eeyann

We're visiting England in late May for 12 days and we're hoping to travel by train to Bath from Heathrow Airport when we arrive. Do you think we'll be able to manage without a car for the 2 days we'll be staying in Bath?

So much of what I'm reading suggests renting a car and exploring on our own. I'm wondering if there is a day tour you might suggest that would take us beyond beyond the confines of Bath.

Maybe we should just spend our time exploring the town, relaxing in the spa?

This area of England is completely new to me, thanks for your thoughts!

Sincerely,
Eeyann's husband

thursdaysd

I was just in Bath without a car. You can easily spend one day - I spent two - in Bath itself. One day I took a bus to Wells, and another day I walked part of the canal and then took a train to Salisbury. There are also coach tours.

See also http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-from-bath.cfm

flanneruk

Thre are no trains from Heathrow to anywhere except the edge of central London.

To get to Bath, the easiest thing to do is almost always to get a bus (www.nationalexpress.co.uk). This is almost always quicker and easier (and cheaper) than getting a train in, then out again

alanRow

"Do you think we'll be able to manage without a car for the 2 days we'll be staying in Bath? "

A car in Bath is an expensive trinket, it doesn't make your stay any better, just costs a lot of money as it sits there.

Similar in London.

If you want to visit places between Bath & London then a car is likely to be useful - but don't hire it until you need it and drop it off when you are finished with it.

bellini

Definitely don't need a car in Bath. It would just be a nuisance. Central Bath is easily walkable. There's an open top tour bus which you can hop on and off. Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths are next door to each other. Royal Crescent, the Circus and the Assembly Rooms are an uphill walk but again quite manageable.

eeyann

Thanks everyone for the excellent suggestions! We'll plan on taking the bus from Heathrow to Bath and we'll see about an afternoon tour to Stonehenge.

Would you all have a recommendation for a good hotel in Bath ($300-500 range)?

Thanks again,
Eeeyann's husband

janisj

This one isn't nearly that expensive though it is fairly posh -- and is a fabulous location

http://www.threeabbeygreen.com/

Or for high end . . . http://www.royalcrescent.co.uk/

basingstoke2

We spent 3 nights in Bath 11 months ago and parked our car the entire time. Bath is very walkable although parts are uphill, particularly toward the Royal Crescent. You will have much to do that will fill your 2 days. A few suggestions: The free Mayor's walk is led by knowledgable volunteers and leaves daily at 10 AM from outside of the Pump Room. The walk lasts 2 +- hours and covers most everything. The Roman Baths itself is an archeological site - we spent the morning there. If you look at the Fodor's Photo Gallery (log on page), "Europe's 6 Top Experiences" the first photo is one that I took at the Roman Baths and I think captures the feel of the place well. Have lunch or tea at the elegant Pump Room. You will be pleased that you did. If the weather is good, the cruise along the river is very nice.

As usual, janisj comes through with some fine suggestions. We did not stay the 3 Abbey Green, but passed by and it is in a prime location as she says. We also saw the Royal Crescent and although very elegant and expensive to match, I would not want to stay in the Royal Crescent area simply because of the walk down to -and especially back from - the center of the city. On the other hand, if I was willing to pay those prices, I would most likely go by taxi.

G_Hopper

Mad Max Tours offers some nice daytrips out of Bath:
http://www.madmaxtours.co.uk/

Aboehmer

Enjoy your trip. It is a beautiful town. I really enjoyed my visit.