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EXP SEOOThe Alternative Guide to Bath



EXP SEOOThe Alternative Guide to BathEXP SEOOThe Alternative Guide to BathEXP SEOOThe Alternative Guide to BathEXP SEOOThe Alternative Guide to BathEXP SEOOThe Alternative Guide to BathEXP SEOOThe Alternative Guide to Bath




EXP SEOOThe Alternative Guide to BathEXP SEOOThe Alternative Guide to Bath


OContents

Coffee and Tea Rooms p10 Cafés p11

Resaurants p12Pubs and Bars p14

ShopsBook Shops p20

Charity p22Vintage p26

Miscellaneous p28

CultureDance and Theatre p32

Art and Design p34Museums p36

Walks p40Views p41

Haunted p42Groups p44

Explore Bath

Food & DrinkFood & DrinkFood & DrinkFood & Drink

ShopsShopsShops

Food & Drink

Shops

CultureCultureCultureCulture

Explore BathExplore BathExplore BathExplore BathO1321

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The Alternative Guide To Bath

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It’s difficult to escape routine – it all depends on the situation, whether you’re working full-time or have various other commitments. However, every so often, you will want to break out of your comfort zone and do something that will alter your perception of things indefinitely. And that’s where we step in with Expose: The Alternative Guide to Bath!

Throughout the guide, there will be a vast array of categories, all sporting distinctive sensibilities and unique selling points – there will be something for everyone and will be easy to navigate thanks to our easy to follow map system. The map is located in the centre of the guide, correlating specifically with your desired choice. Each section will have all the details you require in order to make searching attractive and instantly accessible. There will also be a graph marking certain pricing points in comparison to its contemporaries, not to mention other aspects such as travel, variety and other notable characteristics.

Also, just to add a bit more zest to an already extensive list, we’ve included a section that will surely encourage others to enjoy the fruits of Bath’s vast landscapes. Baring the name ‘Explore Bath’, this quirky segment features a tasteful range of walks and views that will hopefully dazzle as it does inspire. There is also an intriguing ‘Haunted House’ section that will hopefully educate you about Bath mythology and how certain properties have gained an unprecedented amount of infamy over the years.

So, taking all this into account, there really isn’t a better time to be living in Bath! For those who are intimidated by the city’s maze-like structure, just have a quick flick through our recommendations, refer to our map system and away you go!

Until next year!

Josh GimblettEditor-In-Chief

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OMeet the Team

Special ThanksAn absolutely gargantuan thank you to our graphics designer Caroline McGarry for doing such a terrific job – we are seriously indebted to you! We would also like to thank Jade Price for helping us in a time of need. Honourable mentions also go out to all of our sponsors – without your generous contributions, none of this would have been possible. We would also like to thank Bath Spa University for funding the majority of this project – thank you again, we truly appreciate it!

If you have any queries or feedback you would like to give regarding the publication, please feel free to contact us on [email protected].

Contact

Staff Writer: Kay DekkerFavourite Ride: Silver Star

Staff Writer: Abi GreenFavourite Ride: Trauma Tizer

Editor-in-chief: Josh Gimblett Favourite Ride: Dragon Kahn

Production Editor: Gina Grainger-Windridge Favourite Ride: Air

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OOThe Alternative Guide To Bath

Bath has always been highly regarded for its rich culture, stunning architecture and extensive Roman heritage. From its preserved stonewashed walls to its monochrome colour scheme, tourists from all over the world flock to visit the city’s living, breathing artistry. However, while indeed a defining landmark, casual on-goers tend to oversee the smaller things that help keep Bath alive, most notably independent businesses that contribute a lot to the overall aesthetic of the city. Underneath its somewhat privileged exterior lies a place brimming with personality, ranging from vintage clothing lines, outlandish charity shops and picturesque cafés/restaurants that fail to garner any sense of unified recognition.

Our aim is to create an almanac that promotes the smaller, lesser-known businesses in Bath, all the while encouraging citizens and students alike to explore the city without falling into a standardised routine. Not only should this help generate more interest but it should also help stabilise businesses who need that extra financial boost. There is a wide selection of independent shops/cafés/restaurants hidden away in the depths of Bath and they all deserve your time, whether they are located in the city centre, on the outskirts or even in Widcombe.

Introduction to The Alternative Guide to Bath

It is also our intention to create a guide that is universally applicable, taking into consideration the price range of certain places, travel costs and the unique selling point of each one. This effectively means that there are no reviews scattered throughout the guide – our goal is to praise everything while highlighting its distinctive traits that will hopefully attract a wider demographic in the long run. We had to take people’s tastes and preferences into account, so it is our duty to inform you what it offers, the atmosphere it provides and its overall sense of style. We can also assure you that everything featured in the guide has been filtered through a pretty hefty review process so you can rest any qualms regarding the lack of quality – if it’s in the guide, then it obviously made a big impact on us and we want to share that experience with you!

Intro

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We would also just like to clarify that this is not a cynical protest against chains and conglomerates. We are not disregarding companies and landmarks that have rightfully made their stamp that effectively defines Bath culture today. Our sole purpose is to give smaller, more humble businesses the exposure they deserve – if they gain just one customer by reading this, then we have done our job. We are here to help and will hopefully continue to do so depending on the level of demand we get over the coming months. By doing so, we can eventually fund the guide on a broader scale and circulate it to a wider audience, not to mention create a fully functional site with updates.

We hope you enjoy the guide as much as we did creating it! So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get out there and explore Bath!

The Alternative Guide to Bath Team

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RWYC Plymouth - Falmouth - Fowey - Plymouth 30th April 2nd May

RWYC Plymouth to Wolf Rock Race 1st July 3rd July

Plymouth Race Week 7th July 10th JulyPlymouth Regatta 30th July 7th AugustFalmouth Sailing Week 2011 6th August 14th AugustFowey Royal Regatta 2011 14th August 20th AugustTorbay Week 19th August 24th August

Royal Dartmouth Regatta 24th August 28th August

Shop Price Take away

Kindling Coffee ££ Yes

Tea House Emporium ££ YesSnack Bar £ YesGourmet Scoffs ££ YesYak Yeti Yak ££ No

Yen Sunshine ££/£££ YesThai By The Wier ££ Yes

Eastern Eye ££ No

Vegetarian

Yes

YesYesYesYes

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YesKing William ££ No

Assembly Inn ££ NoSub 13 £££ NoVelo Lounge £££ NoThe Raven ££ NoThe Hat And Feather ££ No

Yes

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Food & Drink - Comparitable Table

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OBath has always been renowned for its culinary delights, ranging from the re-cently established Hall & Woodhouse to the ever-extensive selection of dishes available at Wagamama’s. However, while the larger chains have certainly made an impact on Bath culture by drawing in impressive figures across the board, there are also a huge variety of unique dining experiences that offer something quirky in light of its competition.

It can be said that while conglomer-ates and branches are certainly com-mendable with its standardised palette of food, it seems to lack authenticity in terms of both culture and ingredients. To indulge at a legitimate Nepalese restaurant that is preserved and deco-rated in an otherworldly fashion is a far more rewarding endeavour than a weekly visit to Wetherspoons. This is not a guide for people who are simply just hungry – defying all levels of expectations, it is a guide for people who have an insatiable appetite for culture, lifestyle and all things alterna-

tive. This will also serve to convince our readers to break out of routine; there are quirky places scattered around the city that are certainly more affordable than the various outlets found in SouthGate shopping centre.

