Bath, from Salisbury, by Train
During our trip to France, last summer, we visited Paris by train and left a carriage of stern-looking Parisians in awe of our youngest daughter's ability to scream almost constantly for nearly 30 minutes when the humidity got a little too much for her.
With thoughts of that dreadful journey still vivid in our imaginations we booked our return tickets to Bath a few days before and hoped a similar event would not occur. And that the travel sickness our children are plagued with would not show its face.
Thankfully, 50 minutes after leaving Salisbury we arrived in Bath ready to enjoy a day of window shopping, browsing, playing in parks (that is always our children's request regardless of location), eating and sauntering.
We made our way up through Bath's wonderful centre to Royal Crescent. Unfortunately one of the middle houses was undergoing quite extensive renovation, uncluding a massive scaffold covering the entire front of the building, so I didn't bother trying to photography the entire row.
I am always a little disappointed that Whitby's Royal Crescent was never completed.
Of course, no visit to Bath would be complete without a visit to Royal Crescent, possible one of the most recognisable streets in the UK.
A lot of Bath, and Salisbury for that matter, reminded me more of continental Europe than 'British' - this row of house just off Royal Crescent looked particularly Parisian. But maybe that's just me.
An Excellent Park
We had been told to look out Royal Victoria Park, which happens to be just below Royal Crescent, which we did - much to the children's delight. The play area was great and well worth visiting should you find yourself in Bath with young children.
The sun came out after lunch (in Wagamama, with 3 children 5 and under = success!) and made Bath's architecural details even more enjoyable.
Bath Abbey, 3pm.
Continental Hussle and Bussle
The more I think about it, the more 'mainland Europe' Bath felt - multiple foreign school parties helped a little with that. It was much like Bayeux; old, inviting - full of history but also modern, bright and relaxing.
And the quality of the buskers was excellent!
Right in the town centre we came across this pair of talented buskers. It was like witnessing a scene from 'Once'.
There's a lot of stone in Bath.
Hot Springs
We didn't feel the need to put the children through a tour of the Baths - probably something for when they're a little older.
And what is Bath most famous for? The springs of course, having been used since Roman times for the cure of various ailments.