Bath England

Thank goodness the wild weather had settled overnight but the drizzle lingered as we drove down to Watchet harbour. We made use of the dump point at the marina and would have gone for a walk but we weren’t in the mood to get wet. 

So on we drove along the narrow roads of Britain to Cheddar which is an area with deep limestone gorges. Of course they have also named a cheese after it. Unfortunately our expectations were high, especially after reading that it is England’s largest gorge and the road was 23km long with 22 bends… there was a section just after the very touristy village that did have dramatic cliffs towering over us but we were through it in a flash…then the road just became the typical narrow road we are used to by now with overhanging trees or 3m high hedges.. when we didn’t have those it was too foggy to see anything. Maybe we went the wrong way??

We continued onto Bath. We checked the website for the Clean Air Zone requirements and it stated that non UK registered private vehicles had an exception. We have Euro 4 classification anyway. We successfully filled up with water at an Esso station and then parked in the Morrisons’s carpark-free for 3 hours and if you stay longer you can pay via an app before you leave. 

So off we walked into the historical centre. The Romans transformed Bath into England’s first spa resort town and then it became very popular in the 18th century with the rich aristocrats. An example of that era’s influence can be seen by the Georgian buildings at the Royal Crescent and The Circus as well as most of the centre.

Where Painter Thomas Gainsborough lived

We strolled along the shopping strip in Milsom Street down to the bath house and abbey. 

Love these tea pots 

We passed the well manicured Parade Gardens.

Then watched the water flow under the Pulteney Bridge. 

We wondered around spotting a few other significant buildings and then returned to Bluey.

Not far north from here was Dyrham Park (NT). It is said that it is a fine example of baroque architecture built in the 17th century and was created by William Blathwayt, who made his riches as a colonial administrator but also unfortunately from the slave trade..

Feeling travel weary we pick out a pub not too far away on the outskirts of Bristol and rest for a bit until it opens to enjoy a pint and a meal.

125km today… getting closer to Wales.