Overview:
Bath has been popular for visitors for over 300 years, providing a rich culture and history. The city is saturated in place to see and visit but does not forget the 21st Century modern conveniences that could appeal to you’re Stag do. Whether you and your group are enjoying the thermal spa baths that give the city its name or enjoying a few beers in the bustling bars, Bath has a lot of qualities that keep it one of the most popular destinations in the UK. The two student University populations create a rich and vibrant nightlife with mid week benders the norm. The city creating an ideal location for a great week or weekend Stag do, which is only 90 minutes by train outside of London. The city appeals to a Stag party that wants a little more refined experience offering a little quieter feel than nearby Bristol, with quality bar, restaurants and clubs to enjoy on you’re Stag night.
Getting Around:
The traffic in Bath is bad at the best of times with quantity of traffic competing against a dated road network will lead to awkwardness on your Stag weekend. On the positive the public transport system is very good and punctual allowing you to drink the day away and have no one to blame but the 10 pints of amber nectar for being late. Alternatively buses run park-and-ride services out of Lansdown, Newbridge or Odd Down every 10-15 minutes. And an unlimited-travel day pass is £4 for adults. There are permanent taxi ranks outside the train station and the Abbey, but if arriving late at night it pays to book in advance to avoid waiting.
Must See / Do:
• Roman Baths – for visiting
• Thermae Bath Spa – for dipping
• Bath Abbey
• The Royal Crescent – for architecture and movie buffs.
• Sally Lunn's Refreshment House and Museum
• Afternoon tea at the Pump Room
• Bargain shopping on Walcot Street
• Milsom Street
History and Culture:
For over 300 years Bath has given a great allure due to its three natural hot springs, which the Celts believed were sacred to their goddess Sulis, and later the Romans to Minerva. After the rediscovery of the Roman bathing complex in the 18th Century, the city went through a renaissance and by the 1800s Bath had regained its place in high society. Jane Austen spent several years in Bath and set two of her six novels in the city. Today, Bath has a lively theatre scene with the focal point being The Theatre Royal. The city of Bath offers a depth of culture that will appeal to those who want to spend their time wondering around a museum or exhibition hall, as opposed to the much more popular option of looking into the bottom of a number of pint glasses!
Sport:
One of the focal points of the city is its rugby club. On match days the city comes alive with one of the most intimate rugby grounds in the country a great venue to kick start you’re Stag party. The Rec appeals to groups who want the winning combination of beer and sport which it supplies in abundance and is a great way to start your evening before heading into the town for a night on the tiles!
Nightlife:
Typical clubs and pubs inhabit the centre city, which is where you definitely want to find yourself for your once in a lifetimes Stag experience. Popular venues include Belvedere Wine Vaults, with over 50 wines on its list, plus frozen vodkas, while the Common Room's chill décor and classic cocktails attract a young, boho crowd. Also for a late night club, Cadillacs club or Babylon will not disappoint to dance and drink into a blurred early hour finish a great location for a Stag weekend in Bath.
Eating & Drinking
Bath offers a diverse range of eating experiences – cafes, alfresco dining, traditional pub grub and the like – but is known famously for English afternoon teas; it would be a crime to leave city limits without trying a Bath Bun. The city has a long-standing brewing tradition, dating back to 1736, so look for pubs offering a range of local brews, especially the award-winning Bellringer Bitter. On the weekend hit up a farmers market to take some fresh West Country produce back home with you from your Stag experience.