With a Bank Holiday approaching there is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a three-day weekend away with the family, spend some quality time with a new book or meet up with old friends to let your hair down. Whatever it is you decide to do with your extended weekend, it needn't be expensive which is great news if you don't have enormous funds at your disposal or are saving up for a family holiday later in the year.
Fortunately we are spoilt for choice here in Bath particularly when it comes to restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars. The last year has seen a resurgence of the foodie scene in the city, with the Bath Priory winning a Michelin star – the only one in the city centre. And as we are discovering, The Vaults at Southgate, the new eating quarter next to the railway station, has made the southern end of the city a dining destination.
Depending on what sort of meal you are planning you will want to pick your venue accordingly.
For a romantic meal with your loved one choose somewhere off the beaten track for a tranquil atmosphere; there are plenty of fantastic bistros and cosy pubs just a short drive into the surrounding countryside which make for the perfect setting.
Alternatively, a get together with old friends can be less formal so pick somewhere more central and easily accessible, ensuring the restaurant knows the nature of your party and the exact number of guests if you have a large party.
If you're stuck for something to do in the day then why not make use of the numerous trails and walk paths in the surrounding countryside or take the family out for a leisurely bike ride along the old railway line to Keynsham or along the Kennet and Avon Canal to Avoncliff. Should the heavens open then you might seek the refuge of the local cinema, including the Odeon in James Street West, or the independent Little Theatre, nestled near The Cross Bath. And there is of course the Theatre Royal where top productions are staged, often before going to the West End.
Alternatively while away the day in one of the local independent cafés, or check out one of the many splendid museums here in the city including the Roman Baths, the Jane Austen Centre and the Holburne Museum. And, of course, right into the modern era there's the multi-million pound Thermae Bath Spa, Britain' s only natural thermal spa, where you can really chillax and take a dip.
Meanwhile, a bank holiday is also popular with shoppers wanting to grab a bargain. And in Bath we are spoilt for choice when it comes to chain emporiums and those little places where that outfit you were looking for is waiting for you. Just across from the station is the fantastic Southgate shopping centre and if you explore further into the city there's Walcot Street and Milsom Street.
If shops open earlier than usual then it is worth arriving for this time and avoiding the rush. It will mean getting up earlier on the bank holiday, but will be worth it for serious shoppers looking for a good deal. There may even be some spring sales in some of the larger stores! May bank holiday is traditionally the time of year when larger shops such as furniture, homeware and electronic stores slash their prices, so this could be the perfect time to spruce up a tired-looking room or treat the family to a new entertainment system. The city has a wide variety of shops to interest everyone over the three-day weekend so get out exploring.