Our broad Food & Drink section will also cover other categories such as Coffee & Tea Rooms and Cafés. The former is an aspect that Bath thrives in, offering a breath of fresh air to the vast Roman vistas that has defined the city for so long. While eating scones and sipping on cream tea may not seem particularly trendy, it is a refreshing break from the bombastic, hustle and bustle lifestyle that will give you the opportunity to unwind and relax. It also comes highly recommended when introducing to relatives, allowing them to enjoy the fruits of what makes Bath such a privileged city.

In terms of coffee, it can be argued that a typified, mainstream customer will purchase what is deemed most convenient for them. While the likes of

Introduction to Food & Drink

Costa and Pret A Manger are instantly accessible and undoubtedly recogni-sable, it must be noted that the smaller businesses tend to roast and harvest a specific type of bean dependant on the season, effectively giving their coffee a distinctive flavour. It comes as highly recommended to check what we have in store over the next page. Pubs and Bars also run rife around Bath, effectively rendering it as a city landmark that helps sustain its local heritage. Each has its own atmosphere

and unique selling points, attracting various demographics of customers in the process.

Food & Drink isn’t just a social gather-ing amongst your peers. It is a cul-tural outing that is defined by its rich legacy, encouraging newcomers to try something different and break out their comfort zone. This is also the sole pur-pose of this guide – to entice people to try new things! So go ahead, tickle those taste buds!


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££Yeketi yak

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Gourmet Scoffs9 Terrace Walk, BA1 1LN Tel: 01225 471137

Gourmet Scoffs could not be further from the working class lifestyle of our first choice. The name says it all with an array of pas-ties and sandwiches to fill any stomach throughout the day. This award winning café is situated just outside Bath Abbey and is a short walk away from Parade Gardens, the perfect place to eat your purchased pastries. Even if the weather outside is grim, Gourmet Scoffs can accommodate you with their prior-ity seating inside. Each pastry is filled to the brim with the best quality ingredients and meats. Each one does not scrape on the filling as you find generous chunks of chicken, beef and veg-etables sitting in a perfectly blended sauce. Compared to its mainstream counterparts, Gourmet Scoffs is only slightly more expen-sive, but when compared on quality, this café trumps any other ten fold. From picking your own sandwich filling, with lavish ingredients from crayfish to Somerset brie, to a healthy but filling salad bowl. Gourmet Scoffs really know their stuff.

Snack Bar1 Railway St, BA1 1PF Tel: 01225 461705

Hidden away around the back of De-benhams is a small greasy spoon café that certainly lives up to its name. Greasy spoon cafés are dwindling in number, and in the predominantly middle class area of Southgate an unexpected café pops out of view with its green overhanding awning and invitingly simple décor. Upon entering you are greeted with the very familiar smell of grease which will lift any un-suspecting hangover from its host. The Snack Bar is small, with a tuck shop like counter and chalk board display of menu items. This cosy setting is complete with random paintings of unknown places and ‘get it yourself’ miss match cutlery. Perfect for any student or young worker on a budget. Snack bar is great for your mid day lunch, break-fast or even brunch. With low prices and huge portions you are certainly getting value for money, and upon leaving as an added bonus will have the smell of your lunch float-ing with you for all passers by to drool over.

CafesCoffee and Tea rooms

Tea House EmporiumAddress: New Bond StreetTel: 01225 334402 Website: www.teahouseemporium.co.uk

Unlike The Kindling Coffee Shop the Tea House Emporium can be found right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of central Bath. Located on New Bond Street, the Tea House Emporium sits unassumingly as a boring tea shop. But upon entering, it’s clear to see that the small shop is an Aladdin’s cave of special-ity tea leaves and equipment.

The shop has a limited floor space, but don’t let this deter you. The room has been filled with jars upon jars of different tea leaves all of which emit an exciting and sometimes fas-cinating aroma. Staff members are on hand to guide you through the most exciting tea choic-es from India, China and Nepal to name just a few. But if you’d rather search the containers for that unique brew yourself they’ll leave you to your own devices.

On first look it is hard to believe that the tiny shop could contain such a beautiful cellar tea-room and yet it does. It’s a superb addition to an already outstanding tea room.

Kindling CoffeeAddress: 9 Claverton BuildingsBath, Avon BA2 4LD Tel: 01225 442125

Situated in Widcombe, on the outskirts of the City Centre, The Kindling Coffee Company is a tiny independently owned tea and coffee shop. With its black exterior and white graphics the shop face wouldn’t look out of place in a Vic-torian town centre. The small café has a snug seating area at the back filled with mismatched chintz chairs and squashy sofas. It also over-looks the river Avon, with the sound of the flow-ing water allowing you to drift off into your own little world.

The shop caters for any coffee, or tea, lover and holds a range of speciality flavours and syrups to spice up any drink. The wide counter displays their vast range of homemade cakes and scones which would tempt any customer. Blackboards behind the counter display the shops wide va-riety of sandwiches and Panini’s made to the customers recommendations and there is never a long wait for food.

If you’re looking for a quiet and cosy drink The Kindling Coffee Shop is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy Baths beautiful scenery.

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Restaurants

Yak Yeti Yak12 Pierrepont Street, BA1 1LA Tel: 01225 442299 Website: www.yakyetiyak.co.uk

One of the best things about Bath is its huge array of family run restaurants. Yak Yeti Yak is just one of these, bringing the freshest, most authentic Nepalese food to the citizens of Bath. Listed in the Good Food Guide, Yak Yeti Yak has been given high expectations and it certainly delivers in this respect. While walk-ing down the hidden steps you are transport-ed to the gorgeous aesthetics of Nepal with potted plants and authentic décor.

Every detail is seen to, from the rustic dish-es you eat off, to the musky incense in the air. Each item on the menu is prepared with a keen eye: meat is succulent, chutneys are sweet, and the rice is sublime. You would pre-sume that the prices for Yak Yeti Yak’s food would be sky high, but the reality is anything but. Prices are lower than most chain restau-rants in Bath and it is easy to pay for a two course meal for under £10, something that many chain restaurants advertise on a regular basis.

Thai by the Weir16 Argyle Street, BA2 4BQ Tel: 01225 444834 Website: www.thaibytheweir.co.uk

Bath has its fair share of Thai and Asian style restaurants, many of which are independent and frankly wonderful places to go to eat. Thai by the Weir is one of the best - situated just off Pulteney Bridge, this small restaurant is a great choice for any food lover.

Upon entering you are invited into a cosy, laid back atmosphere. Friendly staff serve you eas-ily due to the small amount of tables, which allows them to give you the attention you de-serve. Décor is simple and something akin to a local café, with simple Thai paintings dis-played across the room. You are treated to low prices on their teas which arrive in a large tea pot accompanied by a small authentic cup for each person at the table.

The price range is also incredibly reasonable. For the best experience visit this restaurant in the week to avoid waiting for a table. We recommend going to independent restaurants because their menus always change, so you are given a new taste experience every time you visit.

The Alternative Guide To BathThe Eastern Eye8A Quiet Street, BA1 2JSTel: 01225 422323Website: www.easterneye.com

Curry houses are all the range in Bath with many local pubs and chains creating curry clubs and bargain bucket meals to excite any curry lover. However, upon closer inspection these lack lustre meals neither satisfy or ap-peal to any taste-bud.

Instead, why not explore and find the restau-rant hidden away between the walls of an estate agents and a local bank that packs a punch. From the outside, The Eastern Eye may look like a run down hostel, but upon entering you are guided up a flight of stairs and up into one very large, very beautiful Georgian room.

