole in the wall. The queue is for a good reason with Chai Walla serving vegetarian Indian Street Food that will get your taste buds tingling….as an aside, they also launched the first samosa into space in December 2020.
22 paikallista suosittelee
Chaiwalla Indian Street Food
42 Monmouth StIf you walk to the corner just by the local convenience store, you’ll almost certainly see a queue of people outside a shop front little larger than a hole in the wall. The queue is for a good reason with Chai Walla serving vegetarian Indian Street Food that will get your taste buds tingling….as an aside, they also launched the first samosa into space in December 2020.
Starting as the Secret Izakaya Supper Club before operating upstairs in The Grapes Living Room for three years, Budō now has it’s own home close to the famous Pulteney Bridge.
Expect mouthwatering morsels washed down with the best sake, awamori and shogu selection in the South West.
Booking recommended
Budō
Starting as the Secret Izakaya Supper Club before operating upstairs in The Grapes Living Room for three years, Budō now has it’s own home close to the famous Pulteney Bridge.
Expect mouthwatering morsels washed down with the best sake, awamori and shogu selection in the South West.
Booking recommended
Dinner dates
Honestly there are so many utterly gorgeous places to eat in this city, it's ridiculous. I could have written at least another 10-20 places we love to go....but I am neither a travel writer or much of an experte, so we chosen just a few of our all-time favourites.
Just around the corner from the beautiful Queens Square, Corkage is absolutely one of our favourite treats in the city. Seasonal, exciting small plates that will surprise and delight all under the basic listing of ‘fish’ or ‘carrots’ but when they come to your table, you won’t believe what can be done with such simple ingredients, so listen carefully to the descriptions before ordering. The wine list is vast, so you’re better off asking for a suggestion. They have recently added a spectacular outdoor dining space to their garden. GO!
48 paikallista suosittelee
Corkage Chapel Row
5 Chapel RowJust around the corner from the beautiful Queens Square, Corkage is absolutely one of our favourite treats in the city. Seasonal, exciting small plates that will surprise and delight all under the basic listing of ‘fish’ or ‘carrots’ but when they come to your table, you won’t believe what can be done with such simple ingredients, so listen carefully to the descriptions before ordering. The wine list is vast, so you’re better off asking for a suggestion. They have recently added a spectacular outdoor dining space to their garden. GO!
This place is just so much more than Fish n’Chips. For a start Marco Pierre White loves it so much, a review of his is written on the walls but honestly folks, from the bath tub on the main counter showing off the daily fish display on a bed of ice, to the cute little Cornish pottery and the delicious prosecco to get your meal started, if you love fish, then the Scallop Shell is a must visit.
73 paikallista suosittelee
The Scallop Shell
22 Monmouth PlThis place is just so much more than Fish n’Chips. For a start Marco Pierre White loves it so much, a review of his is written on the walls but honestly folks, from the bath tub on the main counter showing off the daily fish display on a bed of ice, to the cute little Cornish pottery and the delicious prosecco to get your meal started, if you love fish, then the Scallop Shell is a must visit.
A cute little Tapas place, with the friendliest staff, Pintxo do not take reservations and waiting in the queue is always a social thing to do and could even come with a drink if you have to wait too long. They have a gorgeous courtyard Sherry Garden out the back and always play great music. Perfect for an hour or two before heading out to discover Bath’s nightlife.
37 paikallista suosittelee
Pintxo de Bath
31 Barton StA cute little Tapas place, with the friendliest staff, Pintxo do not take reservations and waiting in the queue is always a social thing to do and could even come with a drink if you have to wait too long. They have a gorgeous courtyard Sherry Garden out the back and always play great music. Perfect for an hour or two before heading out to discover Bath’s nightlife.
Sitting in what was once the ticket hall of the old station sits Green Park Brasserie who host some amazing Jazz at the weekends but not only that, at the back of the restaurant you will find their award-winning wood fired pizza hut, with seating under the canopy of the old station that looks across to all the indie businesses and maybe the odd Salsa class, a movie festival or night market. This is a fun night out with friends, the team are amazing and the food…Nom!
38 paikallista suosittelee
Green Park Brasserie
6 Green Park RdSitting in what was once the ticket hall of the old station sits Green Park Brasserie who host some amazing Jazz at the weekends but not only that, at the back of the restaurant you will find their award-winning wood fired pizza hut, with seating under the canopy of the old station that looks across to all the indie businesses and maybe the odd Salsa class, a movie festival or night market. This is a fun night out with friends, the team are amazing and the food…Nom!
Drinks
Again....so many to choose from, so little time. Here are our faves.
