Bath, a World Heritage city with a rich 2,000-year history, instantly surrounds you with a profound ancient Roman vibe the moment you start exploring!
First up is the name "Bath," which literally relates to "taking a bath." This is because the city was famous for its Roman baths in ancient times! When you visit the Roman Baths, you absolutely have to snap tons of photos and get a glimpse into the ancient spa lifestyle. Right next door is Bath Abbey, a spectacular Gothic cathedral with an incredible atmosphere inside—it’s extremely Instagrammable📷.
Afterward, you can't miss Pulteney Bridge. Just take a stroll past Parade Gardens, where both sides are lined with gorgeous little cafes and boutique shops. Snapping pictures while chilling with a drink, or just grabbing a seat at a cafe right on the bridge, will make for an absolutely flawless afternoon. I also highly recommend checking out the Royal Crescent. It’s only about a 20-minute walk away, and this magnificent crescent-shaped architecture is perfect for shooting stunning portraits. It’s bursting with that classic British aesthetic!
All that walking will definitely work up an appetite~ I wholeheartedly recommend grabbing a bite at Solina Pasta. Their pasta is made from scratch, and every dish is unique, perfectly creamy, and full of flavor profiles! Their tomato beef pasta uses tender shredded beef instead of your typical ground beef, making every bite incredibly hearty and satisfying! My absolute favorite is the mushroom and black truffle pappardelle—the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, and paired with that sauce, it’s simply divine! I seriously wanted to order seconds!
The city center of Bath isn't too large, making it super accessible. You can easily hit all the popular spots mentioned above just by walking. It’s super chill, so you never have to worry about getting lost~ If you're planning a UK trip with your besties, Bath absolutely needs to be on your itinerary!
⚡ Related Location Info:
Roman Baths: Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ, United Kingdom, Opening Hours: 08:30-18:00
Bath Abbey: Bath BA1 1LT, United Kingdom
Pulteney Bridge: Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AT, United Kingdom
Royal Crescent: Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LR, United Kingdom
Solina Pasta: 2, Victoria Buildings, Lower Bristol Rd, Bath BA2 3EH, United Kingdom
If you're heading to the UK, remember to plan a few extra days to stay in Bath~ The history and breathtaking views offer way more than just a quick photo op; it's a truly fun and relaxing getaway💞
Friendly reminder: remember to book your Roman Baths tickets online for a specific time slot in advance so you can skip the ticket line!
The Roman Baths
Bath never demands attention. Instead, it reveals itself gradually, like steam drifting through ancient stone or morning light settling across honey-coloured Georgian buildings. There is an unhurried rhythm here, where the River Avon moves gently and the city seems to breathe with the warmth rising from the earth beneath it. Everywhere you walk, history feels quietly alive.
Day One: Water Beneath the Stone
Begin at the Roman Baths, where mineral-rich waters have flowed for nearly two thousand years. Steam rises from the Great Bath, blurring the line between reflection and ruin, while weathered stone tells stories of the city's Roman past. It is here that Bath's identity begins—with water that has never lost its warmth.
Later, visit Bath Abbey, whose soaring Gothic architecture creates a striking contrast with the ancient baths below. Sunlight filtering through stained glass paints soft colours across the stone floor, while the sound of bells echoes beyond its walls, connecting centuries of history with the present day.
Dish of the Day: A traditional Bath bun, warm and lightly sweet, filled with candied fruit and topped with sparkling sugar. Simple, comforting, and unmistakably local.
Day Two: Stone, Symmetry and Elegance
Spend the morning at the Royal Crescent, one of Britain's finest examples of Georgian architecture. Its graceful curve, pale limestone façades and sweeping lawns create an effortless sense of balance, proving that Bath's beauty lies in proportion rather than extravagance.
A short walk leads to The Circus, where three curved terraces form a perfect circle. As you wander, carved stone details, softened by centuries of weather, reveal themselves slowly, making every corner worth a second glance.
Dish of the Day: Bath Oliver biscuits, crisp and understated, traditionally served with cheese. Their simplicity perfectly reflects the city's quiet elegance.
Day Three: Steam and Skyline
Relax at Thermae Bath Spa, where naturally heated waters continue a tradition that has defined Bath for centuries. From the rooftop pool, steam drifts into the skyline as church spires, limestone rooftops and distant hills merge into one peaceful view.
Finish with a walk along the Bath Skyline trail. From above, the city's crescents, winding streets and the River Avon come together in a landscape that feels both carefully designed and naturally timeless.
