Beautiful Bath

This weekend we set out on our first UK road trip.  We decided to head to Bath if only because it is in our "easy day trips guide" and another expat had casually mentioned that it was a good place to go.

As it turns out, Bath was an excellent choice.  Bath is to London what Santa Barbara is to Los Angeles.  It is close enough but still feels worlds away.  It has great shopping and a great atmosphere.  Lots of restaurants, beautiful buildings, plenty to do.  And Bath has the added attraction of the historic Roman Baths.

We started the first morning off with a free Mayor's walking tour of the city.  Our guide was charming and loved sharing interesting stories about his city.  The tour is meant to be 2 hours and takes you past all the major sites of the city.  Our boys petered out at about the 1.5 hour mark so we didn't get the full tour but I would recommend this as a great overview of the city.

Pulteney Bridge

After the tour we needed some lunch.  While browsing along the sidewalk a kind woman recommended the Lime Lounge.  It turns out she was the chef's mother!  So of course we had to try it.  It was delicious!  A great find and child friendly too.

Next up was the highlight of the trip for the little people in the family.  We found the most amazing playground at the Queen Victoria Park.  Seriously, they could charge admission this playground is so great.  Giant zip line, huge basket swings, tunnel slides, climbing walls . . . it just goes on and on and on.  We are on a mission to visit all the best playgrounds in Europe and I'd say we are off to a jolly good start thanks to the Queen Victoria Playground.  If you're planning a trip to Bath, don't miss it.  It is quite near the Royal Crescent.

On day two we visited the Roman Baths.  No pushchairs (aka strollers) allowed but they have free loaner backpacks on hand.  The Baths were fascinating- just to think the stones we walked upon were the same ones walked upon by the Romans 2000 years ago.  We were all captivated by it.

After finishing up our tour of Bath we decided to make a little side trip and check out Stonehenge- why not?  It was only about 30 miles away.  I thought it was amazing.  The little guy was less impressed.

Overall, our first family road trip was a great success.  Can't wait to see more of this culturally and historically rich country!