The Eastern Eye boasts an array of well trained staff which include hugely talented chefs that produce some of the best Indian food in Som-erset. If you think this award winning restaurant would empty your pocket of all its available change then you would be mistaken. Only slightly more expensive than your typical chain, this meal will not disappoint, and if you are really struggling for money then they have a lunch menu which slashes their prices significantly.

Yen Sushi1-12 Bartlett St, BA1 2QZ Tel: 01225 333313 Website: www.yensushi.co.uk

Yen Sushi is an authentic alternative to the mainstream YO! Sushi. A stark contrast from the neon glow décor of YO, Yen hosts a sim-ple white washed wall and displays its sushi conveyor belt as the centre piece. This interior reflects the hustle and bustle of modern Japan and keeps the theme running with chopsticks as utensils.

Pick up your first plate and you will see the co-lour of it correlates to a guide on your menu. Each plate has its own price ranging from the cheap to the more lavish and expensive. No matter your budget, it is easy to have a healthy full meal with many sushi plates. Ex-plore your taste-buds as you are offered octo-pus tentacle and fish eggs, all unique to this specific business.

While eating, you are treated to witness the making of your sushi as the chef is just feet away in plain sight. Just raise your hand and you will be instantly served.Get to Yen early if you want a seat at the con-veyor belt as the restaurant fills up quickly.

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Pubs & Bars

Assembly Inn16/17 Alfred Street, BA1 2QU Tel: 01225 333639 Website: www.theassemblyinn.com

Sky Sports, Pub Quizzes, Comedy Nights, Pool Tables – the Assembly Inn has it all. Lo-cated opposite the Assembly Rooms (hence the name) on Alfred Street, it’s the perfect place for a drink if you want to steer away from the chaos of the centre of town but don’t want to go too far out. The Assembly Inn serves a delicious selec-tion of home-made food daily, 12pm till 3pm weekdays and till 5pm at weekends. Definite-ly recommended as many family favourites are served at a reasonable price.The interior is lavishly designed, with a glossy, modernised ethic that makes it feel more con-temporary than its competitors. There is also a outside seating area that feels spacious and somewhat scenic considering its location.Serving a selection of real ales, continental la-gers, cocktails and coffees, The Assembly Inn is perfect for anything from a quick pint and snack to an afternoon watching Sky Sport 3D HD. The atmosphere is relaxing and friendly, so whether you are local or from afar, you will be welcomed like an old friend.

King William InnTunley Rd, BA2 0EB Tel: 01761 470408 Website: www.kingwilliaminn.co.uk

Nationally recognised as being one of the finest traditional free houses in the Country, the King William Pub on the corner of Thomas Street and London Road is an excellent ex-ample of some of the great pubs Bath has to offer. It is a traditional, old fashioned booz-er, faithful to Local Real Ales as well as well known brands. Praised by critics such as Giles Coran, the King William serves food every evening and Wednesday to Sunday for lunch, it’s a must if you are after anything from a quick snack to a two course meal. The atmosphere is friendly, with all ages wel-come and you are made to feel at home. There is also a Pub Quiz held the first Mon-day of every month, and a Book Club on the last Sunday of every month that includes a dis-counted price for a two course meal – it’s well worth going for a dine and a chat. Despite being situated on the outskirts of Bath, the King William still comes highly recom-mended for all food connoisseurs.


Sub 134 Edgar Buildings, George Street Tel: 01225 466667 Website: www.sub13.net

Highly regarded as Bath’s leading cocktail bar, this underground alternative is decidedly cool, stylish and chic, a perfect place for a glamorous night out. While its location may be somewhat obscure, the tremendous sense of discovery will eventually be worth it.Sub 13 is open at 5pm, however it is recom-mended to take full advantage of the two for one cocktails before 8pm. Serving a selection of wines and beers also, the prices can be on the expensive side, but don’t let that deter you. A work night out, catch up with friends or a romantic getaway, Sub 13 will cater for all any occasion, big or small. The range of drinks on offer are far more intri-cate than previously suggested bars, with the feral Mexican Fizz and tropical Mango Ba-tida declared as personal favourites. For the whole selection, check out the website in the info pane.So sit back and relax in the comfy, vibrant at-mosphere whilst sipping on the best cocktails in town. You won’t be disappointed.

The Raven7 Queen Street, BA1 1HE Tel: 01225 425045 Website: www.theravenofbath.co.uk

One of the most popular Free houses in Bath, The Raven is a traditional family-owned pub right in the centre of the city. It is twice winner of the City Pub of the year (2006 & 2010), voted for by Bath & Borders Campaign for Real Ale and is often hailed as a classic Eng-lish Pub.Hidden down Queen Street, just off of Queen Square, The Raven is a popular location for the creative type. The 1st Tuesday of every month they hold a Publishing Group, on the 2nd Monday of every month they have a Science Cafe and the 3rd Monday of every month they hold Bath Storytelling Circle. All evenings are extremely popular and you are guaranteed a fun and intriguing night. The food served is traditional and local with a delicious selection of Pies on offer, a personal favourite of ours.Serving a selection of real ales, lagers, wines, spirits, cider and soft drinks, The Raven prom-ises a quiet and relaxing time, a stone’s throw away from the very centre of Bath.

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OO On the very edge of the city centre on London Street is Hudson’s Steakhouse: Bar and Grill. Currently amalgamated with The Hat and Feather, Hudson’s is the place to head to if you’re after the best steak and burgers on this side of the Atlantic.

Perfect for a romantic evening and meal, Hudson’s is often bustling with people. You will have to pre-book a table in order to eat there, but is definitely worth the extra hassle. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable, al-ways welcoming and incredibly enthusiastic. The food is superb and cooked to perfection every time. There are a vast range of steaks on offer, all succulent and flavoursome in their own right, marinading in a vast range of sea-soned juices for extra tenderness. Although very pricey (a steak on its own will set you back about £20), Hudson’s is chic and sophisticated, a popular place if you have money to spend.

Velo Lounge

30 Moorland Road, BA2 3PW Tel: 01225 344663 Website: www.thelounges.co.uk Right in the middle of Moorland Road lies the critically acclaimed Velo Lounge. This bar/cafe is perfect for a quiet coffee or a night out with friends. A perfect alternative for social gatherings, whether be it an afternoon snack or a cocktail on a Friday night. It offers a selection of wines, beers and ciders at reasonable prices as well as delicious food served daily. They hold a pub quiz every Sun-day night which is always extremely popular so it’s worth getting there early. The staff are always eager to please and walk about with smiles on their faces. They are extremely help-ful and welcoming, exactly what you want for a perfect atmosphere. Popular with students, The Velo Lounge is cosy and warm with candles often flaming on the beautiful oak tables. They also provide a se-lection of books and games if you fancy some-thing a bit different.The Velo Lounge is a truly excellent establish-ment that should be around for many years to come.

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Hudson’s SteakhouseBar and Grill

14 London St, BA1 5BU Tel: 01225 425672 Website: www.hatandfeathers.com

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15% off for studentsrequires student card

O Many people have the preconceived notion that Bath is an elitist city that will only showcase prestigious, established outlets rather than experimenting with something a little less conventional. At first glance, this theory becomes in-creasingly apparent, especially when venturing through the lengthy strip in the city centre; many popular high street chains fill the gaps, initially giving the impression that smaller, lesser-known businesses have been made completely redundant. However, when exploring the outskirts of the city, things begin to change drastically.

