The traditional Bath bun is very big, so half a toasted bun is the serving size and I chose the cinnamon butter version, a perfect energy boost before sightseeing. There's a small museum in the basement, recreating the old bakery, complete with model baker:
Sally Lunn's is in the centre of Bath, just around the corner from Bath Abbey. There has been a religious building on the site of the Abbey since Saxon times, evolving with the founding of a Benedictine monastery in the 8th Century AD, with the present building dating from 1499, making it the last great Gothic church in England.
Just steps away from the Abbey you'll find the Roman Baths. The promotional leaflet sets the scene perfectly..."Walk in the footsteps of the Romans as you explore one of the finest spas of the ancient world. See the ruins of the temple where worshipers prayed to the goddess Sulis Minerva and the bath house where they took the waters."
Unique in the UK, Bath Spa's hot mineral rich spring water originally fell as rain up to 10,000 years ago on the nearby Mendip Hills. On reaching the surface of the ground the water is around 46 degrees C / 115 degrees F, but naturally cools to the optimum bathing temperature of 35 degrees C / 94 degrees F. With over 42 minerals, Bath and its waters have a long association with well being as the water was said to cure all manner of skin conditions and ailments.
Back in the first century AD the Romans established an impressive lifestyle in Bath - the place they called Aquae Sulis. The museum housed within the Roman Baths does an excellent job at recreating the experience of living at that time and is well worth a visit. Sampling the hot mineral water is not to be missed, with it's distinctive taste which you feel just has to be doing you good.
The word Spa comes from the Latin phrase 'Salus Per Aquam' or 'health through water'. Although the original Roman Baths have long been closed to bathers, there are two options if you'd like to try a dip in the spa water yourself. Either the public access Thermae Bath Spa with it's open air rooftop pool, or at the fabulous Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel. This centrally located five star boutique hotel offers a wonderful Bath House experience in it's luxurious private spa. Starting with a short spa consultation I was given a small pouch of salts infused with a chosen essential oil, which I was to inhale at various times going around the complex to enhance well being - including alternating between the hot mineral water pools and cold showers, infrared sauna or steam rooms. A truly relaxing and reviving experience, one I'd definitely love to repeat.
The Georgian age was a golden era for Bath, with Jane Austen one of the most famous residents in Regency times and Beau Nash encouraged the fashionable set to 'take the waters' in the Pump Room. Built in the second half of the 18th Century, John Wood the Younger designed the iconic Royal Crescent comprising 30 houses.
Number One is now a museum and as a restored Georgian townhouse, gives a true impression of the interiors of the time. The costumed character at the door welcomes visitors from all over the world.
Pulteney Bridge is another architectural highlight and takes you over in the direction of the Holburne Museum. I didn't have time to fit in going to this gem, but it's always good to have a reason to return...
