Planning time in Bath area

Posted by joni.sutton on 02/05/15 05:31 PM

I have secured tickets to visit Highclere Castle - thank you so much to those of you who helped me navigate this! Here's my next puzzle: We are going to Highclere at 10:30 in the morning. This will be on one of the two full days we have in the area, and that is non-negotiable. We also want to go to Stonehenge. There is way more to do in the area than we can possibly do in two days. We could combine Highclere and Stonehenge in one day, but there wouldn't be time to also do Avebury (stone circle) that same day - at least I don't think that will work. We could do Highclere one day, do Stonehenge the other, and fit in other things in the area and in Bath on each of those days as well.

What were your highlights when you were in the area? What type of itinerary would you suggest for me?

Posted by Pam

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA

02/05/15 05:51 PM

14818 posts

Hmmm, I am not sure my highlights will help you as I loved Bath and felt I did not have enough time there!

I did 3 nights so had 2.5 days in the area, taking the train from and back to London. I did a great walking tour the afternoon I arrived, not the free one from the Mayor's office, but another company. I enjoyed an organ concert in Bath Abbey that evening. I did the Mad Max day tour to Stonehenge, Avebury, Lacock and Castle Combe for a full day. Then next day I did the Roman Baths plus the Jane Austen Center (overpriced and missable in my opinion), the Fashion Museum (didn't enjoy it as much as I anticipated), the Georgian house museum (enjoyed it more than anticipated) and just loved walking around town and spending more time at some of the sights covered on the walking tour. There were a number of things I missed and will go back for.

Not everyone enjoys Bath as much as I do since many feel a day trip from London is plenty. I also have noticed that my likes and dislikes as far as museums are also not shared by others, lol.

No itinerary suggestions as I haven't been to Highclere so can't compare times for you. I would definitely say that the Roman Baths are a must to see in Bath as well as some of the Georgian architecture (Royal Crescent). The architecture can obviously be seen from the outside so can be done either early or late in the day.

Posted by Jenny

Orcas Island, WA

02/05/15 06:37 PM

116 posts

With 2 full days in Bath, I'd recommend a Mad Max tour on the day you don't visit Highclere. You will have plenty of time in the afternoon and evening each day to explore the Roman Baths and other sites in town. We did the same tour as Pam; Stonehenge, Avebury, Lacock and Castle Combe and had a fantastic time. Great guide and lots of time to explore the sites. Bath is a fun town to just walk around in and enjoy the beautiful buildings, church, river, etc. I'm still missing the fabulous pie and mash we had at The Raven pub. Mmmmmm!

Posted by Ann

Plano, TX

02/07/15 02:04 PM

139 posts

The Musuem of Bath at Work; the Royal Crescent (there is a hotel in the center of the crescent, ask nicely and they will let you into the back garden) No 1 Royal Crescent, the Fashion Museum (we were 4 women), the church, (climb the church tower, well worth the cost). We had a really good dinner at The Crystal Palace Pub, don't remember the address but the center of town is not that big. And, there is a department store at one end of the main drag (don't recall the name) but you can use their bathroom.