Due to the vast array of shops on of-fer, it became an increasingly ambigu-ous challenge attempting to catego-rise them all. While there are certain types of shops that were easier to filter, we eventually had to create a miscel-laneous category for the more avant-garde, somewhat less-conventional places. This is what makes Bath such a wonderful city to explore – there are countless hidden gems buried under-neath its privileged exterior, ranging from material shops, vintage comic

shops that import rare items from other countries and home-made fudge facto-ries that willingly showcase their talents in front of the customers.

Bath is also renowned for its appraisal of literature, most notably the acclaimed Bath Literature Festival that happens on an annual basis. While there are cer-tainly the likes of Waterstones and WH Smiths to fuel the appetites of many hardened book aficionados, there are also stores that offer a massive library of literature, focusing mainly on collec-tor’s items and novels by lesser-known publications rather than chart-toppers. Toppings is also a celebration of all things literature, recently recognition from many celebrities in an attempt to promote their work and business; Ste-phen Fry managed to draw in a mas-sive crowd, helping the store to cement its reputation as a bookshop for people who are passionate about reading.

Other quirky outlets that are bound to entice any keen explorer are the char-ity and vintage shops scattered across the outskirts of the city centre. What dif-

ferentiates these from the norm are the overall aesthetic and absurdly extensive arrangement of each shop – the vintage shops in particular offer some unique design choices that will encourage any consumer to scour its wide range of items in the hopes of finding something special.

Charity shops are also filled with some fantastic deals that are only one of a kind – depending on the owner contrib-uting, there are normally some abnormal oversights that see limited edition items

being sold at a very affordable price. The array of stock available is always fascinating too, selling such things like action figures, cassettes, vinyls, board games – all at a bargain price.

There are many independent societies in Bath, all uniting as one in an attempt to help garner as much exposure as possible. By reading this, it is now up to you to spread the word – help these businesses make more money in order to stay afloat. It is for a worthy cause.

Introduction to Shops The Alternative Guide To Bath

RWYC Plymouth - Falmouth - Fowey - Plymouth 30th April 2nd May




Shop Price Size

Good Buy Books ££ Medium

Bath Old Books ££ SmallMr. B’s ££ LargeTopping’s ££ LargeSave The Children £ SmallJulian House £ Small

Bath Woman’s Refuge Charity £ SmallDorothy House £ Medium

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MediumMediumMedium

MediumYellow Vintage Shop ££ Medium

Jack and Danny’s £££ MediumKiss The Frog Again £££ MediumAmerican Dream Comics ££ SmallZeitgeist £££ SmallFudge Factory ££ Small

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Shops - Comparitable Table

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OGood Buy Books6 North Way, BA1 1LF Tel: 01225 469625 Website: www.goodbuybooks.co.uk

Looking for a bargain? Good Buy Books on the corner of North Parade is the place for you. Often the first stop for city newcomers – it is located just before the Tourist Informa-tion by the train station – this nifty bookshop offers a wide range of quirky publications that range from best sellers to the questionably more avant-garde.Stocking a selection of titles from fiction and local interest to cookery and travel, it is Bath’s longest lasting independent book shop after recently celebrating its 26th anniversary. It is also welcoming and holds an extremely friendly atmosphere. To top things off, Good Buy Books has a section dedicated solely to one of Bath’s most famous inhabitants, Jane Austen, and provides a vast selection of cheap, second hand books.Staff are always pleased to help with any questions you may have. So whatever book you are after, you can find it either in store or by requesting it by phone or on their website www.goodbuybooks.co.uk

Bath Old Books9c Margarets Bldgs, BA1 2LP Tel: 01225 422244

Situated directly between the Royal Crescent and The Circus, Bath Old Books is a more traditional take on the classic bookshop me-dium. Scattered throughout the shop are rare antique books, some even dating back to Victorian times. There are also a vast range of maps and journals on sale for reasonable prices. It is also the place to visit if you are interested in art books, children’s books, to-pography and travel. The owner and staff are extremely welcoming and are always ready to help with any questions or queries you may have. The street itself is known for being suitably pic-turesque, so why not choose one of the many books on offer, grab a coffee at one of the many cafés nearby and read till your heart’s content.If you are after rare or collectable books then Bath Old Books in the place for you. It comes highly recommended.

The Alternative Guide to BathBook Shops

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OToppings & Company Booksellers of BathThe Paragon, BA1 5LS Tel: 01225 428111 Website: www.toppingbooks.co.uk

Many people hail Toppings as the Best Bookshop in the Country, let alone in the City of Bath, and it’s not hard to see why. Locat-ed on The Paragon, just across from George Street, Toppings is a widely known indepen-dent book store, securing famous names for book signings and talks regularly. Inside and beautifully displayed on hand crafted bookcases are books, books and more books (over 43,000 in fact!) - it’s like a miniature haven for all of you budding book-worms out there. There are stools and seats available as well as fresh pots of coffee and tea, so why not make the most of your visit? Browse and chat with other visitors and check out which authors are coming to visit. Toppings also holds regular reading groups, more information on these can be found ei-ther in store or on their website.If you are after a bookshop that is brimming at its seams with books, Topping’s is the place for you.

Mr B’s Emporium14-15 John St, BA1 2JL Tel: 01225 331155 Website: www.mrbsemporium.com

Awarded Independent Bookshop of the Year in 2008, Mr B’s has been universally acclaimed by its huge selection of books, unique interior design and excellent customer service.The appearance and layout of the shop itself is beautiful, with plenty of room for you to move around in search of the perfect book. There are many comfy chairs for you to sit and read as well as a pot of coffee always on of-fer. The staff are exceptionally helpful and are always around if you would like some recom-mendations or even help finding a book. They also refrain from hassling the customers if you decide to spend the whole of the day brows-ing the glorious shelves!Mr B’s holds regular events which you can find out about either in store or on their web-site. They also have two books clubs that run on Monday and Tuesday nights which are highly recommended.So let’s spread the word and help out a small-er business!

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Dorothy House14 Moorland Rd, BA2 3PL Tel: 01225 444695 Website: www.dorothyhouse.co.uk

Located in the popular shopping district of Moorland Road, this quirky Dorothy House store is anything but conventional. Easily one the biggest charity shops in Bath, it stretches into three separate rooms which section off to clothing, children’s/books/kitchen and coun-ter services. Many gems have been found here from old army badges to a childhood board game. Dorothy house has half price days which will see most of its stock depleting in size as it is swept up. You could easily spend a good hour working your way through the huge ar-ray of second hand items.

Dorothy House is run by a lovely group of indi-viduals that will chat to you given any chance. Donations are always accepted and if you donate the right items, they will be swept up instantly. The children’s section is a must go for any new mother as you can save yourself a bundle by buying everything second hand. Then you can always give them back once you are done.

Bath Woman’s Refuge Charity14 Chatham Row, BA1 5BS Tel: 01225 442365

Bath Woman’s Refuge Charity is slightly out of the town centre and past the YMCA. The windows of this shop are clouded with leaflets and fliers for anything and everything avail-able in Bath, so much so you have to peer through any available gap to witness the amazing onslaught visible inside.

Push through the doors and a tip like atmo-sphere presents itself to you. The shop acts as a free for all as items are thrown into corners, shoved in boxes and lazily hung on hangers. Once you have witnessed this charmingly spo-radic shop it will bring out your inner child as you sift through mounds of items to find some of the most exciting finds in Bath. The staff are generally helpful and willing to co-operate if you haggle them down to a price best suited to you. Recommended for any charity shop lover and for general bargain lovers.

