Looking for affordable luxury?

24th June 2009

Money is a major factor for people planning their summer this year but that doesn't have to mean that a little luxury cannot be enjoyed. Whether looking for peace and quiet from the kids, a break from work or just a change from the daily routine, a day of pampering is a great way to unwind and feel rejuvenated and Bath is the ideal place to enjoy some luxury at an affordable price. Here are some top tips to make the most of a day of luxury in Bath.

The best things in life are free
Visitor surveys carried out by Bath Tourism Plus have revealed that one of the main things people love about Bath is its stunning architecture and relaxed atmosphere. What could be more enjoyable than starting the day by exploring Bath's beautiful and unique buildings? Join a leisurely, free walking tour with a Mayor's Honorary Guide and see all the major sights whilst listening to an interesting commentary along the way.

Pure relaxation
Next, visit Thermae Bath Spa and wallow in the natural thermal waters of this beautiful spa complex for a morning of pure relaxation. On a sunny day what could be better than relaxing in the rooftop pool gazing over the city and soaking up the sunshine, especially when a 2 hour spa session costs just £22? 4 hour or full-day sessions are also available and a wide range of wonderful treatments can be booked in advance.

Leisurely lunches
Deciding which café or restaurant to stop at for some food is a difficult decision in Bath with so many places to choose from. For the summer months alfresco dining in Bath is popular with wonderful courtyard restaurants such as the Parisien Café in Milsom Place where it's difficult to resist the charm of the large outside dining area in the sheltered, cobbled courtyard. Delicious food is available from baguettes and omelettes to cooked pasta dishes, seafood and steaks. Other hotspots include French restaurant Casanis on Saville Row where a 2 course lunch costs just £11.50, and Il Tocco d'Italia, with its views across to Pulteney Weir, where diners can choose between an enclosed garden, pavement dining or summer terrace to enjoy Italian food in true continental style.

Maintain your manicure
Champneys on Bond Street is the perfect place to pop in for a quick treatment after lunch. The recently opened day spa offers pedicures and manicures as well as facials and a range of relaxing massages and treatments. Manicures start at £15 and body wraps and massages start at around £30, and with 25% off all treatments until the end of July, luxury here comes at a good price!

Time for tea
Afternoon tea should be a feature on the menu of any leisurely day in Bath. The 18th Century magnificence of the Pump Room is the perfect place to enjoy a Bath Bun or scones with lashings of jam and cream, where tea-takers are entertained with background music from the Pump Room Trio. Fresh scones with jam and cream and a pot of tea or coffee cost £8.95.

Fresh air and countryside
Bath is positioned in a wonderful area with the Kennet and Avon Canal winding its way through the centre of the city. Work off some of that afternoon tea and stroll from Widcombe Lock in the centre of Bath along the peaceful towpath and reach picturesque Somerset countryside within minutes.

Night on the town
Begin the evening with an aperitif at Sub 13. Situated on George Street, this stylish bar is one of the few venues in the city that offers rare and premium spirits such as Ciroc vodka and Tuaca (an Italian brandy), as well as carefully selected Champagnes, wines and beers, and a new menu of exquisite cocktails developed by Sub 13's bartender who recently won International Bartender of the Year award in 2008.

Bath has a great choice of nightlife. Choose between comedy and cabaret at Komedia, film from around the globe at the Little Theatre Cinema or opera, drama or dance at the Georgian Theatre Royal where all performances have 40 standby tickets available to purchase on the day for just £5 each.

A day out can make you feel just as good as a short break and in Bath there is plenty of opportunity to switch off from all the hustle and bustle of every day life. Bath is a city that was built around leisure and relaxation so where better to spoil yourself and indulge in some relaxation time than in the original Spa City? The official tourism website www.visitbath.co.uk has further information on what to see and do in Bath including information on spas and places to eat out.

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Notes to Editors:
For further information or images to illustrate this information, please contact Lucy Weaver at Bath Tourism Plus on 01225 477441 or email: lucy_weaver@bathtourism.co.uk.

Bath Tourism Plus
Working with the public and private sectors, Bath's destination marketing organisation, Bath Tourism Plus, takes full responsibility for co-ordinating the work of a busy tourist information centre, the marketing of Bath and the surrounding area to leisure and business travellers, PR activity to attract the nation's top travel writers, a conference office, and development of Bath's official destination website www.visitbath.co.uk. For more information about the services that Bath Tourism Plus offers to meetings, conference and incentive travel businesses, see www.bathconference.co.uk

Travel to Bath
Bath is easy to access from all over the UK and the world. High speed, direct train services operated by First Great Western link Bath Spa train station to London and its major airports. Bath Spa train station is well situated, just 5 minutes level walk into the city centre's main shopping and tourist areas. See: www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk . Bath is easy to access by car, from junction 18 of the M4 motorway which links Bath to Bristol, London and South Wales. There are 3243 pubic car parking spaces in Bath with the main long stay car parks at Charlotte Street and Avon Street. There are three Park & Ride services on the outskirts of the city which operate fast, frequent services into the city centre, offering a hassle free, cost effective way of reaching the city centre. There is also a Park & Ride service that operates on Saturdays only from the University of Bath.