The accolade as one of the 10 Best Coolest Cocktails Bars in the World is richly deserved, so a visit to our neighbours at the Dark Horse, just past the huge tree in Kingsmead Square is a bit of a must when visiting the city. The décor is dark, rich and enveloping and the cocktails, often using locally sourced ingredients, are great way to start or end the evening. Booking suggested.
67 paikallista suosittelee
The Dark Horse
7A Kingsmead SquareThe accolade as one of the 10 Best Coolest Cocktails Bars in the World is richly deserved, so a visit to our neighbours at the Dark Horse, just past the huge tree in Kingsmead Square is a bit of a must when visiting the city. The décor is dark, rich and enveloping and the cocktails, often using locally sourced ingredients, are great way to start or end the evening. Booking suggested.
This community owned pub with its large beer garden is another Bath institution. Specialising in Live Music and like us, paying their staff the Real Living Wage, The Bell is the place to live like a local and the Pizza Bike in the garden, goes perfectly with their wide range of beers, real ales and local ciders.
88 paikallista suosittelee
The Bell Inn
103 Walcot StThis community owned pub with its large beer garden is another Bath institution. Specialising in Live Music and like us, paying their staff the Real Living Wage, The Bell is the place to live like a local and the Pizza Bike in the garden, goes perfectly with their wide range of beers, real ales and local ciders.
A must for real ale lovers, this teeny, tiny pub is a Mecca for CAMRA members and visitors alike. No music and cash only, the bar is all about the beer and the kind of company you keep. The perfect place to whittle away a few hours, play some games and plan your next move on the sightseeing agenda.
14 paikallista suosittelee
The Old Green Tree
12 Green StA must for real ale lovers, this teeny, tiny pub is a Mecca for CAMRA members and visitors alike. No music and cash only, the bar is all about the beer and the kind of company you keep. The perfect place to whittle away a few hours, play some games and plan your next move on the sightseeing agenda.
A bit of a walk up Walcot Street but well worth it, this taproom serves a diverse range of indie cans and bottles as well as nine taps selling at least four to five of their own beers You’re in for a treat.
Kettlesmith's Walcot
A bit of a walk up Walcot Street but well worth it, this taproom serves a diverse range of indie cans and bottles as well as nine taps selling at least four to five of their own beers You’re in for a treat.
Our top 10 to do's
Whether you're coming to us on your own, with your mates or with your family, there should be something here for everyone.
Hosting the weekly Krater Comedy Club on Saturday nights is just one of the 400 events this community owned live entertainment venue hosts a year. Housed in the splendour of the former Beau Nash cinema, the building is Grade II listed, and we’ve seen so many great bands here and spent many a night boogie-ing away to their themed club nights. Be sure to check out their What’s On before your visit for one of the best nights out in Bath.
63 paikallista suosittelee
Komedia Bath
22-23 Westgate StHosting the weekly Krater Comedy Club on Saturday nights is just one of the 400 events this community owned live entertainment venue hosts a year. Housed in the splendour of the former Beau Nash cinema, the building is Grade II listed, and we’ve seen so many great bands here and spent many a night boogie-ing away to their themed club nights. Be sure to check out their What’s On before your visit for one of the best nights out in Bath.
Our local bookshop is freakin’ amazing. Cute and fun and a bit of a labyrinth, with every corner packed with something new to look at, if you love books, then whiling away an hour or two at Mr B’s will have you in heaven. It’s not just us that thinks so too. Voted Best Independent Bookshop in the UK twice and named as one of the 10 Best Bookshops in the World by The Guardian, you have to check this place out.
While were on the subject of books though, it would be remiss of us to leave out Toppings (York Street) a veritable book superstore inside a lovingly restored Quaker Meeting House.
19 paikallista suosittelee
Mr B's Book Emporium
14-15 John StOur local bookshop is freakin’ amazing. Cute and fun and a bit of a labyrinth, with every corner packed with something new to look at, if you love books, then whiling away an hour or two at Mr B’s will have you in heaven. It’s not just us that thinks so too. Voted Best Independent Bookshop in the UK twice and named as one of the 10 Best Bookshops in the World by The Guardian, you have to check this place out.
While were on the subject of books though, it would be remiss of us to leave out Toppings (York Street) a veritable book superstore inside a lovingly restored Quaker Meeting House.
A free walking tour of the city, that has been going for 86 years and runs everyday but Christmas Day. The Guides, of which there are about 80, are all volunteers and the comprehensive tour lasts around 2-hours. Twice a day at 10.30 and 2 everyday but Saturday which is the morning slot only. Book your place but do let them know if you can’t make it as they are extremely popular.
