Return to Bath

Back to Bath today. It was a bit cold and overcast but no rain.
I started out with the hop on hop off bus. I find these busses give a good overview of the place I am visiting. Bath has two, a city tour and a skyline tour which is through the countryside above Bath.
Both routes had some interesting information, I did feel the city route went in circles a bit due to one way and narrow streets.
By the time I’d done both of these it was time for lunch. Saturday I’d been advised by several people to eat at Sally Lunn’s Eating House, a restaurant that serves brioche style buns with sweet or savoury toppings. The restaurant originated in the late 16th century when a huguenot refugee introduced brioche bums to the baker she was employed by. Her French name was anglicised to Sally Lunn.

I’d not waited on Saturday as there was a line. Today the line was longer but as my day was a lot more fluid I had the time to wait. When I did get a table it was in the third floor and I ended up next to a couple who I’d been chatting to in line. It was nice to have some company over lunch. Her siblings had been 10 pound poms but had returned home after a couple of years. She has a half uncle living in Perth. It never ceases to amaze me that nearly everyone I end up in conversation with has been to Perth or has a friend or relative living in Perth.
I had a Welsh rarebit bun. It was nice but not rave worthy.

I’d been reminded that Persephone Books was in Bath. While there were none of my preferred genre of girls own books they republish mostly female authors from the mid 20th century. The editions have lovely grey covers with patterned endpapers.
They had a special where is you buy 3 books you save £5. I found it easy to choose three books, they look to be cosy reads.

From there I went around to The Royal Crescent. This is a set of 30 Georgian townhouses in a crescent shape. To get there I walked along The (non) Gravel Walk which was very popular in Jane Austen’s time.

Headed home via Bradford upon Avon. I learnt today that the Celtic word for river is Avon. The Romans misunderstood the Celts when they were naming places in England so there are 5 river Avons in England.
Bradford upon Avon’s river Avon is not the same river as Stratford upon Avon’s river Avon.
Bradford upon Avon was very pretty but it was peak hour traffic so I just drive through rather than stop.
I’ll see how tomorrow goes as to whether I stop by for a proper visit,En savoir plus