“Oh! Who can be ever tired of Bath?’ Jane Austen penned this famous line in Northanger Abbey, a satirical Gothic tale and coming of age novel originally published in 1803. After spending some time in Bath, I couldn’t agree more.
We traveled to Bath by train from London’s Paddington Station. The journey was a quick 90-minute ride, but when we arrived, we felt worlds away from the frenetic pace of London. It was as though we’d stepped into the pages of a Victorian romance novel. As we disembarked and collected our bags I saw a sign that simply read “Bath Spa”, set against a backdrop of neatly stacked honey colored brownstones. The town was peaceful and quiet. The only audible sounds were chirping birds and the low rustle of a babbling brook.
Bath’s Ancient Origins
The city was originally discovered in 60 AD by the Romans who built baths and a temple on the Avon River. By the 7th century AD, the Bath Abbey was founded and became a religious center. Since that time, three different churches have graced the site. The Abbey as it stands today is incredibly impressive with its sand colored walls and ornate Georgian architecture. The sanctuary is flooded with natural light and together with the colors from the enormous stained glass panels, it’s as if you were looking into a kaleidoscope.
The Baths of Bath
Our next stop was the Roman Baths. The city’s Roman bath complex is one of the best preserved in all of Europe. The baths structures originally used by the Romans sit below street level and are strung together by a labyrinth of narrow, dimly-lit passageways. Visitors are restricted from entering the water.
After leaving the baths, we strolled through the Parade Gardens , a lovely riverfront park and green space. On display was an adoring botanical homage to Jane Austen from the city she had loved so very much.
Jane Austen’s Be
The city of Bath is like an antique brooch handed down by one of your most revered relatives. The closer you look, the more beauty you see. Planter boxes spill with gem-toned blooms . Neatly arranged shops and pubs have curious window displays, and always with the most clever of names. The Bath Bun Tea Shoppe, Sally Lunn’s Eating House, The Raven to name just a few. But by far, our favorite is Mr. B’s Emporium of Reading Delights with its cozy parlor feel.
There are so many special gifts that Bath has to offer travelers, but perhaps the greatest is how changing light of the end of the day simply transforms the city.
So yes, Jane Austen, like you, I can’t imagine anyone who could ever grow tired of Bath.
Toodles, until next time.
