Hi
I am planning to make a day visit to bath from London
What's the best way to do it ?
Take a train on our own ?
Take a tour bus ? If so which one ?
Do the tour buses include a walking tour or one has to arrange for it once we get there ?
Is the Jane Austen center at bath worth a visit ?
Thanks and appreciate your thoughtful responses in advance
Regards
Dharmesh
I thought the Jane Austen Center was pretty expensive for what is presented. I would not spend the money/time since you only have one day there. If you were there for several days it might be a consideration.
I can't answer your other questions as I took the train but spent 3 nights in Bath. I really enjoyed spending time in the Roman Baths and could have spent more time there. I also did a walking tour (not the free one offered by the Mayor's office) which was terrific.
You can definitely do Bath Spa by train from London. It's easy to see all the sights by walking though there are some small hills. Didn't go to the Jane Austen Centre but did visit the Abbey, the Roman Baths, Assembly Rooms and Fashion Museum. You can also walk to see the Royal Crescent and the Circus as well as the Parade Gardens, Pulteney Bridge and walk along the River Avon. Here's a map (which you can download and enlarge) so you can see where everything is: http://visitbath.co.uk/travel-and-maps/bath-city-centre-map
I'll second that - we took the train from London to Bath - had a lovely train ride and had plenty
of time in Bath to walk all over - saw the Abbey, the baths, costume museum, had a great
lunch in a little pub. Walking around Bath is really nice.
Then had a relaxing train ride back to London.
I agree with the train transport and sightseeing priorities already mentioned. I have not been to the Jane Austen center and see that Rick's book assigns it zero stars (on a scale of zero to three), meaning not high priority for most people on a day trip.
I have done both bus and train day trips and would tell you to do train without question. It is faster, easy, and you can make a fuller day in Bath. If you want a tour a hop on/off bus takes you around as a good option. I have been to the Jane Austen Center. It is not great, but if you are a really big Jane fan it is enjoyable enough to be worth it. It does not take long and gives you a little insight into her life that is worthwhile. Don't sacrifice the best sites, but it is worth an hour if you have a really full day. My wife and daughters really liked the wardrobe or costume museum if you want something unusual and fun.
