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UK travel

Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Original poster

Mid-week break in Bath. Hotel in the centre or stay further out and drive in?

33 replies

Blatherskite · 08/08/2017 22:12

DD age 7 is Dragon crazy. Has been for years. My DSis told me about the current dragon exhibition at the Victoria Art Gallery and the dragon trail around the city and I thought it might make a lovely short break. Both of the kids love history too so I was planning maybe two nights away so that we can have a good couple of days to explore Bath's Roman heritage.

I've been looking at city centre hotels but they're all quite pricey and it seems like most rely on nearby public parking rather than having private car parks so I was wondering if it would possibly be easier to stay slightly further out and drive in instead before parking in the same car parks.

We're looking at arriving on a Tuesday and leaving again on the Thursday.

Any recommendations or advice would be very welcome.

OP posts:
FreezerBird · 08/08/2017 22:16

I can't help with specific hotel recommendations, but parking can be an absolute nightmare so I'd avoid city centre hotels which don't offer their own parking.

If staying outside the city I'd try to be near one of the park and ride car parks, again to avoid the parking issue! There are three park and rides; details are here.

tinytemper66 · 08/08/2017 22:18

Bath Waterfront travelodge has parking. Have never found a problem parking there. £5 per day.

Rachie1986 · 08/08/2017 22:20

We stayed in a nice b&b about 10mins walk from city centre (train station side), and walked in. It was a bit uphill on the way back but a nice place and very well located.

Let me see if I can find what it was called..

Rachie1986 · 08/08/2017 22:21

That was easier than I thought! Oldfields house

poisonedbypen · 08/08/2017 22:24

Airbnb?

Original poster
Blatherskite · 08/08/2017 22:24

That's what I was worried about FreezerBird!

Thank you everyone for the suggestions.

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Blogwoman · 08/08/2017 22:25

We also stayed in a lovely b&b with a car park but also an easy walk from the centre & station. Called Chestnuts House, via booking.com. Don't know if it has a family room. Lovely city for your trip Smile

Original poster
Blatherskite · 08/08/2017 22:33

The Waterfront Travelodge is full on the dates we'd like to go. Will ring the B&Bs tomorrow to check for the availability of family rooms. Thanks for your help

AirBnB scares me a bit. I've heard so many horror stories! Most of them on here.

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Original poster
Blatherskite · 08/08/2017 22:35

Chestnuts House is full too

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SophieGiroux · 08/08/2017 22:35

Have you tried holiday inn express? It's just a short walk into town and they have parking

happystory · 08/08/2017 22:39

Premier inn is very central and it was great imo

LilaoftheGreenwood · 08/08/2017 22:43

It would make it a slightly different sort of break but Bath is really well connected by rail and that might give you more options. Bradford on Avon (very pretty) and Chippenham are less than 20 mins away with very regular trains.

Original poster
Blatherskite · 09/08/2017 10:05

Premier Inn definitely has no parking. It's also updating it's restaurant at the moment so there is no breakfast. For £100 a night, I'd want at least one or the other I think.

Holiday Inn I seem to remember was no parking too (at least that's what their web page says) and the reviews weren't good.

The trains might be fun.

OP posts:
rightwhine · 09/08/2017 10:13

Parking was no problem at the car park suggested by premier inn there.

Madcats · 09/08/2017 22:05

Late to the party, but many Bath locals are away. That said, the foreign students have started arriving in their droves at the uni (and their families), so places might be busy.

if you have had no joy in Bath, check places like IBIS and Holiday Inn in Bristol.

Joinourclub · 09/08/2017 22:13

I wouldn't come just for the dragon exhibition alone. It was nice, but not amazing. We are enjoying finding the 'eggs' around town, but in reality they are just posters in shop windows that you point your phone at.

There are plenty of other things to do for kids who like history, as well as the Baths there is the Costume museum and the American museum and the Abbey and there is even a Postal museum! Just maybe don't big up the dragon exhibition too much.

SophieGiroux · 11/08/2017 20:35

You could try getting uni accommodation as the uni rents it out while students are away over the summer. All would have good transport links to town.

http://www.universityrooms.com/en/city/bath/home?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrrGlvbP1QIV1grTCh3pFw1wEAAYASAAEgLS7fDD_BwE

I've also heard the exhibition isn't that great though.

Original poster
Blatherskite · 11/08/2017 21:38

I did see the uni rooms. I'll have another look. I might see if changing the date helps with the price too

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Original poster
Blatherskite · 11/08/2017 21:39

If the Dragon thing isn't all that special, I might even wait until the first half term...

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AdalindSchade · 11/08/2017 21:44

Don't be scared of Airbnb! Just make sure you go for one with lots of pictures and plenty positive reviews. The system is excellent.
I would stay in an Airbnb in Bradford on Avon or one of the surrounding villages and take a train in every day. Driving in Bath is shit.

Original poster
Blatherskite · 11/08/2017 22:03

Every time I see a story on here it starts with "this place had amazing reviews" and then ends with a horror story!

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Wandastartup · 11/08/2017 22:05

Park and ride is also an option

StarCrossdSkys · 11/08/2017 22:08

Parking in Bath can be really difficult. I'd stay outside as I'm guessing you won't be wanting the nightlife and either get a train or use the park and ride. You'll save money as well.

leccybill · 11/08/2017 22:08

Following with interest as we're coming with 7yo DD in 2 weeks.
We're staying at Bath Mill Lodge Retreat which is apparently a 3 mile water side walk into town or close to a bus route.

leccybill · 11/08/2017 22:12

Bath Mill Lodge Retreat