Where To Stay: The Yard In Bath
I believe a trips foundations are set in where you stay. If you end up in a room shot by a wide-angle lens, you feel cheated, if the staff seem more interested in their phones than you, you feel put out, and if you have booked The Yard in Bath, you feel fortunate. Well, that's how I felt. I'd navigated the cold, wet streets of Bath with a hefty backpack, turned a corner onto Monmouth Place, and saw the sign with a logo I knew well, having followed Esther & her husband Ed (owners of the Yard in Bath) for some time.
The hotel is decorated to a high standard, making you feel in safe hands. A charming foyer greets you, leading to a small courtyard perfect for a winter warmer, or preferably a negroni or two in the summer. You very quickly realise that every inch of the Yard has been thoroughly planned out. After checking in, I was whisked up to my room, which I believe was room number 8. I instantly felt settled. I was surrounded by Lewis & Wood and had a prospect of a night in a bed big enough for three. I set about the obligatory search of the room, first, stop making myself a cup of tea, then to check what the bathroom had to offer - excellent Ren bath oil. A little door to the left of the TV caught my interest. On opening, it revealed a darling balcony with fairy lights and Hay furniture. Although too cold for me to enjoy the full delights, it was a treat the following morning when I got a panoramic view of the pink early morning sky above the Bath rooftops.
The bed was extremely comfortable; my only problem was that I decided to watch Don't Look Up late into the night while doing some very boring admin. The admin and the residue of worry that Don't Look Up left me with did not set me up for the best nights sleep. But I can safely say it had nothing to do with the Yard.
I was up early to start my day of exploring. I asked for breakfast to be delivered to my room. It came packed in a straw basket hung on my bedroom door. They hadn't considered that I was only one person, so lucky me, I got double croissants, orange juice and some excellent granola, oats and berries—just the thing for a growing girl. I checked out shortly after, leaving my hefty backpack and setting out on my tour of Bath.
Places To Go
Francis Gallery: Beguiling gallery set in a Georgian townhouse run by the founder of Cereal Magazine, Rosa Park and designer Fred Rigby. Open by appointment only Wednesday to Saturday, 10am — 6pm.
Holburne Museum: The heart of the Holburne Museum is the collection of Sir William Holburne (1793-1874), the fifth baronet of Menstrie.
From January 28 to May 8 2022, The Tudors: Passion, Power and Politics -one will be able to come face-to-face with the five Tudor monarchs – Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
No.1 Royal Crescent: I never miss an opportunity to look around a house museum. This one has the added pull of the location—all in all, an excellent stop on the Bath tour.
Roman Baths: I hadn't been before, I'd always assumed it was too touristy, but now that I've been, I feel like an idiot for not taking the plunge earlier.
Bath Abbey: Similarly to house museums, I never miss going into a church, or I should say, Abbey. Magnificent to behold.
Iford Manor Estate: Grade 1 listed gardens, 'Slowly explore their unique design as paths twist and turn across 2.5 acres of steeply terraced hillside, through colonnades, pools and antiquities.'
Where To Eat
Landrace Bakery- Excellent bakery, a real diamond of a place. They have opened their Upstairs for Lunch & Dinner, Thursday - Saturday - which is a dream addition to the Bath culinary scene.
Beckford Bottle Shop- I can't tell you how many people suggested the BBS. No surprises there, the menu is my ideal, small plates, good snacks and of course a laudable wine list.
Malborough Tavern - Good looking pub with delicious food, can't ask for more than that.
Castle Farm - A short drive from the centre of Bath, you will be rewarded for your journey with an exciting seasonal menu. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Where To Shop
Nam Store - Chic as they come, filled to the ceiling with Astier de Villatte and other old favourites.
Persephone Books: Relocated from their spot on Lambs Conduit Street
to Bath. It hasn't lost any of its charm, a fabulous addition to the high street.
Topping & Company: One of those bookshops where you can while away a good few hours.
Jack & Dannys: A real gem, I have bought several of my favourite vintage dresses from this place over the years. Always one to check in on.
Antique Textiles & Lighting: Floor to ceiling antiques and vintage, what more could you ask for.
Michael & Jo Saffell: This husband and wife team have a long history of antique dealing, and their terrific antique shop reflects that.
Bath Old Books: Very few bookshops still look like this. I bought an Observers Book on Architecture, a great addition to my collection.
Berdoulat: You can't ask for more from a shop- coffee, wine, furniture and an incredible surrounding. Patrick & Neri Williams have bought this shop back to life with a bang.
8 Holland Street: We love everything 8 Holland has to offer, so we couldn't be more excited for their newest Bath venture.