Unforgettable Bath Through the Lens of Instagrammer Rachel Rudwall

Once you’ve checked into your hotel, it’s time to explore the city on foot. Pictured here is the view from my room at The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel.

Begin your walking tour with a visit to Bath Abbey. Founded in the 7^th century, the Abbey has acted as a cultural center for the town for over 1300 years and is a central point to orient yourself.

Once you’ve explored the Abbey, head next door for lunch at The Pump Room. Although all of its food is tasty, The Pump Room is known for it’s high tea service, which includes tea, sandwiches, scones, and desserts, accompanied by live music from a resident pianist.

With its grand columns, magnificent interior and ornate decoration, The Pump Room truly embodies what was once the heart of the Georgian social scene, when high society flocked here to take the waters. Within The Pump Room and overlooking the Roman Baths, you’ll find the King’s Spring water fountain, where you can purchase a glass of the warm spa water to drink. This mineral rich water has been used for curative and medical purposes for over 2,000 years. Those with various medical conditions once bathed in the thermal waters, then began drinking it in the late 17th century to improve certain ailments. Today, the hot spa water is used to heat the Roman Baths and Pump Room site in the winter.

Continue on to the Roman Baths. Explore the complex, and watch as the thermal waters surge from the earth’s core into the baths as they’ve done for nearly 2000 years. 

Congrats! You’ve earned yourself some spa time. Head to Thermae Bath Spa if you’d like to experience the communal aspect of bathing culture. If you’re staying at Gainsborough Bath Spa, take advantage of the hotel’s luxurious complex of baths and saunas (pictured).

You’re in the English countryside… why not spend the day getting lost in the fresh air? Begin with a stroll along the Kennet and Avon Canal. Watch as the narrowboats float lazily by en route to Bristol.

Cross the nearest footbridge, and walk uphill, out of town. In just a few minutes, you’ll be transported from the quaint, protected canals to the wide open vistas of Bath and its many steeples.

Spend the next few hours hiking the 6-mile Skyline walk, which begins above the canal. Enjoy ambling past farms, through forests, and alongside castles, getting a true sense of the English countryside.

Once back in town, finish the day with a long soak. If you’d like to fully immerse yourself in the bathing experience (pun intended), try the 3-hour Twilight Package at Thermae Bath Spa, which includes access to the entire spa complex (saunas, steam rooms, and pools), and a delicious dinner at the on-site restaurant.

Sponsored by VisitBritain.