Julian House86 Walcot St, BA1 5BD Tel: 01225 331114 Website: www.julianhouse.org.uk

Julian House charity shop is one in its own, and not so much your typical charity shop. It resembles a hidden book shop which hosts a vast array of quirky and generic books that rivals the stock of WH Smiths and Water-stones. Located near Club XL, Julian House is situated on the outskirts of the city centre. However, with other such book shops located near for the general book lover, the walk is well worth it. From vintage collectables to a full blown chil-dren’s section, it is always a thrill to explore this charity bric-a-brac, filled with books you may never be able to find in your average mainstream shop. Professionally sectioned and organised in al-phabetical order, this shop takes great pride in its books and showcases their most sought after in shinning glass cases.Although Julian House is specifically labelled as a charity shop, don’t think that the prices will be bargain barrel low. However, you can normally find rare books being sold at a rea-sonable price, not to mention you’ll be help-ing a worthy cause at the same time.

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OSave the Children7 Walcot Street, BA1 5BN Tel: 01225 447236 Website: www.savethechildren.org.uk

Save the Children is just beyond the Podium and opposite the Trinity Hotel on the bottom end of Walcot Street. It serves as a humble charity shop and at first glance seems like any other, but upon closer inspection many inter-esting items are to be found. Old suitcases, wall ornaments and surprisingly fashionable clothes are contained within this small shop. You can also purchase a variety of new prod-ucts, from birthday cards, to small toys that you can give as gifts. There are also cheap video games and retro VHS tapes for collec-tors, all knocked down to bargain price.

Easy to navigate and extremely cheap for what you can find, Save the Children is a great lit-tle shop for any second hand lover. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you see something you like on display, as many of their most desir-able items will be presented on mannequins and in the shop window.

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How the map system works:

For those wondering what this feature means exactly, here’s the lowdown: each category is given its own colour scheme and the numbers correlate with the de-sired establishment. For example ‘Culture’ has been allocated with a glorious purple - throughout this section, you will notice numbers next to each photograph. Simply refer back to the map and, pres-to, there’s your location! Happy hunting!

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OYellow Vintage Shop74 Walcot Street, BA1 5BD Tel: 01225 404001

Located in the outskirts of the city centre, the aptly titled Yellow Vintage Shop boasts an at-tractive external aesthetic coupled with an in-viting interior design. Offering a wide variety of garish yet desirable lines of clothing rang-ing from psychedelic hipster t-shirts to zebra-stained garments, this unique independent business is anything but derivative. While vintage shops have gained notoriety for their limited selection and extortionate price range, this bucks the trend by aiming its wares at the student demographic effectively rendering it a more affordable choice in the long run.It also happens to be a unisex shop. There is a bargain rack down in the basement which is certainly more risqué but definitely a colourful selection nonetheless. Everything is stylishly presented thanks to the display mannequins that give the shop some added personality. It is also easy to navigate with everything in size order, all abiding to a colour scheme and arranged in tidy rows. If you’re looking something quirky yet present-able, please pop down and seek out the most accessible vintage shop in Bath.

Jack and Danny’s3 London Street, BA1 5BU Tel: 01225 312345

A completely different shopping experience when compared to the aforementioned ar-ticle, Jack and Danny’s is anything but your conventional vintage shop. First impressions are always a little overwhelming: items of clothing scattered around aimlessly, count-less racks consuming all visible pathways and some truly zany ensembles is more than enough to drive passer-byers away. However, underneath the mountain of fabrics and mate-rials lie some truly fascinating items of cloth-ing that will baffle as it will amaze. The very entrance consists of exotic shirts, blouses and garments that all attain a distinct hippie-esque quality about it. The changing rooms also feature a broken solider manne-quin that will undoubtedly frighten visitors initially but in hindsight is an integral part of the display. The latter half of the shop is a stunning free-for-all with no holds barred. A jungle of sorts, the roof branches out to the sky that is filled to the brim with clogs, boots, extravagant dresses, tuxes – you name it. While in stark contrast with the Yellow Vintage shop, this offers a much greater range albeit in a slightly more disorganised fashion.

Vintage The Alternative Guide To Bath

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Ice&aSliceContemporary design solution that works

Here at Ice&aslice our objective is to resolve contemporary design solution that really works. Is your company’s current advertising not generating the amount of buisness you had anticipated?

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OSan Francisco Fudge Factory of Bath6 Church St, BA1 1NL Tel: 01225 425714 Website: www.sanfranciscofudge.co.uk

In 1995 Maureen Lechmere and her husband Mark moved to England, from San Francisco, and opened a new chain of their popular fudge shop, this can be found on Church Street in Bath’s idyllic city centre. The two partners have always had a strong focus on quality and this is still the case. Only natural ingredients are used in the fudge, real butter, whole milk and the finest chocolate and every batch is scrutinised to ensure that it is cooked for the right time, at the right temperature so that every single piece of fudge is perfect. The shop has a huge marble table which per-mits customers not only to watch the fudge being made, but also to taste a number of delicious samples. The range of flavours is im-mense and includes chocolate mint, vanilla pecan, rum and raisin, rocky road and cook-ies and cream. The shop also boasts a selec-tion of peanut brittle, coconut ice, dipsticks, honeycomb and toffee. San Francisco fudge factory is a perfect place for anyone with a sweet tooth who wants good quality and reasonably priced treats.

Zeitgeist7 London Street, BA1 5BU Tel: 01225 332313 Website: www.zeit-geist.co.uk

Situated outside of Bath city centre, on Lon-don Street, Zeitgeist stands out even from the outside. The bright pink exterior with its ex-pansive windows reveals the vibrant designs and zany colour clashes which make the shop so exciting. The store boasts a wide variety of both antique and modern designs all inspired by Eastern art and culture. The array of mer-chandise includes rugs, bedcovers, cushion covers, dhurrie cushions and traditional Indian textiles and the diverse collection is updated four times a year.The shop caters for everyone and anyone and covers a wide price range, from the cheaper, often discounted products, to the much more expensive. However whether they are low, or high priced, the quality is always of a very high standard. Everything is presented well, if a little untidily and the stock is organised into its specific categories of items. If you’re looking for the best in Indian and Eastern furnishings then Zeitgeist is definitely worth looking at.

American Dream Comics72 Walcot Street, BA1 5BD Website: www.curiosity-shoppe.com/dream/

Located on Walcot Street, in the outskirts of Bath, American Dream Comics would be very easy to overlook. Walking through the grubby blue door there’s a feeling that you might stroll into somebody’s living room. In-stead you meet a rickety staircase which leads to the second floor shop. There are heaps of cardboard boxes filled to the brim with the older of the stores comic book collection, cha-otic but well organised by publisher name.

But this is not just a shop for those hardcore comic book fans and breaking up the maga-zines are collectable and fun figurines and colourful soft, plush toys. Not only of comic book characters, but also recognisable char-acters from popular television shows such as Family Guy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The merchandise varies in price from the very cheap to the more expensive, depending on its rarity. But all is of a high quality and well looked after.

American Dream Comics is an exciting inde-pendent shop that desperately needs to be exposed to a wider demographic.

Kiss the frog againWeston Rd, BA1 2XZ Tel: 01225 315157 Website: www.kissthefrogagain.com

In September 2010 three women saw their dreams realised when they opened their own eco-friendly business in the city centre. Ma-rie Postles, Caroline Vincent and Jenny Car-ruthers opened a business designing furniture and interior decorations made entirely from recycled produce. From the exterior to the in-terior the shop is a haven of vibrant colours and exciting textures, all designed from old furnishings. Huge windows show off the mer-chandise, displayed exquisitely and suited for each season.

