Bath is a stunning and historic city in England. Steeped in history dating back over two-thousand years, you will be spoiled with options for things to do. Less than a 1.5 hour train journey from London Paddington Station, it is a very easy day trip. We recently did this at the end of our visit to England and absolutely loved it. Next time we go though, we plan to spend more time. There is so much to see and do! Bath is a very walkable city….everything is packed into a very small area. You do not really need a hop-on, hop-off bus from a logistical sense, but there is a tour option that offers a Bath skyline tour outside the city of Bath and the city itself. Click on image for a link to book. The Roman Baths are one of the top attractions and is the reason why Bath (as a city) was established. Over 2,000 years ago, the Romans discovered they could harness the geothermally heated waters that came up from underground. The temple was constructed in 60–70 AD and the bathing complex was gradually built up over the next 300 years. For hundreds of years, the Romans used these baths for public bathing. Today, you can visit the Sacred Spring, Roman Temple and the Roman Baths. Roman baths and walking tour with Viator While it is not possible to use the historic Roman baths themselves, you can still enjoy the same natural hot spring water at Thermae Bath Spa. This one-of-a-kind complex brings the spa into the twenty-first century, with lovely treatments, relaxation spaces and a spectacular rooftop pool offering 360-degree views of the city. This is one of the best things to do in Bath, if time allows. After visiting the Roman Baths, there is so much more to explore. Be sure to visit the iconic Royal Crescent and the majestic Circus. Bath’s stunning honey colored Georgian architecture is straight from a Jane Austen novel. Bath has many museums and galleries (far too many to list here). Dive into Bath’s culture at The Holburne Museum or relive the Georgian era at No.1 Royal Crescent. Here you will see how life was lived during the late 1700’s. Immerse yourself in the dark world of Mary Shelley and her famous gothic creation at House of Frankenstein. Visit Victoria Art Gallery for classic and contemporary art in a splendid Victorian setting, or learn about the life of Bath-based astronomer and musician William Herschel at the Herschel Museum, which also hosts regular astronomy session. If you are a lover of Jane Austen novels, be sure to visit the Jane Austen Center. It is located on the same street where she last lived in Bath. The Georgian building offers a glimpse into how it would have looked in her day. The novelist spent several years living and writing in Bath. In fact, two of her novels are set in the city – Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. The Jane Austen Center in Bath focuses on the life and works of Jane Austen, as well as the Regency period in which she lived. It is a constantly evolving attraction and aims to inform and entertain visitors. The attraction is interactive and the experience is immersive. Actor guides are dressed in Regency costume, there are period decorations throughout and the exhibits bring visitors closer to Jane Austen. This is a family friendly activity. The Center also organizes another one of the top things to do in Bath, the Jane Austen Festival. You can read more about the festival on their Festival page. https://janeausten.co.uk Visit the Bath Abbey You can also take the Bath Abbey Tower Tour to see the different, working side of this iconic landmark. Walk up the 212 steps to the top, you will climb past the ringing chamber to the bell chamber, have the chance to stand above Bath Abbey’s vaulted ceiling and sit behind the clock face. Once you reach the roof, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views over the city and surrounding countryside. Pulteney Bridge is one of only four bridges lined with shops in the world. It was designed in 1769 by Robert Adam and crosses the River Avon. The bridge is named after Frances Pulteney, the wife of William Johnstone Pulteney. William was an important man in Georgian Bath, owning a lot of land in the surrounding area. He had grand plans to create a ‘new town’ to rival that of John Wood’s on the west side of the city. His grand scheme needed a new bridge and he didn’t want just any old bridge, he wanted a spectacular bridge, one which everyone would talk about. The architecture is Palladian, with pediments, pilasters and tiny leaded domes at either end. The shops are small and the roadway is not wide, but when the bridge opened in 1770, it was a revelation. Today it is one of the world’s most beautiful and romantic bridges. Walk across the bridge and explore the tea shops, restaurants and small stores. Of course, you will want to eat while visiting and have drink or two. What food and drink is Bath known for? Many pubs serve a traditional pie (meat or vegetarian). The Raven is famous for their “pie and a pint”. It is a traditional old English pub that offers good hearty pies and sausages complemented by an ever-changing selection of real ales, ciders or wine. https://www.theravenofbath.co.uk Bath is well known for two types of buns….the Bath bun and the Sally Lunn bun. The Bath bun is a sweet roll sprinkled with fruit and crushed sugar. It was one of Jane Austin’s favorites. The Sally Lunn bun is a light brioche-like creation only made at Sally Lunn’s house in Bath. These two rivals have battled it out for centuries, but which one is best? You’ll have to try them both and decide for yourself. There are also many fine dining options available throughout the city. Several worth mentioning are the Circus Restaurant (voted best restaurant in Bath overall), The Salamander, The Scallop Shell, The Pulteney Arms and The Pump Room. The Pump Room is arguably theContinueContinue reading “Top Things to do in Bath – Roman Baths, Georgian Architecture, and Culinary Delights”
