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Motherly Bonding
The relationship between a mother and daughter is unique, and certainly something to be cherished. And there is no better way to build a strong relationship with your teenage daughter than spending some real quality, girly time together.
And what better place to do that than Bath? This beautiful, UNESCO World Heritage site designated city, known for its stunning architecture, fashionable society and laid back yet chic culture, is the perfect place for some mother and daughter bonding. We have put together some of our favourite ideas to help you get started.
Give your daughter a taste of relaxation at this brand new modern complex in the heart of the city. Utilising the naturally warm water that rises from the ground in Bath, the complex features two bathing pools, one indoors, and one on the rooftop, overlooking the city and surrounding countryside. Thermae Bath Spa provides the perfect setting for a really good heart to heart - just what mums and their daughters need from time to time. Due to the quiet, relaxing nature of the activity, this is purely for over 12s, and all children (12-16) need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio. So if you have more than one daughter to bring, why not invite your mum, sister or friend along? We're sure they won't be too hard to convince!
With a wonderful array of high street stores, mixed with individual and designer boutiques, all within a beautiful, compact shopping area, Bath is a great place for a days bonding and retail therapy. Visit Milsom Street, home to Jolly's, one of the oldest departments stores in the world, and Shires Yard, where you can stop for refreshment in the charming courtyard - a haven from the bustling crowds. Take a piece of Bath home to remind you of your day - Bath Aqua Glass is used to make a selection of exquisite jewellery, and each piece is unique. You could even have your own piece commissioned as a gift for your special girl. Bijoux Beads is a quaint little shop in the charming setting of Abbey Green, where you can buy all you need to make your own jewellery. You could take part in one of their Jewellery for beginners' courses, or spend a leisurely afternoon crafting your masterpieces in one of Bath's beautiful parks and gardens.
The Fashion Museum, situated below the Georgian Assembly Rooms, brings alive the story of fashion over the last 400 years. Displays include 200 dressed figures to illustrate the changing styles in fashionable clothes from the late 16th century to the present day, chosen from the museum's collection of 30,000 original items. For a giggle, help your daughter try on a corset, such as the ones used in Georgian times, or take part in one of the set activities such as 'Roses Grow on You', 'Floral Frivolities' or 'Say it with Flowers'.
Horseworld is the area's premier equine welfare charity. Enjoy a great day out with your little girl, meeting the rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and helping to support equine welfare work. Visit the interactive Museum of the Horse and the Heritage Tack Museum, walk the nature trail, relax in the picnic area and get fist hand experience of companion animals at 'touch and groom sessions'.
What better way to bond with your girls, other than a workshop dedicated to something both you and they are bound to love - chocolate! Minerva Chocolate, situated in the centre of the city offers 'Chocolate Initiation Workshops' which are great fun - you all might even learn something along the way!
Bath is lucky to be able to boast the most fantastic parks and gardens - perfect for a lovely picnic. Get your girls involved, and visit some of Bath's best deli's and food shops, to put together a wonderful picnic to enjoy. The only question is which park to choose? Sydney Gardens are found at the end of the stunning Great Pulteney Street, behind the Holburne Museum, and is the oldest Park in the city. Formerly frequented by Royalty and Jane Austen, the park is a great place for wildlife, train and boat spotting. The Parade Gardens are just a stone's throw from the shopping streets, and offer lovely views of Pulteney Bridge, traditional deck chairs and a cool breeze from the river on a summer's day. Royal Victoria Park is a Blue Flag winning park, with lovely walks, a duck pond, huge children's play park and lots of events happening. If you stay until the early evening, you may be lucky enough to watch hot air balloons taking off - a phenomenal sight!
Getting on your bike is a great way to spend time together, get fit and get out into the great outdoors. Cycling in and around Bath is a real treat, with many routes to choose from - into the countryside, along the river or canal. You will find plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat - whether that is a quiet patch of grass, and riverside bench, or a lovely country or riverside pub - there are plenty to be found. Lots of ideas for cycle route are available from Bath Tourist Information Centre.
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