The shop has a vast range of artists and de-signers who all lend their wares to contribute to the stores extensive product range. The de-signs are ever-changing and ever-evolving, fol-lowing the most current trends. The disorgan-ised shop floor complements the shops quirky ambience and features outlandish but com-fortable seating and artistic wardrobes and cabinets. The edges of the shops are reserved for shelving, holding antique china and glass-ware as well as the latest in handmade porce-lain and hand-sculpted metal design.

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ORWYC Plymouth - Falmouth - Fowey - Plymouth 30th April 2nd May




Venue Price Value

Egg ££ High

The Ustinov ££ HighBath Pavillion ££ HighICIA ££ HighBanyan Gallery ££/£££ HighWalcot Mortury Gallery ££ MediumMuseum Of East Asisn Art N/A HighBath Royal Literary And Scientific Institution N/A Medium

Variety

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Aqua Glass ££ MediumPostal Museum N/A Medium

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Bath is renowned for its rich culture, of-fering tourists a huge array of distinctive Roman monuments all while showcas-ing its preserved, stonewashed archi-tecture. However, while this is the cities’ unique selling point, many other under-rated intricacies are buried underneath that crave universal attention from locals and holiday-makers alike. Firstly, Bath is home to a gargantuan selection of the-atres, all with varying atmospheres and styles. Also, thanks to Bath Spa Univer-sity, there are many dance groups who are willing to perform at various differ-ent venues, ranging from contemporary performance pieces to other acclaimed genres. Each theatre is aimed at a specified demographic – while Theatre Royal have the privilege to hold shows with top celebrities, The Egg, Rondo and Ustinov all feature something that will cater to varying tastes.

A market that has been somewhat un-tapped over the years is Art and Design, an area that Bath is slowly familiarising itself with. Hidden within the outskirts of the city lies a beautiful chapel namely

the ‘Walcot Mortuary Chapel’ that built a credible reputation by showcasing artist’s work in a beautifully arranged setting. Each artist has his or her own distinct take on how to create an invit-ing atmosphere, creating an exhibition that is undoubtedly more personalised than others. The sensationally unique Banyan Gallery is also a sight to be-hold, displaying a wide range of per-fectly crafted Banyan esque pendants, crockery and canvas art. The latter even has countess student deals going on, so to take a browse comes highly recom-mended.

Another section that is often overlooked is the sheer degree of museums hidden away, especially along Bath Eastern or even the city centre. One of the most fascinating displays is undoubtedly the Aqua Glass museum in Walcot Street, a brilliant amalgamation of superbly crafted stained glass peripherals, all designed by professional glassblow-ers in the back room. There are other unique museums that cater for different audiences, most notably the Bath Postal

Museum, The Museum of East Asian Art and the Bath Royal Literary and Scientif-ic Institution. While the former may only appeal to a smaller number of people, it is genuinely enlightening to see some-thing filled with so much passion and enthusiasm. All of the said places have enough charm to ensure a second visit!

While it may be considered a niche market for some, art-houses, museums and theatres are all vital assets that help

define Bath. For those who are intrigued by the unknown, it comes as highly rec-ommended to browse the wide range of theatres on offer or witness some truly fascinating art via an exhibition or museum. So go on, explore Bath and make sure to spread the word!

Introduction to Culture

Culture- Comparitable Table

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OICIAConvocation Ave, Tel: 01225 386777 Website: www.bath.ac.uk/icia

The ICIA, or Institute of Contemporary In-terdisciplinary Arts is a theatre programme based at the University of Bath. The theatre’s shows are always based on an annual theme, this year being ‘play’. This theme is often asso-ciated with something happening either in the media or in the world and allows for a range of performances which although have an un-derlying subject matter still all remain unique. The shows performed by the ICIA vary greatly and include dance, music and exhibitions. They also vary in price, from totally free to a, still, low price.

The ICIA tags itself as an academic research centre and commissions new arts projects and provides a range of extra-curricular teaching courses. There are weekly classes teaching dance, theatre, music and, the ambiguously named, visual arts, which include digital art, drawing, portraiture and illustration. The classes are open to anyone aged 16 years or over.

The ICIA uses it’s brilliant performance space to put on a massive assortment of performanc-es and with it’s low prices and easy accessi-bility is perfect for anyone and everyone who

Bath PavilionN Parade Rd, BA2 4EU Tel: 01225 486902 Website: www.bathpavilion.org

Located on North Parade Road on the out-skirts of Bath city centre Bath Pavilion first opened in 1910 when it was The County Skat-ing Rink. However, in 1930 the city council took over the building and it was reopened by Mayor Alderman Sturge-Cotterell as a con-cert hall. The building is set unassumingly be-hind a throng of greenery and the sandstone is beginning to dirty with age. The main hall is minimal and can be used for sit down or stand up functions and the raised stage is per-fect for performances.

Bath Pavilion is used for music concerts, dance performances, charity events, exhibitions and a range of private functions. The building is particularly good for musicians and has played host to many world famous artists in-cluding Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Blur and Lily Allen. The building can also be hired by anyone. Hire forms can be found on its online website and are very easy simple to navigate. Bath Pavilion is great for anyone whether they are looking to hire a space or watch exciting and eclectic performances.

The eggSt. John’s Place, BA1 1ET Tel: 01225 823409 Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk/the-egg

The Egg is attached to Baths leading theatre, The Theatre Royal and can be found in Bath city centre, on Sawclose. The egg (lower case as it is styled) is a theatre made primarily for use by children; it was, in fact, Britain’s first ever children’s theatre and still leads the way. The egg is a recent construction and opened in October 2005.

There is a wide entrance hall as you walk into the building and an open plan café serves a wide selection of food and drink. The café is not only reasonably priced, but also sup-plies healthy, child friendly meals. The décor is flamboyant and an arts and crafts table bring the café to life with vibrant pictures cre-ated by the children. The actual performance space can be varied for completely day-lit or wholly blacked out performances. The space can also be used for three-walled box set pro-scenium arch theatre, as well as theatre in the round and traverse theatre.

The UstinovTheatre Royal, Saw Close, BA1 1ET Tel: 01225 448844

The Ustinov is another offshoot of The The-atre Royal and sits behind the egg. The the-atre cannot be missed with its striking design. Above the entrance hangs a huge statue of an angel, his hand reaching far into the sky. The original Ustinov opened in 1997 and in June 2006 Charcoalblue and Haworth Tompkins architects refurbished the studio which then reopened in 2008.

The Ustinov showcases emerging talent from national and regional production companies. The intimate theatre is home to many differ-ent types of theatre including operas, classical music concerts, one-man shows and comedy stand-up routines. The theatre styles itself as an art house theatre and shows the more independent and artistic mediums of perfor-mance.

The theatre has an interest in new writing and new talent hosting its very own ‘script facto-ry’. This debuts new plays written by up and coming playwrights who have come through the Ustinov Writer Development Programme. Similarly the theatre also premières flourish-ing theatre makers, advanced students of the Ustinov Artist Development Programme, who will perform ‘work-in-progress’ shows. Highly recommended.

