My husband and I will be in Bath a few days before our RS tour starts and read about The 2015 Royal Bath & West Show taking place at the Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet. It looks like we can get there from Bath in under 2 hours by train or bus but I wonder if this would be a worthwhile day trip and if we really should attempt it as a day trip? Any guidance or suggestions would be appreciated.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14818 posts
Gosh, that looks like fun. I hope it works out for you! Years ago, in another lifetime, I went to the Royal Show which was an Ag fair near Coventry. It was such an interesting and fun day with nary an American accent to be heard except ours.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thank you, Wonderful. I have looked at the directions and still wonder why the bus takes a very long route when Bath is 20 miles from the show grounds? I'm looking into all options. Might have to try google maps of the area.
Pam, so glad to hear that you enjoyed the Ag show and that the experience felt like you were truly mixing in with the community.
Posted by
Bristol, UK
619 posts
The Bath & West Showground is to the south of Shepton Mallet and not in the town itself. There is no direct bus from Bath to Shepton Mallet and the bus service generally in this part of Somerset is very sparse. Most local travel in the area is by car, and the roads are very busy when the show is on with local diversions, sometimes through narrow country lanes. Traveline (www.travelinesw.com) offers a number of public transport options, but all take about 2 hours and require changes.
You ought to be able to find a taxi in Bath to take you to the showground, but getting back might be difficult. Hiring your own car is another option.
It is some years since we went to the Bath & West Show, but it is a popular event in the area, combining the traditional agricultural side with various exhibitions and trade stands. It will certainly show you a side to British life which is seldom experienced by tourists.