Water logged: Bath & the Cotswolds

More travelling with Mum and Dad - this time in Bath and the Cotswolds. But before we get into that, I have finally got round to writing up our trip to the South of France at Easter. You can see what we got up to here: http://rossandmichelleontour.blogspot.com/2008/04/family-fun-in-south-of-france.html

Bath

Bath (as the name implies) is centred around its famous Roman Baths. The natural warm water here has been used by different cultures throughout the ages. The Roman's made good use of them - but after a visit by royalty in Edwardian time the town and their Baths had a renaissance and became a popular holiday destination for Britain's high society who came here to soak and spa, gamble and parade for a wealthy partner.

We spent a few hours on a free guided walk around Bath. This was really interesting and great thing to do if you are ever in Bath. It gave us a sense for the history of Bath, the key people in its history and an insight into how life would have been like in Bath at various stages in the past.

We also spent some time exploring the Roman Baths - which have been excavated from under layers of building which had developed over them over time. It was a fascinating place both for exploring but also just a nice spot to sit in the sun and take in the green thermal waters. We forgot to try some of the spring water that you can have at the baths. It is said to have healing properties.... Mum and Dad tried it, and it is fair to say they didn't rave about its more tangible properties (e.g. flavour).

The other main feature in Bath is its 15th century Abbey. It is quite a striking sight - and its facade has quite unique features, such as Angels climbing ladders to Heaven. Some of them climbing down head first... just like something straight out of the horror 'The Ring'!?. It is also features a lot of stained glass and so inside is quite a light airy place. Worth a look if you are ever passing.

Angels on ladder

Angel - close-up

Chipping Campden - The Cotswolds

From Bath we drove into the Cotswolds - quintessential, picture postcard rural Britain. Lush rolling paddocks, small cottages with thatched roofs, tree lined lanes, cute villages, burbling creeks, old churches and historic pubs.

We were based in Chipping Campden a classy little town - and a bit less touristy than some of its neighbouring towns. We passed the time here driving around and exploring the many towns dotted around. Unfortunately the weather was pretty awful so we were unable to get out and do any of the walks that the Cotswolds are known for. The weather also put a bit of a dampener on some of our planned sightseeing - but the upside was that it gave us a good excuse for sleep-ins, early nights, afternoon soaking in the spa and general catching up on some sleep!