If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London, I recommend a day trip to Bath. It’s a quick train ride away, and you can even be back to the capital in time for dinner.
First off, let’s get those train tickets. Although about 50 trains leave from London to Bath per day, I advise you to book in advance so that you don’t face a hefty last-minute price hike. You can leave from Paddington Station, a major transportation hub in the heart of London. Tickets can be purchased here.
After a train ride of about an hour and a half, you’ll arrive in Bath. It’s very small, and all the main attractions are right by the train station, so no need to deal with transport once you’ve arrived.
For lunch, check out the Coeur de Lion, Bath’s smallest (and incredibly cute) pub. I got fish and chips, of course. One of my British friends makes fun of me for not liking mushy peas, but I much prefer garden peas. Don’t forget to try some vinegar with your dish!
Once you’re finished, it’s time to explore Bath’s ancient history. The 2,000-year-old Roman Baths are the highlight of Bath, as you can guess by the name. You can buy tickets online, though I had no trouble buying them in person. They are a bit pricy (25.50 pounds for an adult on the weekend), but the views are stunning.
Mary Shelley, the writer of the famous Frankenstein, lived in Bath, and Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is a tribute to her and her most famous work. The museum—which is more like a funhouse in some respects—is filled with fascinating information on her tragic life and relationships with other literary figures. The basement is not for the faint of heart—it’s a campy (but scary) haunted house-style walkthrough, and you just might run into a blood-covered mad scientist. Adult tickets may be purchased online or in person, and are 15.5 pounds.
Next door, enjoy afternoon tea at the Jane Austen Centre, a much more docile experience than the House of Frankenstein. We didn’t have reservations, but were able to walk right in (though I don’t necessarily recommend you do that!). The simplest selection starts at 10.50 pounds per person, and the most intricate at 26.50 pounds per person. You can make a booking here.
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