Local resident Betsy Francis shares a few of her favourites from this quieter corner of Central Bath...

Bathwick is a lovely neighbourhood that is just across the river from the centre of Bath, but it feels like a completely different pace of life than the city centre.

You walk over Pulteney Bridge expecting the usual city bustle to continue and within a few minutes things start to slow down. Walking down Great Pulteney Street, the streets get quieter and the parks are bigger. It’s the part of Bath where locals choose to live if they want the convenience of the city with a slower pace.

Image - Bathwick Hill, credit Lloyd Evans Photography

If you’re visiting Bath, it’s easy to miss Bathwick completely. But if you live here long enough – like I have for over six years – you realise Bathwick has some of the best spots in the city.

It was also home to Jane Austen for a time, she lived at 4 Sydney Place and you’ll find a plaque dedicated to her outside for photo opportunities.

Here are the places I always recommend...

Roasted Lemon

If you want a relaxed place to grab a drink or a quick bite eat that feels local, Roasted Lemon is a brilliant option. The Greek couple that owns it serve up delicious Greek food and it’s one of those places that works for almost any situation.

One of the best parts is its location right next to the famous Sydney Gardens playpark. Parents can grab a coffee or a Greek pastry before returning to the park for the kids burn off energy.

I love the Roasted Lemon because it’s the kind of place where you end up chatting to the table next to you and making new friends. Plus, Maria, the owner, is extremely friendly and will never forget your face after you’ve met.

Image - Outdoor seating at Roasted Lemon, credit Betsy Francis

Dexter's Coffee

Dexter's sits halfway up Bathwick Hill and is one of those coffee spots locals guard quite carefully – the tables are always full and the coffee is always flowing. They have delicious cakes too and the owner, Claire, is super friendly.

The coffee is consistently excellent and the atmosphere is exactly what you want from a neighbourhood café: relaxed, friendly and welcoming. Also, always full of cute dogs which is a bonus.

You’ll usually see a mix of people popping in on dog walks, remote workers settling in with laptops, and locals catching up over a morning coffee. And if you’re walking up the hill, it’s the perfect refuel spot.

Image - Dexter's, credit Betsy Francis

Pulteney Arms

Every good neighbourhood needs a proper pub, and The Pulteney Arms fills that role perfectly. It has that cosy pub feel that’s getting harder to find – especially in Bath. It has warm lighting, friendly staff and a mix of regulars and new faces.

It’s very much a community pub. You’ll see dogs under tables, locals catching up after work and people settling in for a long Sunday lunch. If you want a relaxed Bath pub experience without the tourist crowds, this is the one.

Henrietta Park

Henrietta Park is one of those places that feels like a hidden garden even though it’s right in the city. It’s beautifully kept and full of winding paths, champion, old trees and open lawns.

It’s also one of the best places in Bath to meet dogs. If you sit on a bench for ten minutes you’ll usually see tonnes of people walking past with their pups. In the height of summer it becomes a brilliant picnic spot. The trees create so much shade that it stays cool even on the hottest days.

In the corner, you’ll also find a sensory garden which has lots of seating around an ornate pond. It’s a really lovely place to relax, just a couple of minutes from town.

Image - Henrietta Park, credit Betsy Francis

Sydney Gardens

Sydney Gardens is probably the most historically fascinating park in Bath. It was originally a Georgian pleasure garden where people would gather for elaborate parties, music and entertainment. Walking through it now you can still feel traces of that history if you know where to look.

It’s a beautiful place to wander slowly or go for a stroll with a friend. You’ll find quiet nooks, long paths, and lots of little corners where you can sit and take time out. You can also see the trainline running straight through the park so it’s nice for kids to wave to the passengers too.

There’s also plenty to do if you’re feeling active: Tennis courts (I did lessons here for a year and loved it), walking paths, and the canal running alongside the park.

Image - Sydney Gardens, credit Betsy Francis

Holburne Museum

At the far end of Great Pulteney Street you’ll find the iconic Holburne Museum, although it was originally built as a hotel. If you’ve watched Bridgerton, you’ll certainly recognise it as Lady Danbury’s house. In real life it’s one of Bath’s most beautiful museums.

The exhibitions change regularly so there’s always something new to see. Even if you’re not planning a full museum visit, it’s still worth popping in. The café is a lovely place to stop for a coffee and the building itself is worth exploring.

There’s also a free exhibition space which means you can dip in and out easily – but the paid exhibitions are worth a look too.

Image - Holburne Museum, credit Betsy Francis

Bathwick Meadows

If you’re up for a walk, Bathwick Meadows is well worth the climb. Head up Bathwick Hill (past Dexters Coffee) and you’ll reach open fields with beautiful views across Bath. It’s a brilliant picnic spot and a place I’ll often head when I want a bit of space. From here you can also continue onto the Bath Skyline Walk, which offers some of the best views over the city.

Bathwick isn’t always on the map for a lot of people who visit Bath or live elsewhere in the city but once you spend a bit of time here, you’ll understand why it’s so popular with the people who live here.

It has everything that makes a neighbourhood feel alive: great cafés, proper pubs, beautiful parks and lots of opportunities to slow down in the city. If you’re exploring Bath, it’s well worth wandering across the river and seeing this side of the city for yourself.

Image - Bathwick Meadows, credit Betsy Francis

About the author

Betsy Francis has lived in Bathwick for over six years and runs Grounded Socials, a boutique social media consultancy that works with wellness businesses.