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OBanyan Gallery1 Pierrepont Street, BA1 1LB Tel: 01225 420084 Website: www.banyangallery.com

If you have a passion for sustaining our natu-ral resources then the Banyan Gallery is the only shop in Bath for you. From the outside, the shop looks more like a museum, with stun-ning metal wall art which is glossed over to provide a shining finish, and driftwood sculp-tures from the Mekong River in Northern Thai-land. Walk through to a separate room and the volume of beautiful work stands before you. Vases glazed to look like glass stand as quality pieces of artwork among other beauti-ful ornaments.The Banyan Gallery is a family run business which sources and imports their products themselves, not only does this keep the price down but it also means that every item in the shop is truly unique. Although larger items cost a lot more, smaller ones such as gorgeous, unique necklaces and handmade paper products are of a solid stu-dent budget. If you’re looking to buy a gift for that special someone, or would rather spend your money on something with culture and meaning, then we implore you to give Banyan Gallery a try.

Walcot Mortuary ChapelWalcot Street, BA1 5UG Tel: 01225 477172 Website: www.bathnes.gov.uk

Walcot Mortuary Chapel is a light and airy space just off Walcot Street in a former church burial ground. The attractive space hosts two Victorian fireplaces and could easily house a group art exhibition. The chapel hosts many a variety of exhibitions from the high qual-ity with fur rugs, wooden benches and thick white candles, to the middle ground, with sim-ple pieces of artwork displayed and lit from flattering angles.The space is rented for a weekly fee which includes basic lighting and electricity costs so you need not worry about your cold guests. For such a small price the chapel is perfect for any exhibitor.The events hosted will usually be advertised around the area of Walcot Street so if you are passing by keep an eye out for any upcoming events or exhibitions. For more information visit the link above and hit Leisure and Culture, then to Arts and Enter-tainment, Arts – Development and hit Walcot Chapel – Hire of.

Art & DesignThe Alternative Guide To Bath

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OThe Bath Postal Museum27 Northgate Street, BA1 1AJ Tel: 01225 460333 Website: www.bathpostalmuseum.org

Located on Northgate Street, directly under-neath Bath’s main and central post office, The Bath Postal Museum is fairly unnoticeable from the outside. The museum was founded in 1979 by married couple Audrey and Henry Swin-dells and was tucked away in the basement of their home. However it has moved twice since then, once in 1984, to Broad Street and again in 2003, to its current Northgate Street home. The building holds everything that you could possibly want to know about the postal ser-vice. Furthermore, the museum also holds a vast range of bibliographies recounting the lives of the key figures in the development of the postal service. Not only can the public ad-mire priceless post-related relics in the flesh, but the museum also boasts an enormous electronic database of collections featuring valuable and rare artefacts which have rarely been seen by the public.

The museum holds an ever-growing and eclec-tic range of pieces and the admission is very cheap. With unusual, yet very fascinating col-lections readily available, the Bath Postal Mu-seum is a must-see for everyone and anyone.

Museums The Alternative Guide To Bath

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OMuseum of East Asian Art12 Bennett St, BA1 2QJ Tel: 01225 464640 Website: www.meaa.org.uk

Outside of Bath city centre the Museum of East Asian Art sits next to The Circus, one of Bath’s oldest examples of pure Georgian ar-chitecture. The museum, which looks from the outside as though it resides in somebody’s home, is an assortment of art and culture from China, Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia. The museum opened in 1993 and has gone on to become one of the most extensive exhibitions of East Asian art outside of London.

There are over 2000 objects in the Museum’s anthology and range in date from c.5000 BC to the present day. The collection includes a vast array of ceramics, lacquered artefacts, metalwork, woodwork and one of the most inclusive jade collections in England. The ex-hibitions aim to teach people about the his-tory of Asia and the traditions that its culture embraces.

The museum also has a huge museum shop, which sells extremely authentic reproductions of the ancient pieces which depict Asian art. The admission is inexpensive and since the museum is an educational charity the fund-ing helps to pay for the museums teaching resources.

Aqua Glass Theatre105-107 Walcot Street, BA1 5BW Tel: 01225 428146 Website: www.bathaquaglass.com

Just outside of the city centre Aqua Glass Theatre can be found on Walcot Street. This ‘theatre’ of sorts could also be called a ‘work-ing museum’ because not only is a unique and exciting range of glassware on show but the public can also witness the masterful art of glassblowing and stained glass artists.

Glassblowing demonstrations take place twice a day, from Monday to Saturday (the museum is closed on Sundays) at 11.15am and 2.15pm. As well as watching the art of glassblowing there is also a Q&A with the artists and any-one can have a go at blowing a simple glass bubble. Furthermore, if you want to advance your skills you can pay £75 to take part in a three hour glassmaking taster course.

There is a huge range of glass designs on of-fer, including exceptional jewellery, stained glass, baubles and hangings, sculptures and paperweights to name just a few. Bath Aqua Theatre covers pretty much everything, from interactive courses, to wonderful exhibitions and is definitely worth a visit.

Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution16-18 Queen Square, BA1 2HN Tel: 01225 312084 Website: www.brlsi.org

Situated in Queen Square in Bath city cen-tre, the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific In-stitution (BRLSI) is a gorgeous building. With huge pillars, the Grade one listed Greek Re-vival building, designed in 1830, is as grand as the knowledge it represents. The institution is an educational charity and not only serves as a place of learning, but also has a vast amount of exhibitions and displays.

The institution holds various discussions, all of which are open to both the public and BRLSI members/students and which all cost under £5 each. These talks can range from world-class scientists explaining their theories or research to famous authors discussing their latest projects. The institution also runs a pro-gramme of lecture and meeting groups, all year round except August and these range greatly in subject matter, including poetry, botany, politics and astronomy.

You never know exactly what will be exhibited in the BRLSI, but given the huge scope that it covers there will always be a display or dis-cussion which interests and excites someone.

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OIntroduction to Explore BathThe Alternative Guide To Bath

For a city that seems relatively con-tained in terms of structure, there is ac-tually a plethora of different routes and walks to discover rather than forfeit-ing to a typified routine lifestyle. From sunset drenched lakeside strolls across the weir to a challenging uphill battle through the meadows, there is always something that will cater to any one person’s tastes. For the more adventur-ous type of reader, we have accumu-lated a list of what we think are some of the best walks and views in Bath – of course, in order to reach them it is prob-ably best to go hiking rather than driv-ing there!

Some of the walks are also applicable for those who like to cycle – rather than scurrying through the city centre, it is sometimes a hugely rewarding experi-ence by taking the more scenic route.

There is always a lot of hidden culture scattered throughout the fields, includ-ing old railway lines and derelict facto-ries and buildings. In terms of the wil-derness and environment, the meadows are filled with various types of birds and other species, making it an integral place for birdwatchers. The views are also staggering to witness from afar, with a stunning an amalgam of plants, flowers and trees filling the void.

Another section that also defines Bath’s rich heritage is our thoroughly entertain-ing ‘Haunted’ segment. Throughout the piece, we have recommended the most notorious ghostbusting spots in Bath, all complete with their own story and mythology. While this may not be for everyone, there have been countless sightings across the city – for those who are intrigued by this prospect, it

is definitely worth checking out. There is also a haunted walk that is run by a team of hardened ghost-fanatics, in-troducing followers to places that have been terrorised by spirits over the years. Forget Most Haunted and sensationalist media: to experience such a thing first hand is undoubtedly the real deal.

There is plenty on offer, all with conflict-ing atmospheres – for those who wish to feast their eyes on something more tranquil, then a lakeside walk sounds like a fitting choice. As for the haunted section? Well, it would seem people would undertake such a task for differ-ent reasons. Either way they both come highly recommended and show the amount of diversity hidden within Bath.