Dish of the Day: Somerset cheddar rarebit, rich melted cheese served over toasted bread, often enhanced with ale or mustard—a hearty reminder of the region's culinary heritage.
Bath lingers long after you leave. It remains in the warmth of old stone, the memory of rising steam and the quiet curves of its elegant streets. Rather than a city you simply visit, Bath is one you continue to remember, unfolding slowly long after the journey ends.
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The Royal Crescent
An English Overture Above the Clouds: Shanghai Direct to Manchester
Your Complete Guide to Juneyao Airlines 787-9 Business Class Round-Trip Experience!
Shanghai Pudong T2 "Sijin" Lounge + Full Flight Record of HO1661/HO1662
For this trip exploring British historical dramas, besides the captivating British castles and film sets, there was a "companion" that deserves a special mention throughout the journey – Juneyao Airlines. As the first direct route from Shanghai to Manchester, I chose business class for both the outbound and return flights, operated by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Today, I'll provide a detailed airline experience report, along with highlights from my itinerary in the UK, for anyone planning a trip to Britain.
Departure: Shanghai Pudong T2 "Sijin" VIP Lounge
My outbound flight, HO1661, departed at 01:55 AM. This timing is quite awkward, but Juneyao Airlines' "Sijin" VIP Lounge No. 72 at Pudong T2 International Departures is open 24 hours, making it a lifesaver for red-eye flights!
Follow the signs near Gate D73 up to the second floor, and you'll find this lounge, which opened in 2024. After checking in at the front desk, staff will attach a QR code to your boarding pass, allowing unlimited entry and exit, which is very convenient. The lounge's color scheme is predominantly pink, with a strong sense of design and clearly defined functional areas. What surprised me most was the shower room – it provides towels, slippers, and even a Dyson hairdryer, along with Aesop and Acqua di Parma toiletries! Taking a shower before a long flight makes you feel completely refreshed.
The dining area is another highlight. Even in the early hours, the noodle bar is open 24 hours, and the taste is absolutely on par with China Eastern's famous noodles. The Chinese and Western dining areas are clearly separated, and there's a wide selection of beverages, including San Pellegrino sparkling water. If you arrive during meal times, you can also enjoy a hot buffet.
Most interestingly, the lounge displays traditional Chinese musical instruments, creating a rich cultural atmosphere. I even met Chef Liu, who explained Juneyao Airlines' catering philosophy – they adjust recipes based on altitude, for example, increasing the amount of certain spices at high altitudes.
Tip: Business class passengers, Juneyao Platinum/Gold Card holders, and Priority Pass members can all enter. If paying out of pocket, it's 260 RMB, but using a PP card is more cost-effective.
Outbound: HO1661 Shanghai → Manchester (Boeing 787-9)
Boarding time arrived. The Boeing 787-9 operating this flight is less than 2 years old, so it's very new. The business class features a 1-2-1 layout with 29 seats in total. I chose a window seat, which offered excellent privacy.
Seat configuration:
102 cm legroom, 71 cm seat width
Can recline 180 degrees to a fully flat bed
Equipped with an in-flight entertainment system, USB port, and power outlet
Upon boarding, slippers, headphones, eye masks, earplugs, and a small bottle of mineral water were already provided at the seat. There was no welcome drink, but the flight attendants quickly brought hot towels. Dining experience – this is Juneyao Airlines' strong suit!
What impressed me most were the service details – the crew would squat down to serve passengers, a level of respect rarely seen in the airline industry anymore. Everyone spoke fluent English. I slept for 5 hours during the flight, and the lie-flat seat was truly comfortable. After waking up, I had the second meal – Lion's Head! What's it like to eat Lion's Head on a plane??? But it tasted surprisingly good, paired with optional Weidongli series cocktails, Chandon Rosé sparkling wine, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, and many more. Wine lovers will be in heaven. You can really drink all the way, can't you!
Tip: The in-flight entertainment system has a rich library of films. You can also watch Juneyao Airlines' self-produced travel destination series to get some ideas before visiting a destination.
UK Itinerary Overview + Transportation Tips
Landing in Manchester at 07:30 AM local time, the day was just beginning. This trip covered Manchester, Bath, Bristol, Bray, and London. I've summarized some highlights and transportation methods:
Manchester: Must-visit John Rylands Library, Castlefield Viaduct.
Bath: Must-visit Royal Crescent, Jane Austen Centre, hot springs.
Bristol: Must-visit SS Great Britain, Queen Square (Sherlock filming location), Banksy murals.
