Going to Bath
 

We'd like to visit bath on our upcoming trip to London (leaving this Thursday).

If someone could answer a few questions, it would be greatly appreciated.

First...what's the best way to get there using public transportation? We are staying near Russell Square.

Next...How long does it take to get there?

Last...can we do it in a day if we leave early in the morning, and be back in London by 4:00 in the afternoon?

Thanks for any help.

..use a tour (Evan Evans for example). I think a 4pm return very difficult

Tube from Russell Square to Paddington station. Train from Paddington station to Bath Spa. Takes about 1 1/2 hour by train. Purchase a "cheap day return" train ticket.

you won't be able to do it by tour - tours will not even leave Bath until after 5 or 6 p.m. and then there is a 2-3 hour drive back to London.

You could do it by train. Trains leave from Paddington and take about 90 mins. So you could leave early in the a.m. and be back in London before 4 p.m. But the fare will be pretty high since you would have to leave before the cheap day return tickets start after 9:30. If you do leave after 9:30 you would only have about 3 hours free in Bath.

Could I hijack this thread for a minute? Is Sunday a good day to go to Bath, or is too much closed? I'm always looking for things to do when I'm not doing theatre. And if so, does the 9:30 deal still apply to cheap day tickets or can you go earlier for "cheap" on Sunday.

We would probably be going on a Monday. Can we leave by 8am...arrive in Bath around 10:30am...stay in Bath till 3pm...then return to London?

The 4:00 return time isn't mandatory...later would be fine.

Thanks for the responses so far.

Our family went to Bath a few years back when we were vacationing in London. We took the train from Paddington station. It was easy and a lovely train ride. We arrived in bath and did the bus tour that is in the square not too far from the train station (it is a small place). We then toured the Baths, and walked around and toured a few of the historic homes. We had some wonderful ice cream before heading back to London. It was really a beautiful place and a lovely day. It is an easy day trip and well worth it. We did an organized but tour to Oxford, Stratford, and one of the castles...it was very touristy but it was a nice outing, too.

Jim - There is an 08.00 train that gets you into Bath Spa at 09.25. (There are other departures at 07.30, 08.30 ...)

For details see:

http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Neapolitan - I spend Sundays in Bath every week (- I live nearby).

Everything's open - no worries. It's a busy day for tourists ...
(Shops are normally open 11.00-17.00)

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Many thanks, Steve..and to all the others as well.

Jim - do book a table for lunch in The Pump Room before entering the Baths themselves. This allows you a leisurely stroll through and maybe even a ride on the hop-on-hop-off-bus that goes around Bath.
The restaurant called The Pump Room is fabulous with a small three or four people orchestra playing lovely lunch-time tunes. The service is great and so is the food!
Everything is so close you will definitely have a good time.

Thanks, Tod, I'll suggest that to the others in my party.