Through the gradual lifting of lockdown, shops, museums and attractions are emerging from hibernation and ready to welcome visitors back through their doors. Add to this quick and easy access to countryside walks and additional measures introduced across the city, and you can see why Bath is becoming the ideal destination for domestic travellers looking to spend a safe, secure and relaxing few days.
Some great data have just been published by the team at Bath BID (Business Improvement District) analysing footfall in Bath city centre over the last week, compared to the same time last year. It shows that whilst consumer numbers remain way below regular levels, consumer confidence growing and Bath city centre is reawakening. A leaflet on Reopening Bath city centre safely contains more information on the pedestrian-friendly measures being taken across the city, from widened pavements to newly-introduced pedestrianised areas.
So, what's open in Bath? Well, lots! We've handpicked just a few, to highlight the surprising countryside, superb culture and sumptuous culinary delights that await you.
Serene and surprising countryside
In Bath, you're never far from a beautiful countryside walk. The National Trust's Bath Skyline Walk is a six-mile circular walk along the hills above Bath and beyond, taking you through meadows, ancient woodlands and secluded valleys.
For a shorter, level-walk, you can't go wrong with the Kennet and Avon Canal. The Canal and River Trust provides great historical and route information on the 1.5 mile walk from the local community of Widcombe and its Bath Deep Lock - the second deepest lock in the country - via a meandering canal passing picnic areas, coffee stops, parks towards Sydney Gardens.
World-beating cultural attractions
And when you reach Sydney Gardens, you've arrived at one of the city's cultural gems: The Holburne Museum. Reopening on 5 July 2020, what better time to enjoy the critically-acclaimed exhibition Grayson Perry: The Pre-Therapy Years (extended to 3 January 2021). What's more, the Museum's gone the whole hog and will be opening its garden cafe (for take away) and gift shop, with tickets available in advance and on the day.
A few minutes away, proof that 2,000 years of history weren't going to be scuppered by social distancing. The Roman Baths will be opening again on 6th July. With reduced capacity each day - meaning more room and fewer crowds, tickets will be available to book online and must be purchased in advance.
The American Museum & Gardens has opened its wonderful gardens and grounds, and is already welcoming visitors to enjoy their native American shrubs, perennials, and bulbs. With advanced booking required, don't miss the sculptures of key figures in American history and spectacular views over the Limpley Stoke Valley and River Avon.
Memorable culinary delights
SchwartzBros - Bath's gourmet burger takeaway - has reopened with a bang! To accompany their awesome burgers, they've perfected their new normal: with in-person and click and collect ordering, a simple, socially-distanced one-way queuing system and even branded brollies to keep you dry in the rain!
Independent specialist coffee shop Society Cafe is one of a number of great independent cafes to reopen recently. With one shop located in the newly-pedestrianised Kingsmead Square, you can expect the perfect coffee in a traffic-free, city centre location.
Rest assured, Bath is open with more space to move and more local and independent businesses eager to serve you each day. We look forward to welcoming you back to our unique World Heritage City - and hope you can stay a while to take it all in.