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Skagway Alaska Cruise Port: Complete Guide for Visitor
Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Skagway Alaska Cruise Port: Complete Guide for Visitors This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! A popular Alaska cruise port, Skagway is a fascinating place to explore, especially if you love history, unique local culture, and spectacular scenery. During a cruise stop in Skagway, you can step back into the days of the Klondike Gold Rush while also enjoying the incredible natural beauty Alaska is known for.Skagway is the northernmost port in Alaska’s Inside Passage, located at the northern end of Lynn Canal. Once a bustling boomtown and the gateway to the Trail of ’98 and the Klondike gold fields, Skagway is much quieter today, with roughly 1,000 year-round residents. During the summer cruise season, however, the town comes alive as more than a million cruise passengers visit Skagway each year.Long before the Gold Rush, the area was used by the Tlingit people as a hunting and fishing ground. In 1896, gold was discovered on a tributary of the Klondike River, about 600 miles from Skagway. When news of the discovery spread, thousands of prospectors headed north, and Skagway quickly grew into a bustling frontier town with a population estimated at 8,000 to 10,000.Many of Skagway’s historic buildings from this era still stand today, along with the town’s distinctive raised wooden sidewalks. On June 28, 1900, Skagway officially became the first incorporated city in Alaska, beating Juneau by just one day. Skagway Cruise Port Most cruise ships visiting Skagway, Alaska, dock at one of the town’s waterfront cruise piers, including the Ore Dock, Railroad Dock, or Broadway Dock. The docks are conveniently located near downtown, making it easy for cruise passengers to begin exploring the historic town.The Railroad Dock has experienced changes in recent years because of rockslide concerns. Depending on current conditions and your ship’s docking location, access to the pier may be limited, so it’s a good idea to check your cruise line’s information before your visit. What You Need to Know About Skagway Cruise Port One of the great things about Skagway cruise port is how convenient it is for cruise passengers. The downtown area is within easy walking distance of the cruise docks, making it simple to explore on your own.There are also plenty of Skagway shore excursions to choose from, including the popular and historic White Pass & Yukon Route. If you haven’t booked an excursion before your cruise, you’ll find tour operators and vendors near the port offering options once you arrive. Currency in Skagway Although Skagway is just a short distance from Canada, it is located in Alaska, USA. The official currency is the U.S. dollar (USD).Most businesses in Skagway accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards, so you shouldn’t have any trouble making purchases during your visit. Language in Skagway English is the primary language spoken in Skagway. However, you may hear some uniquely Alaskan expressions during your visit.A few you might encounter include: Lower 48 – The 48 contiguous United States Break-up – The springtime period when the ice and snow finally begin to melt Cheechako – A newcomer or someone new to Alaska Skagway Time Zone Skagway is in the Alaska Time Zone. During Alaska’s cruise season, the area observes Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT), which is one hour behind Pacific Time and four hours behind Eastern Time.Keep this in mind when booking excursions or making plans for your day in port. Your cruise ship will also provide the official onboard time, which is the time you should follow when returning to the ship. Skagway Weather During Alaska’s cruise season, temperatures in Skagway can range from the 40s to the low 60s Fahrenheit. While Skagway generally has a drier climate than some of the other Southeast Alaska ports, don’t assume you’ll always have sunshine.I’ve experienced some beautiful weather in Skagway—and I’ve also experienced one of the wettest days I’ve ever had in Alaska. It was POURING!Skagway can also be surprisingly windy because of its location at the end of Lynn Canal and the surrounding mountain valley. Even on a relatively mild day, the wind can make it feel considerably cooler.My Alaska cruise packing tip: Layers are your best friend. Mornings can start out chilly, while temperatures may warm up considerably later in the day. A waterproof jacket is also a smart addition, especially if you’re planning to spend the day exploring outdoors.If you’re wondering what to wear on an Alaska cruise, I recommend planning for changing weather rather than packing one heavy coat. Being able to add or remove layers throughout the day will make exploring Skagway much more comfortable.Tip: When considering what to wear on your Alaska cruise, dressing in layers is always a good idea. Mornings will start off cool, but the weather can warm up significantly later in the day. Getting Around Skagway One of the easiest things about visiting Skagway on a cruise is how walkable the town is. The cruise docks are just a short walk from downtown, and the terrain is generally flat, making it easy to explore Skagway on foot.Once you leave the ship, you can stroll along the waterfront and quickly reach the historic downtown area, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and plenty of opportunities to experience Skagway’s Gold Rush history.One thing to watch for is Skagway’s elevated wooden sidewalks. They’re part of the town’s historic character, but the uneven boards can be an easy place to trip if you’re not paying attention. Take your time, especially if you’re wearing sandals or other shoes that don’t provide much support.Overall, Skagway isContinueContinue reading “Skagway Alaska Cruise Port: Complete Guide for Visitor”