Morgan and Jane's EXCELLENT Adventure: Bath- 18th

We spent the three nights before the easter break in Bath. We stayed at a lovely campsite a few miles out of town but handy to the Bristol-Bath cycle-way, giving us a chance to try out our brand new bikes. While Morgan was clearly at ease it was a bit of a learning curve for me, as the last time I’d been on a bike was during my elective in Rarotonga (more than 10 years ago!). Our first ride into Bath went okay but on the way home I managed to fall off into a large bed of stinging nettles! Yes there had been wine involved, but unfortunately not enough to anaesthetize me from the massive swelling and pain that followed. Even sadder my new bicycle basket was squashed beyond repair L

Bristol-Bath Cycleway

Aside from that incident we had a lovely time in Bath. It’s a busy little town that even on a weekday was buzzing with tourists. It’s got a lovely vibe and we found plenty of great pubs as usual, but also a few nice delis and café’s, which have been lacking in some other British towns. We had a particularly nice meal at a place called The Circus, sitting outside in the lovely long twilight. Morgan exacted revenge by ordering stinging nettle soup- delicious by the way. Failing to find a café here that does something other than eggs for breakfast, I finally cracked and cooked French toast for myself at home- delicious!

Morgan contemplating....something I'm sure

Jane contemplating...the enormous meals!

Our first major tourist attraction in Bath was the Abby. We took the tour, which was well worth it. We got to go up into the bell tower and see the ropes the bell-ringers use and see the actual bells themselves. The view from the top was definitely worth the 212 narrow winding stairs. My highlight was the bell-ringers peep hole- a tiny hole in the vaulted ceiling that lets them see the aisle of the church so they know when to start ringing the bells.

Bath Abby

Ceiling of Bath Abby

Walking the rooftops

The inside of the Abby clock

Views from the Abby turret roof

We did a lot of walked around Bath- the highlights include The Kings Circus (a circular row of terraced houses, which happens to be the same diameter as Stonehenge) and the Royal Crescent (which is designed to look like a palladian palace).

Streets of Bath

The Kings Circus

A pretty street leading off the Kings Circus

The manner in which Jane wishes to travel from now on...not sure who's going to man the other end but...

The Royal Crescent

The Avon River

Bath, the home of the Bath bun or Sally Lunn- we didn't have one

Pulteney Bridge and water feature- strangely mesmerising seagulls

Sausage fest...erm

Flower shop on Pulteney Bridge- you could see right through to the trees and river on the other side

Underground spring at Roman Bath's

We spent a morning at the Roman Baths, which aside from slightly scummy water, were quite impressive. Quite amazing to see the buildings from different ages layered one on top of the other.

The Roman Baths- complete with weird dude in costume at the end of the pool

Medussa's head

On our way out of Bath we stopped in Wells to see the Wells Cathedral. Even after seeing quite a few churches this place took our breaths away. Your first view is of the West Front, a massive wall of mediaeval sculpture, which took approximately 300 years to complete and dates to 1230. The detail is incredible. Inside the level of detailing is just as impressive. In the center of the nave there’s an enormous set of scissor arches, which look extremely modern but were actually built in 1338 to deal with subsidence. We also saw a clock which is the second oldest running clock in the world and the oldest with its original face. After this we braved the Easter traffic and headed off to Cornwall with the rest of England…….Easter update coming soon!