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OLocksbrook CemeteryUpper Bristol Rd, BA1 3DQ

A graveyard may not be the most appealing place for a walk at first glance but if you look between the stones there’s a whole private wildlife show just waiting to be witnessed. Locksbrook Cemetery is nestled on the side of Upper Bristol road and is easily accessible by foot, car, bus or bike from the city centre. Stepping through the iron gates is like discov-ering a hidden world. The winding paths lead you to an old church. The building is beauti-ful, cloaked in ivy and home to a family of pigeons. Majestic oak trees catch the light in the autumn and provide welcome shade in the summer months. Squirrels chatter overhead and blackbirds sing out from the bushes. Blue-bells and daffodils grow abundantly and are great subjects for nature photography. Locks-brook is a safe haven away from the bustling city centre and a walk through its heart will prove that a graveyard is a place full of beau-ty and life. For those out of the loop, slip on your wellingtons and delve deep into Locks-brook Cemetery.

Canal Walk

Brassknocker Basin,The Canal Centre, BA2 9BN

Avon canal offers a beautiful and unusual se-cluded walk, making the most of the old rail-way line as its path. The path is accessible via the Windsor Castle Inn, just around the corner from Locksbrook Cemetery. You can also gain access behind the coach park, just west of the train station.Avon canal is a great walk if you want a bit of the city and country life together. Ducks inhab-it the canal’s waters and there are plenty of pretty canal boats to look at, bobbing in the breeze. Wooden picnic benches are scattered along the grassy banks, offering a welcome stop to appreciate the views of farmland and forest towards the northern end of the route. The canal walk is perfect for exploring from the outskirts of Bath, right through to the beat-ing heart of the city. If you fancy something to eat, the route also leads to a charming pub named The Boat House which overlooks a huge expanse of farmland. The canal pro-vides a pretty walk which is straightforward and impossible to become lost on.

WalksThe Alternative Guide To Bath

Royal CrescentLansdown Crescent, BA1 5EX

When visiting Bath, everyone at some point must go to see the Royal Crescent at the top of Victoria Park. It is one of the most beauti-ful displays of Georgian Architecture in the United Kingdom and is over two hundred years old. The sight of the buildings alone are stunning, but be sure to turn around to look at the spectacular view the Crescent has to offer. Although slightly blocked by trees, the sight is still rather beautiful. Being far away from any major roads, the crescent is a peaceful part of the city. Boasting beautiful stonewashed Ro-man architecture that spirals around a large circumference of the area, this is a building that astounds in both size and scope. The field outside of the Crescent is also ideal during the summer. There is simply nothing else like it. Grab a few friends, take a foot-ball, have yourself a picnic and enjoy yourself in the sun. Then afterwards, lie back on the grass and look out over the beady that Bath has to offer. It really does take your breath OO

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Kelston ViewKelston View, BA2 1NW

The first is Kelston View, located just by Bath City Farm on the outskirts of Oldfield Park and Twerton. From here you can see nearly every inch of Bath from height, and it’s definitely a must-go-to place to observe the annual Bon-fire Night display. There’s plenty of room to park up and wander along the fields just be-low the road.The field spreads out across a rather hefty circumference, making it a perfect spot for couples, families or even for sports and activi-ties. There is also a play park situated at the top of the hill.To the far right you can see the Abbey and just behind that, Bath Rec. To its left on the other hill the magnificent Landsdown Crescent can be seen, as well as the Royal Crescent just below it. The spot is a reminder of how much is going on in such a small city. A definite must if you want to see every single corner of Bath.

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Theatre Royal – In 1948, a pantomime complete with an ambitious ballet was going to be performed. In an attempt to add colour to the show, director Reg Mad-dox constructed a large Tortoiseshell butterfly on stage. However, one day, he stumbled upon a dead butterfly on stage and died shortly afterwards. The production became increasingly troubled after that, with the Tor-toiseshell butterfly representing a bad omen. The panto-mime eventually succeeded though, with a new butterfly swooping in one day to cleanse the aura.

Assembly Rooms – Officially declared the most popular ghost in Bath, the Man in the Black Hat ap-pears to be a lavishly dressed gentlemen who derives from the 18th Century. Usually wearing an extended black cloak, he is normally seen outside of the Assem-bly Rooms. For best results, it comes recommended to watch him at Sille Row and Bennett Street.

Bride in White Gown, Queens Square – While somewhat lacking in description and context, this one has been seen a couple times around Queen Square. She is usually wearing her wedding gown, supposedly aimlessly looking around for her lover. The story behind her is that she died just before the day of her wedding, so to fulfil her wish a wedding would be deemed as closure. Of course, this is all conjecture, but a haunting story nonetheless.

Crystal Palace Tavern, 10-11 Abbey Green – This one has been seen frequently by various members of staff: it has been said that a hooded figure has been caught wondering around the building if any alterations are being made. The ghost is difficult to identify due to its transparency, but many suggest that it could be a monk. He usually stays for a couple seconds before disappear-ing into the abyss.

HauntedThe idea of ghosts and spirits is an am-biguous subject indeed. Many people de-clare them as a myth, a riddle wrapped in an enigma that have no form of proof. Others believe there is something exis-tential beyond our comprehension, an idea that the supernatural actually ex-ists among us in the living world. There have been numerous sightings of ghosts in Bath over the years – believe it or not, countless people have witnessed the same scenario in specified locations. A co-incidence perhaps? For the non-believ-ers, we implore you to take a gander and explore what have been considered the most haunted places in Bath. Oh, and remember to bring a spare set of under-pants.

The Alternative Guide to Bath

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Bath and West Country MagicThe Trinity, James Street West, BA1 2DA Tel: 01225 427228 Website: www.curiosity.shoppe.com/magic

Bath and West Country Magic is a regular group that meets up to play the entertaining game Magic: The Gathering. Fun and strate-gic, it involves two players standing off with their selected Magic cards. The first to lose their 20 life points is out of the game. The group meets up every week at the Trinity Pub in Bath and hosts tournaments and begin-ning sessions with booster packs, so if you’re new to the game you won’t feel left out. This group allows like-minded gamers to gather in an effort to put their skills together and have some fun. The atmosphere ranges from friendly and re-laxed to heated and exciting, all with a pint of your favourite Trinity Pub beer. The Magic scene in Bath is large with over 100 players battling in one tournament, so get your wizard hat on and head over to the Trinity Pub to have your first taster. Alterna-tively you can email the organisers to gather more information on the wonderful game.

Bath West African Drum Circle103 Walcot St, BA1 5BWWebsite:www.meetup.com/bath.west.afri-can.drum.circle

Bath West African Drum Circle hosts a little pot of culture within our small limestone city. Your sessions will consist of learning how to play a Djembe drum using traditional tech-niques that originated from training schools in Guinea Conakary.By freeing your mind and loosening your body to the sound of the drum, you will learn a variety of traditional songs that will get you in the African spirit. With discount for students this could be the rhythmic activity you are looking for. Learn meditation while playing, which could reduce the stress of any deadlines coming your way.The Bath West African Drum Circle is an ex-perience that will hopefully change the way you feel about music, life and culture with excellent instructors and an authentic way of learning. Monthly meetings mean that your pocket will not suffer, but your mind will feel at ease.

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OBath Spa University is pleasedto support its students in producing this alternative guideto Bath.

So if you too would like to be part of a creative and enterprising university, please contact us for further details:[email protected] 875875www.bathspa.ac.uk

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From Fashion Design to Heritage, and from Foundation Degrees to Honours Degrees, you’ll findplenty of great courses to choose from at Bath SpaUniversity.

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