I cannot stop recommending Bath to friends, family and strangers heading to England. I wish I had the opportunity to spend more time in Bath, it is an incredibly beautiful and charming city. If you are heading to London - I recommend you carve out sometime for Bath - if you can spare a weekend, even better.

If you take my recommendation to visit Bath (and why wouldn't you), here is a quick run on the best places to stay and eat, the best activities and day trips from Bath and a few things that are unique to Bath - you have to put them at the top of your list.

GETTING HERE. From London, you can rent a car and drive. The drive is about two and half hour. I recommend taking the train, from either London Paddington or London Waterloo to Bath Spa and walk the few minutes from the train station to the city center.

STAY AT. There is no shortage of bed and breakfast in Bath and I recommend staying at one of those. There is also a decent lineup of hotels to choose from. Here are a few recommendations for hotels and Bed & Breakfast in Bath.

Francis Hotel. Four star hotel located in Queen's square. A 10 minutes walk from city center and within walking distance to the Jane Austen center and the royal crescent.
The Windsor. Upscale B & B located close to two of my favorite attractions - Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge. (Address: 69 Great Pulteney Street)
Duke's Hotel. Charming all inclusive B & B.

EAT AT. For nourishment, check out

Coffee. Mokoko and Jacob's coffee house. Jacob's coffee house offers a great view of the Abbey square and the Roman baths.
Ice Cream. The Real Italian Ice Cream Co. - One of the best gelato places outside of Italy.
Desserts. Ben's Cookies. I recommend the Milk Chocolate cookie and Cafe Lucca for everything on the cakes & desserts menu.
Bakeries. Bertinet Bakery and Patisserie Valerie. These two places have savory baked goods down to a "'T".
Meals. You know a restaurant is good when locals recommend it and these ones came highly recommended. Clayton's kitchen // Sotto Sotto // Firehouse Rotisserie // The egg cafe // The circus cafe & restaurant // Dolce.

ACTIVITIES. You cannot go to Bath without visiting the,

Sally Lunn Historic Eating house & Museum. Fans of the great Bristish bakeoff rejoice. You can visit the Sally Lunn house and have a Sally Lunn bun (you will not be disappointed). You have your pick of sweet or savory bun (or have both, you are on vacation).
The Jane Austen Center. Visit for all things Jane Austen or reserve a table in the regency room for afternoon tea.
Roman Bath & Pump Room. A visit to Bath is not complete until you have checked this off your list.
Bath Abbey - If you are a lover of architecture , you want to see this.
The Royal Crescent. Another architectural masterpiece in Bath. This row of houses has existed for over 230 years.
River Avon & Pultney Bridge. Take a stroll along the river banks and enjoy the view of the city.

UNIQUELY BATH. You will not find these anywhere else.

Fudge Kitchen. Oh the fudge ! so good, so sweet - get one for yourself and a few to take home for friends and family.
Sally Lunn Bun.
Sugar Loaf. Visit for unique gifts and houseware.
Check out a Bath Rugby game

DAY TRIPS FROM (IN) BATH. If you decide to spend several days in Bath, these locations are worth a day trip from Bath