10 paikallista suosittelee
Mayor of Bath's Corps of Honorary Guides
Abbey ChurchyardA free walking tour of the city, that has been going for 86 years and runs everyday but Christmas Day. The Guides, of which there are about 80, are all volunteers and the comprehensive tour lasts around 2-hours. Twice a day at 10.30 and 2 everyday but Saturday which is the morning slot only. Book your place but do let them know if you can’t make it as they are extremely popular.
Starting with the ¼ mile long Devonshire Tunnel, you will then move on to the impressive Coombe Down Tunnel which at just over a mile is the UK’s longest walking and cycling tunnel and not creepy at all thanks to the audio-visual installation ‘Passage’ created by United Visual Artists. You then proceed onto the stunning Tucking Mill Viaduct and then onto the Dundas Aqueduct which is on the Kennet & Avon Canal. This then leads to back to the River Avon and back into the city.
20 paikallista suosittelee
Two tunnels
Starting with the ¼ mile long Devonshire Tunnel, you will then move on to the impressive Coombe Down Tunnel which at just over a mile is the UK’s longest walking and cycling tunnel and not creepy at all thanks to the audio-visual installation ‘Passage’ created by United Visual Artists. You then proceed onto the stunning Tucking Mill Viaduct and then onto the Dundas Aqueduct which is on the Kennet & Avon Canal. This then leads to back to the River Avon and back into the city.
For a unique way to explore the city, setting off with a group of getting a 1:1 tour via the river, is certainly a fun way to go. Starting with the basics to get your confidence levels up, you’ll then set off, ending up at the world famous Pulteney Bridge. There’s time for some wild swimming and you can even request a pub stop on the way.
Bath Paddleboard Centre
For a unique way to explore the city, setting off with a group of getting a 1:1 tour via the river, is certainly a fun way to go. Starting with the basics to get your confidence levels up, you’ll then set off, ending up at the world famous Pulteney Bridge. There’s time for some wild swimming and you can even request a pub stop on the way.
To be honest, Vicky Park has pretty much got it all. An ice rink in the Winter, a huge playground for kids, skate park, places to picnic, play tennis and even a Botanical Garden and all with the stunning Royal Crescent as its backdrop. If you fancy a laugh for an hour or two, the beautifully landscaped 18-hole, Victoria Falls Adventure Golf can be played until dark.
8 paikallista suosittelee
Victoria Falls Adventure Golf
Royal AvenueTo be honest, Vicky Park has pretty much got it all. An ice rink in the Winter, a huge playground for kids, skate park, places to picnic, play tennis and even a Botanical Garden and all with the stunning Royal Crescent as its backdrop. If you fancy a laugh for an hour or two, the beautifully landscaped 18-hole, Victoria Falls Adventure Golf can be played until dark.
We couldn’t really do a small guide to Bath without mentioning Bridgerton. The show has been seen on Netflix by an estimated 92 million people and is a showcase for our wonderful city. No. 1 Royal Crescent in the home of the Featherington’s but the rest of the time is a museum run by The Bath Preservation Society and well worth a look. Pre-booking advised.
157 paikallista suosittelee
No. 1 Royal Crescent
1 Royal CresWe couldn’t really do a small guide to Bath without mentioning Bridgerton. The show has been seen on Netflix by an estimated 92 million people and is a showcase for our wonderful city. No. 1 Royal Crescent in the home of the Featherington’s but the rest of the time is a museum run by The Bath Preservation Society and well worth a look. Pre-booking advised.
The close up magic bar is certainly something different and definitely a lot of fun. The venue is located in a charming vaulted cellar close to the Abbey and serves high quality cocktails while they showcase incredible close up magic performances by professional magicians from all over the UK.
Sleight Magic Bar
The close up magic bar is certainly something different and definitely a lot of fun. The venue is located in a charming vaulted cellar close to the Abbey and serves high quality cocktails while they showcase incredible close up magic performances by professional magicians from all over the UK.
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Bizarre Bath's Comedy Walk
Taking a hilarious rather than historical, irreverent look at the city, the Comedy Walk costs £10 per person, or £7 for students and normally runs every evening at 8pm from April to October. Crowd participation and lots of giggles along the way, make this a unique experience of Bath.
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Boules in Queens Square
Bath doesn’t immediately strike as the place to play this French game, also known as petanque but every year thousands of pounds are raised by Bathonians for local charities, with the stage set in Queens Square to hold the event. So, grab our in-house boules set and head to Queens Square with something nice to drink and while away a couple of hours with the locals.