Mother and Daughter Bonding in Bath
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.
Thermae Bath Spa
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!
Shopping
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 Shire's 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.
Fashion Museum
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
Horseworld
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'.
Chocolate Workshop
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!
Picnic in the Park
Bath is luck 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!
'Dollar Princesses' at the American Museum
If romance and history are of interest, the American Museum in Britain, based at Claverton Manor has the perfect exhibition. 'Dollar Princesses' follows the lives of the American heiresses who travelled from the 'New World' in search of aristocratic husbands in late Victorian and Edwardian Britain. Displays include examples of extravagant costumes from the era, including dresses from recent film adaptations of novels by Henry James and Edith Wharton, worn by the likes of Nicole Kidman and Uma Thurman.
On your Bike!
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.
If these ideas are not enough to inspire you, there are many more ideas for days out in Bath and the surrounding area, family friendly places to eat and even places to stay on the 'Family Friendly Bath' section of the official destination website. If you plan to stay in the area, the website provides a hassle free, easy way to book, at any time of day or night.
See www.visitbath.co.uk/family-friendly
Alternatively, helpful, friendly advice can be found at Bath Tourist Information Centre. For advice on days out contact Bath Tourist Information Line: 0906 7112000 (50p/min), or to book attraction tickets, events, and accommodation phone: 0844 847 5256 (national rate).
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Notes to Editors
Further Information
For further information please contact Lucy Weaver at Bath Tourism Plus on 01225 477441 or by email on: lucy_weaver@bathtourism.co.uk
Bath Tourism Plus
Working with the public and private sectors 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 tourism internet site www.visitbath.co.uk. Its primary objective is to optimise the value of tourism for members and partners.
Featured Tourism Businesses
Details and links to all of the featured tourism businesses can be found on the official destination website for Bath: www.visitbath.co.uk
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