Recommended Accommodation
Dukes Hotel – Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DN +44(0)1225 787960 – just off this wonderful longest and widest street in Bath and a nice flat walk into the city centre. Also not far from the Holburne Museum and Sydney Gardens.
Dorian House - 1 Upper Oldfield Park, Bath BA2 3JX +44(0)1225 426336 – Enter an atmosphere of period charm in Dorian House, built of Bath stone circa 1880. Extensively refurbished in 2009 with marble bathrooms and high pressure showers. There is a musical connection with each of the rooms, great fun.
The Halcyon - 2/3 South Parade, Bath BA2 4AA +44(0) 1225 444100 – really comfortable and welcoming boutique hotel very close to Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths and the finish of the promenade in Parade Gardens. Very short distance from train station and close to city centre car parks.
The Royal Crescent Hotel - 16 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LS +44(0)1225 447427 – superb views over the city from this really prestigious location. Wonderful luxurious hotel where all the famous stay.
Sir Walter Elliot’s House – 95 Sydney Place, Bath BA2 6NE +44(0)1225 469435 – Step back in time… and enjoy the elegance of Sir Walter Elliot’s House as filmed in Persuasion. This amazing Regency townhouse has been lovingly restored to make your stay authentic and comfortable with the all the essential mods cons! For special rates quote JAC 06/12. Particularly good if you are a large party and want to feel truly Regency, the very accommodating hosts love a nothing better than a house full, why not hire it for the duration of the Festival. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Waterhouse - Waterhouse Lane, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7JB +44(0)1225 721999. A 17th Century Manor House with a contemporary twist. Quality 4 star boutique accommodation in a rural setting 4 miles from Bath. Available for B&B or exclusive weekend hire. A delightful country house that just happens to be an hotel, ideal for large parties and travel to and from Bath and Festival events can easily be organised.
Self-Catering
Saco – The Serviced Apartment Company, 7 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1NN – reservations +44(0)1225 486540 – with apartments all over the city of Bath. Fantastic selection to suit all sizes of party and pockets.
Recommended Restaurants
Tilleys Bistro – 3 North Parade Passage, Bath +44(0)1225 484200 – imaginative menu and delicious puddings very central and close to Bath Abbey.
Jane Austen Centre Regency Tea Rooms – 40 Gay Street, Bath BA1 2NT +44(0)1225 443000 ext 204. An oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of the city of Bath. Lovely pots of leaf tea, delicious cakes and of course ‘Tea with Mr Darcy’!
Local Interest
Fashion Museum – Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath BA1 2QH +44(0)1225 – 17th July to 2nd September special exhibition – Jubilee Dressing the Monarchy on Stage and Screen.
No.1 Royal Crescent (Bath Preservation Trust) Bath BA1 2LR +44(0)1225 428126 – Delightful museum set out in the style of a Georgian gentleman’s residence. All sorts of interesting paraphernalia from the head scratcher in the bedroom to the dog wheel in the kitchen!
Old Theatre Royal, 12 Old Orchard Street, Bath BA1 1JU – This delightful old theatre, now the Bath Masonic Hall, is open to the public during the week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11am and 2.30pm on Saturdays 2.30pm only (no tours when events are taking place). Take a look at the Theatre Jane Austen went to and where she set scenes in her books Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.
Thermae Bath Spa – Hot Bath Street, Bath BA1 1SJ 0844 888 0844 – Treat yourself to an evening at Thermae and enjoy bathing in the warm, mineral-rich waters along with a light meal in the Springs Restaurant. The Twilight Package is available Sunday-Friday from 4pm with last full entry into the Spa at 6pm and last serving in the Restaurant at 8.15pm. There is nothing quite like bathing in the pool at the top of Thermae Bath Spa in the open air overlooking the beautiful city of Bath as the sun sets, delightful!
Publications
Jane Austen’s Regency World - Magazine subscription available securely online. This delightful periodical has informative articles on all sorts of areas of life in the times of Jane Austen and associated pieces too.
Collector’s Library – Complete set of Austen novels available online or from the Jane Austen Centre giftshop, 40 Gay Street, Bath BA1 2NT
Shopping – Books!
Bath Old Books – 9c Margaret’s Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP +44(0)1225 422244 or email batholdbooks@yahoo.co.uk - Book readers heaven! Situated between the Circus and Royal Crescent this gem of a shop is a superb place to find that old book you didn’t know you needed or there again perhaps you did!
Visit the