The city of Bath will be celebrating wellness and wellbeing with events taking place across the city
From February 1-10 Feel-Good February events include yoga by candlelight and a talk on the power of sleep at The Gainsborough Bath Spa, a rooftop Aquasana fitness class at The Thermae Bath Spa and a session on caring for winter skin in at No.15 Great Pulteney. Writer Suzanne Duckett will discuss her book Bathe, which explores the art of relaxation, at The Gainsborough Bath Spa and the Women’s Tennis Fed Cup is coming to the University of Bath from February 6–9. Feel-Good February will also support the charity Bath Mind with its Time to Talk Day on Thursday, February 7.
Feel-Good February is part of a national campaign by Visit Bath to promote Bath as the UK’s top Spa and Wellbeing destination encouraging longer stays in the city. Visit Bath will also be supporting local mental health charity Bath Mind and Time to Talk Day on Thursday, February 7 to raise awareness and funds to support the vital counselling work they do in and around Bath.
For more information and a full programme of events, visit visitbath.co.uk/feel-good.
Freya McIvor gives us more ways to ease and the body and mind in Bath following the festive season...
Rest and relaxation
Ever since the Romans first harnessed the healing powers of its mineral-rich thermal springs, Bath has been a resort for relaxation. Home to Britain’s only natural thermal waters, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to spas in Bath. After the indulgence of the festive period, book a spa break in Bath and return relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated.
Take a dip in the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa and enjoy sensational 360-degree views of the city. The ideal place to unwind, Bath also has a number of sophisticated spa hotels to choose from. Combine a visit with a luxurious stay at the elegant Royal Crescent Hotel, The Bath Priory or Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, which all offer a restful retreat and five-star facilities. Alternatively, there’s hot stone massage or aromatherapy treatments at The Gainsborough Bath Spa, the UK’s only hotel with a naturally heated spa.
Retail therapy
Bath has always been a show-stoppingly stylish city, and its fantastic selection of shops makes for a rewarding day of retail therapy. From big brands to quirky independents, Bath is a shopper’s paradise. A shopping visit could start at SouthGate Bath, where there’s high-street favourites to be found; then head to The Guildhall Market, Bath’s oldest shopping venue, to seek out some treasures.
Every Saturday, the superb Bath Farmers’ Market comes to Green Park Station, whilst Milsom Street is home to Jolly’s, the UK’s first department store. Explore the Artisan Quarter and you’ll find a vibrant, eclectic collection of characterful independents offering everything from vintage clothes to designer homeware.
If you’re left feeling flat after Christmas, perk yourself up with a few little luxuries like a pair of tailored shoes from DuoBoots or something sparkly from independent jewellers, Nicholas Wylde.
Healthy body, healthy mind
January is the perfect time for both physical and mental nurturing.
Whether you’re taking part in Dry January, Veganuary or just want to improve your diet, the beginning of the year is the ideal time to kickstart a healthier lifestyle.
For meat-free menus, book a table at Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen to sample Richard Buckley’s adventurous plant-based plates or have a relaxed lunch at Cascara, which serves hearty salad plates, delicious dips with sourdough bread and a selection of freshly-baked cakes. There’s also the chance to learn how to create healthy dishes at home at Demuth’s Cookery School. Run by professional chef Rachel Demuth, a pioneer of vegetarian and vegan cooking, the school teaches a variety of cuisines from Mediterranean to Mexican.
Bath also has lots of opportunities for those who want to learn a new skill in 2019. You can find out how to distil gin with The Bath Gin Company or shake up a storm in a cocktail making class at Sub 13. Why not get crafty with a glass-making course at Bath Aqua glass, or make your own clothes at The Makery, or try your hand at needle punch embroidery with Julia Davey Ceramics.
The great outdoors
It’s no secret that an active lifestyle makes us feel better and, in Bath, there are plenty of ways to get outdoors. The city is surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful countryside, providing the perfect outdoors escape. Follow in the footsteps of the Georgians with a stroll through Prior Park Landscape Garden, or get on your bike and cycle along the scenic waterside path of the Kennet & Avon Canal. For an invigorating six-mile walk, follow the Bath Skyline past an ancient hillfort, through enchanting forests and along hidden trails with spectacular views over the city.
