SIGHTS, SPAS, AFTERNOON TEA AND ARCHITECTURE
Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Instead of the standard go-to gift (flowers and a nice card), why not do something extra special for the woman who raised you? As we grow up it seems we spend more time abroad with friends than with our parents. So let’s repay our mothers for everything they do for us, and take them on a weekend trip for some real quality mummy time.
Our recommendation? The beautiful Bath: rich in history, architecture, shops, natural hot springs and rolling countryside. We’ve crafted a whole itinerary of things to do in England’s magical Georgian town…
WHERE TO STAY
St Christopher’s Inn is right in the heart of the medieval city, just a short walk away from all of the restaurants, sights and shops so it’s the perfect place to base yourself in Bath. Get yourself one of the lovely private rooms and make the most of the conveniently central location.
You can get to everywhere in this itinerary in less than an 8 minute walk from the hostel so there will be no need to use public transport or taxis for the duration of your stay. Budget accommodation means you can really indulge (and not worry about splashing out a little) when exploring the city.
After you’ve tucked into the breakfast at St Christopher's, you can start to explore the city. We serve a yummy light continental breakfast (which is free for our guests) or a cooked meal from the menu. We do a great Full English and an epic pancake stack!
BATH ABBEY MEDIEVAL CHURCH
On the way to the Roman Baths, you’ll pass Bath Abbey, just a 5 minute walk from the hostel - so it’s good to fit both sights in at the same time. Stop at the magnificent church first, take some photos and explore the inside...
Bath Abbey is an Anglican parish church and perhaps one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in England. Take in the beautiful building and admire the huge stained glass windows that each tell their own tale.
Spot the monkey
Our recommended picture point: The west front of the church where you’ll find sculptures of angels climbing to heaven on two stone ladders.
ROMAN BATHS
Then make your way to the Roman Baths just a 1 minute walk away from Bath Abbey. Here you can learn about the history of the baths, take a tour and really take in the wonders of the site: the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House and finds from Roman Bath. The Romans actually used to bathe here so it’s a truly fascinating delve back into history. Entry is £15.50 and for students, £13.75 (remember your ID for proof).
And of course, while you’re in Bath you might want to take a dip in the hot spa water - but unfortunately it’s unsafe to bathe in the water at the Roman Baths so it’s not an option open to the public. However, the Thermae Bath Spa nearby is the best place to really put your feet up and relax. So head here next if it's a spa you're looking for!
AFTERNOON
THERMAE BATH SPA
To really spoil your mum. Bath is the perfect place to visit for a girly spa weekend. It’s the only place in the UK where you can bathe in naturally hot spa water so you must have a dip while you’re here (you may never get the chance again). Full of rich minerals and elements, the water will rejuvenate your skin and make you feel refreshed for the rest of the day. There is an amazing view of the city from the rooftop pool. You can also make use of the indoor steam rooms, massages and treat your mum to a manicure/pedicure.
TIME FOR FUDGE
After the spa, you should be feeling calm and refreshed. But no point detoxing for the rest of your trip since Bath has a fair few temptations. On your way out of the spa, pay a trip to the Fudge Kitchen right next door for a little sweet treat.
The Fudge Kitchen sells American hand-made fudge that is crafted on marble slabs - and it’s honestly to die for. With delicious flavours from Lemon Meringue fudge to Chocolate Caramel and Peanut Butter, you’re spoilt for choice. So grab a slice on route to lunch (the slices are pretty big so save some for a little treat later)!
A SPOT OF AFTERNOON TEA AT THE JANE AUSTEN CENTRE
££
If your mum is anything like mine, she loves a good book. One of her favourite authors of all time is Jane Austen, who actually lived in Bath. The Jane Austen centre (just a 4 minute walk from the hostel) is well worth a visit to learn more about her life.
But this is also the perfect place to stop for afternoon tea! Your stomach is probably churning by now but it was worth the wait as afternoon tea is the best way to celebrate Mother’s Day in style. Inside the Jane Austen centre, you’ll find the Regency Tea Room. You can access the tea room without having to visit the museum (for those who are done with culture and history for the day!)
SHOPPING
After your belly is full of sandwiches and scones, it’s time to burn it off and go shopping! The town centre is a great place for a spot of retail therapy so have a wander. The lively high street is full of high street shops and independent boutiques, then explore the narrower passages where you’ll come across more interesting, quirky retailers.
REST
Then walk back to the hostel. Don’t worry - we won’t keep you on your feet the whole day! Relax your legs, take a nap and rest. Once you’ve energised, get ready for dinner!
EARLY EVENING
Walk down The Pulteney Bridge. It’s only 4 minutes away by foot and it crosses the pretty Avon River so you can get a nice view during sunset. This is such a cute bridge lined with shops and coffee stops (it was built in 1774 and a great example of Palladium architecture). This is also great place for a photo so ask someone on the bridge if they could snap a picture of you and your mum having the best time.
At the end of the bridge, you’ll find our recommended location for a yummy Mother’s Day dinner: The Herd Steak.
THE HERD STEAK
££
Nestled between shops and boutiques, The Herd Steak is a great family-run restaurant specialising in, yep, you guessed it: Steak. All of the produce is sourced locally and the interior is cool and contemporary. The restaurant has gone for a minimalist, stripped-back approach inside - serving great food, great service and great wine. What more could you want? It's also pretty affordable and the quality of meat is top-notch.
There are other delicious options on the menu too...
Mmmm look at that fish...
NEXT DAY
If you have enough time the next day, do some more exploring. Have a hearty lunch at Belushi’s below the hostel and make the most of the 25% off you’ll receive as our guest. There’s so much delicious grub on the menu to choose from whether you're after a light bite or a giant burger. If it's a sunny day, eat outside.
After you're full up and ready to get out exploring again, hit Milsom Place. It's literally a two minute walk away from St Christophers/Belushi's.
MILSOM PLACE
Milsom Place is another notable shopping destination (and perhaps the smartest) in Bath with a series of beautiful Georgian buildings, terraces, shops, restaurants and an open courtyard. Well worth a visit and a truly pretty area to wander and shop around. Maybe even treat yourself to a glass of Prosecco outside if the sun is shining!
Flowers galore at Milsom Place
Then head home. 24 hours later, with an awesome Snapchat story, amazing memories, and lots of laughs to take back with you. This is a weekend you and your mum will never forget.