Bray: Must-visit Monkey Island Estate, The Hinds Head (Michelin).
London: Must-visit Old Royal Naval College (The Crown filming location), Kenwood House (Notting Hill), Platform 9¾.
Accommodation Recommendation: This trip, I stayed at three hotels under the YTL Hotels group – Monkey Island Estate (a secluded island retreat on the River Thames), The Gainsborough Bath Spa (the only hotel in Bath where you can bathe in Roman thermal waters), and The Academy (a literary haven in London Bloomsbury). Each one deserves a separate review, which I'll share in detail later.
Return: HO1662 Manchester → Shanghai
The return flight, HO1662, departed at 10:40 AM local time, also on a Boeing 787-9. The business class check-in counter at Manchester Airport was very efficient, and security had a fast track, making the overall experience smooth. The in-flight service standards were basically the same as the outbound flight. It's worth mentioning that for lunch on the return flight, I chose the Western option – steak + mashed potatoes! Oh my, eating steak on a plane, how refined!
Landing in Shanghai was at 05:05 AM the next day, perfect for a Didi ride home to catch up on sleep. So, how was this lie-flat journey? Pretty good, right? Feel free to call Gu with any questions about airlines or planes, I'm online to answer! Wishing everyone a happy UK travel plan!
The Roman Baths
Bath, England—a UNESCO World Heritage town beloved by the Romans and meticulously crafted during the Georgian era—is worth exploring at a leisurely pace.
A must-visit is the Roman Baths: Descend the ancient stone steps and get up close to the 2000-year-old thermal springs and temple ruins. With an audio guide, you'll feel transported to Roman Britain. The adjacent Baths Museum displays exquisite artifacts; don't miss the chance to sample the thermal spring water (it has a slightly sulfurous taste, quite unique!).
Stroll through Bath Abbey, gazing up at the Gothic fan-shaped vaults and stained glass windows. Climb the bell tower for panoramic views of red-tiled roofs and the meandering River Avon.
The heart of Georgian charm lies the Royal Crescent and The Circus: the honey-colored Bath stone architecture is picturesque, best visited at dawn or dusk for its enchanting interplay of light and shadow. Rent a bicycle and cycle along the river, or relax at a café on Pulteney Bridge and watch the waterwheels and the ancient bridge reflected in its water.
Food is a must: try a slice of authentic Bath Bun (sweet yeast bun) with Earl Grey tea; for dinner, choose a riverside restaurant, such as "The Scallop Shell" or the hidden gem "No. 15".
Tips: Bath is a small city, easily accessible by walking and bus; it's recommended to buy the "Bath Explorer Ticket" which includes attractions and transportation; avoid weekend crowds, the square outside the Baths is quietest on weekday mornings.
400 years of Georgian elegance, 2000 years of Roman spas, a city of poetry—Bath is Britain's most exquisite amber of time.
#discoversaudimoment
The Roman Baths
The Roman Baths in the city of Bath are one of the most atmospheric historical sites in England, where you can still see an almost perfectly preserved ancient Roman bath complex.
At first glance, these aren't just ruins, but a very "alive" space: green water, stone walls, and steam rising from the hot springs. It all makes you feel like you've stepped right into the Roman era, which has somehow survived to the present day.
The main thing here isn't just to look, but to feel how people came here for relaxation, socializing, and rituals nearly two thousand years ago.
✨ What's particularly impressive:
♨️ ancient thermal springs with warm water
🏛 beautifully preserved Roman architecture
🗿 statues and ancient artifacts
🌫 a light mist over the water, creating a mystical atmosphere
📸 the contrast between the ruins and Bath's modern cityscape
The most powerful moment is standing by the Great Bath and imagining the bustling life it once held: people talking, relaxing, and hanging out exactly as we do today—just in a different era.
It's especially atmospheric to visit in the morning or on an overcast day, when the steam over the water becomes even more pronounced and everything looks almost surreal.
💡 Useful info:
· 📍 located in the city center of Bath, England
· 🎟 admission fee applies
· ⏳ plan for 1–2 hours for your visit
· 🏛 the modern Thermae Bath Spa complex is right next door
· 📷 plenty of great photo spots from various angles inside
· ☕ the city of Bath itself is gorgeous to walk around
Fun fact: The city of Bath was actually named after these very Roman baths and was used as a resort way back during the Roman Empire.
Ultimately, the Roman Baths offer a rare sensation: you're literally standing in a place where history didn't just end, but simply continues through the centuries.
BathVacation Packages - Top Attractions to Visit