iQ in the city: Bath

A beautiful Westcountry city which is home to two universities, Bath Spa University and the University of Bath –  and iQ Twerton Mill –  Bath must be one of the most special places to study in the UK. As the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage city, it’s packed with historic sights, and its status as a visitor attraction ensures there is plenty to enjoy when you’re looking for entertainment. Accessible on foot or on one of the many buses which pass by our door, we’ve rounded up some of the notable spots to check out when you study in Bath.

 

The iQ city guide to Bath

 

Entertainment

 

Tivoli Cinema – 32 min walk

This incredibly fancy cinema is a recent addition to the Bath film scene, located just a couple of minutes’ walk from Bath Spa Station on Dorchester Street. It’s all about the luxury experience here, with a suite of elegant movie theatres (or ‘studios’ as they are known) decked out with plush sofas, side tables and lamps. You can enjoy food and drink served at your seat, chill out in the vintage lounges, or even hire out the private ‘Director’s Lounge’ for an extra-special screening with up to 11 friends.

 

Thermae Bath Spa – 29 min walk

While attempting to take a dip in the famous Roman Baths is unlikely to go down well, you can enjoy an even more relaxing soak at the Thermae Bath Spa. There’s a wellness suite offering a range of spa treatments, and a café, and the indoor Minerva Bath offers the chance to bathe in naturally warm, mineral-rich waters. Perhaps the ultimate treat is the open-air rooftop pool which comes with views of the city’s beautiful buildings.

 

Theatre Royal – 30 min walk

With all the restaurants and bars on and around Westgate Street so close, you can easily combine an evening at the theatre with dinner or drinks. An impressive line-up of high-quality productions makes the Royal a cut above, with drama, opera, ballet and spoken word shows and plenty of big-name actors appearing. The grand, listed building which dates back more than 200 years, is spectacle enough in itself, and really adds to the atmosphere.

 

Fashion Museum Bath –  32 min walk

The Fashion Museum supplements its ongoing ‘History of Fashion in 100 Objects’ exhibition with a number of additional exhibitions. Housed in the beautiful Georgian Assembly Rooms, the museum covers contemporary as well as historic fashion, and you can be enlightened further by taking an audio tour of its collections. You can buy a saver ticket which also gives you admission to the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery. The Fashion Museum is a short walk from other Bath museums too, including the Museum of East Asian Art and the Museum of Bath Architecture.

 

Food and drink

 

Darcy’s News Café – 32 min walk

This cute little café on Gay Street has plenty of newspapers and magazines to browse while you enjoy a coffee break or a light lunch, and even offer a delivery service. It’s the food that will keep you coming back, though – there’s all sorts for breakfast (until 3pm!) including fresh pastries and bacon rolls, while lunchtime brings homemade quiche, soups and pies. Their luxury hot chocolates also make for a decadent treat.

 

Bath Pizza Co – 24 min walk

There’s an array of incredible wood-fired pizzas to try at Bath Pizza Co, and a great atmosphere too, with convivial dining spaces under the striking Victorian canopy of Green Park Station. With great deals on pizza accompanied by prosecco or a pint, this is the perfect place for a bit of casual dining – you can design your own pizza, and their inventive chefs are always coming up with new variations. There’s often live music too, with the best talent in the south west doing their thing as you chomp.

 

JC’s Kitchen – 24 min walk

This popular street food kitchen could prove hard to resist if you’re in Bath city centre around lunchtime. Specialising in Filipino fare, you’ll find generous belly pork and rotisserie chicken wraps, as well as salads, bubble and squeak, and spicy bean rice, plus daily specials. JC’s mobile kitchen is usually found at Green Park Station, but wherever you catch them, be sure to take advantage – as one reviewer put it, ‘this man don’t cheat when it comes to his meat!’

 

The Raven – 29 min walk

If you’re looking to experience a traditional British pub, Bath is the place to be – and The Raven is a great example of one which does it well. Free of loud music, TVs, slot machines and smoke, The Raven is an independent pub with a social vibe. They know their stuff when it comes to wine and beer, so you’ll find a wide range on offer in two cosy bars, occupying a couple of Georgian townhouses on Queen Street. Best of all, you won’t go hungry either, with magnificent Pieminister pies on the menu that everyone’s, erm, raven’ about.

 

Shopping

 

Topping & Company Booksellers – 34 min walk

Nothing beats being able to browse for books and make unexpected discoveries along the way, and this independent bookstore is made for just that. The knowledgeable staff are sure to be able to help you find what you need – and this charismatic shop is loved by readers and authors alike. The store’s year-round literary festival brings the two together, with appearances by writers a regular occurrence. You can find Toppings on the scenic Paragon – a fine example of the city’s Regency glamour.

 

The Makery – 35 min walk

If you fancy trying your hand at something new, The Makery is the place to go. They sell all kinds of creative gifts, like toy-making and crochet kits, and their resourceful ethos will be right up your street if you’re into upcycling and giving your old items a new lease of life. Looking for a new challenge? The Makery also runs workshops in everything from calligraphy to dressmaking and furniture restoration, at its Milsom Street store.

 

Guildhall Market – 33 min walk

This colourful covered market is the oldest shopping venue in the city, with a history of more than 800 years. There are stalls selling all sorts of bits and pieces for the home, as well as fashions, accessories, books and foods, and an espresso bar and a café serving all-day breakfasts. The market is just opposite the famous Pulteney Bridge, one of Bath’s iconic landmarks.

 

San Francisco Fudge Factory – 33 min walk

Those with a sweet tooth can get their fudge fix 7 days a week at this Bath confectionery shop. All of their fudge is handmade in Bath, and with flavours like salted caramel, apple and cinnamon, and soft brown sugar penuche waiting for you, you just know it’s going to be good. There are more than 30 varieties to try, so this could well become a regular treat. Find them on Church Street – they do ice cream as well!

 

Travel

 

Bath is a pretty easy city to navigate on foot, but there are plenty of buses running into and around the city and surrounding area. The main bus station is on Southgate Street, and Bath Spa Train Station is just down the road, off Dorchester Street. It takes around 13 minutes to travel to Bristol Temple Meads, and 90 minutes to London Paddington, and there are direct services to Cardiff, Salisbury and Reading among others.

Your iQ team will be happy to help you get to know Bath better, so please ask at Reception if you need any help. And if you find somewhere in town that you think everyone else should know about, let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using hashtag #MyiQLife

 

Meet the Team: iQ Twerton Mill, Bath

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