insideKENT Magazine Issue 55 - October 2016 | Page 120

GETAWAYS

BATH the golden city

Beautiful Bath has been a World Heritage Site since 1987 . Welcoming visitors for over 2,000 years , the city is recognised as a place of outstanding universal value for its architecture , town planning , landscape , archaeological remains and its role as a setting for social history . But , putting history aside , Bath is simply a fabulous weekend getaway with its chic city vibe , plethora of attractions , gourmet eateries and lively atmosphere .
A shopper ’ s paradise since Georgian times , a foodie heaven , and a history buff ’ s dream , all with the beautiful Somerset countryside on your doorstep , Bath is the perfect short break destination . BY DONNA MARTIN
© visitbath . co . uk / Bath Tourism Plus insideKENT ’ s top pick for accommodation …
The Old Orchard insideKENT ’ s top pick for dining …
Aqua
I ’ m a big fan of self-catering accommodation . Staying in hotels is great , don ’ t get me wrong , but there ’ s something about having a home from home – a full kitchen , plenty of space , and above all else , privacy .
My search for Bath luxury vacation homes led me to www . holidaylettings . co . uk , and specifically to The Old Orchard . Recently renovated and beautifully furnished , this stylish apartment is everything you ’ d ever want or need for a luxury stay in the city .
A few of the ‘ musts ’ on my list were modern self-catering accommodation in a nice area , within walking distance to everything , and a parking space . If you ’ ve ever been to Bath , you ’ ll know those things aren ’ t easily found together . The Old Orchard , though , ticked all of my boxes .
Upon arrival , we were greeted by a representative of www . bathholidayrentals . com who showed us around , answered our questions , and even remembered to explain how the TV and remote worked ( what service !). After his departure , we were pleasantly surprised to find some lovely goodies in the kitchen including a bottle of wine , some snacks and chocolate , and gourmet granola for the morning ( don ’ t worry , there was milk in the fridge too ).
With a contemporary but cosy living area , gorgeous kitchen , two large bedrooms and a beautifully remodeled bathroom , the apartment itself is perfect – but the location ! Walk out the front door , stroll for five minutes and you ’ re in the thick of it all . Shopping , restaurants , bars , attractions and awe-inspiring architecture are all right there .
The Old Orchard ( property 128971 ) www . holidaylettings . co . uk
Just around the corner from The Old Orchard ( and when I say just around the corner , I mean just around the corner ), is Aqua , a modern Italian restaurant housed in a beautifully restored Arts and Crafts former church . The candlelit setting is modern and chic , and the menu offers so many of my favourite things .
After a few mandatory Bellinis ( mandatory in my rulebook ), I went slightly overboard with my food
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