Rising up, I used to be your typical bookworm, dropping myself in narratives of thriller, romance, and the supernatural. Nonetheless, not one of the classics fairly hit the spot like Satisfaction and Prejudice does. Jane Austen’s iconic work exhibits a lady unwilling to just accept the conventions of her day and refusing to marry an fool, or certainly, anybody whom she would not love. Regardless of its conventional but fashionable sensibilities, it feels defiant. It struck a chord.
So, once I realized that the attractive Georgian metropolis of Tub had a Jane Austen Festival yearly, I used to be excited to search out out extra. Tub is a metropolis I have been to a few occasions earlier than — my mom is from there — however I hadn’t been for the higher a part of 15 years. It is the place Jane Austen known as house from 1801 to 1806, as did Mary Shelley, the long-lasting creator of Frankenstein. Add within the capturing areas for the Netflix Regency-era phenomenon, Bridgerton, and it is a metropolis bursting with historical past, literary prowess, and finally, romance.
With all of this in thoughts, why must you go to the fantastic metropolis of Tub, and the place are the very best locations to remain and eat for a Mrs. Bennet-approved go to? Let’s dive in and discover out extra.
This Historical Metropolis Is House To The Jane Austen Pageant
Yearly in September, town of Tub opens its proverbial doorways for 10 days of bonnet-filled enjoyable and occasions. The Jane Austen Pageant has been happening since 2001 and attracts Austen followers from all world wide. The occasions fluctuate from coach journeys to the close by filming location for Meryton, to professional talks on the context of Austen’s writing period, to workshops on the way to fence and dye clothes, as would’ve been performed in Austen’s time.
It is an immersive competition that spans all the metropolis. Whether or not you are concerned or not, you will see folks in full Regency gown (bonnets, capes, empire waistlines, and all), wandering the traditional streets of Tub between bewildered historical past vacationers and desensitized locals. Nonetheless, this 12 months’s competition has a particular bonus. 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s start, so celebrations are being held throughout England all year long.
After all, no Austen-inspired competition can be full with no ball. There’s a ball held in the course of the competition, in addition to a separate Summer time Ball in June, and a particular Xmas Ball in December to coincide with Austen’s birthday. These embrace conventional dances, meals, and Regency costume is completely obligatory. There’s even a reside band to assist orchestrate the festivities. As Mr. Darcy says in Jane Austen’s Satisfaction and Prejudice, “There may be nothing like dancing in any case. I think about it as one of many first refinements of polished society.”
Take pleasure in Historical past Round Each Nook In Tub
Whereas the draw to Tub this time was the Jane Austen Pageant, it is unimaginable to disregard the wonderful historical past that lies round each nook. The town heart of Tub is very walkable, that means you could roam round and see 4 or 5 historic or cultural sights in a day, with no need to hitch an organized tour. A number of the best-loved sights embrace:
The Royal Crescent
A sweeping parade of Georgian homes, set on a curve above a surprising park, Royal Crescent is a few of the costliest actual property within the metropolis and residential to Number 1 Royal Crescent, a museum devoted to the historical past and elegance of the late 1700s in Tub. The Royal Crescent is Grade 1 listed and a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
The Roman Baths
Arguably the most well-liked sight in Tub, this well-preserved Roman bath and temple complex dates again to 70 AD. It was restored within the late nineteenth century and is now a incredible museum with interactive sections, unbelievable fashions, and you may stroll by way of the halls of historical historical past. A should for any historical historical past nerd, like me.
The Jane Austen Centre
This iconic museum celebrates and educates guests about all issues Austen. There’s additionally a Regency-era tearoom inside so that you can reside your full Austen fantasy. For followers of horror and science fiction, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is simply two doorways down.
Pulteney Bridge
Whereas a bridge may not be on everybody’s metropolis information, the Pulteney Bridge is totally different. It is certainly one of 4 bridges on this planet to have retailers on each side, the entire approach alongside. Take into consideration the long-lasting Ponte Vecchio in Florence. This Tub equal was accomplished in 1744, and followers of the movie model of Les Misérables will acknowledge it because the spot Javert fell into the water.
Topping & Firm Booksellers
No historic bookworm getaway is full with no journey to a really stunning bookshop. Housed in a 1800s constructing that was a Masonic corridor, Meeting Room (for Regency dances), and a Quaker assembly home, this unbelievable bookshop is stuffed to the brim with fascinating volumes and particular editions. There are even sliding ladders that you need to use, because the cabinets tower above the common peak.
Even a easy stroll round Tub reveals town’s historical past in its structure. Aspect streets housing historic bun retailers (Sally Lunn’s Consuming Home is an establishment) connect with stunning squares with wonderful views of Tub Abbey. You flip one other nook and get sweeping views of the River Avon with a manicured park. It is like entering into historical past— and into each stereotype of a British metropolis you have ever seen on movie.
The place To Eat And Keep In Tub
After all, for the complete Regency-era expertise, you need to keep in a resort that has historic provenance and unbelievable design. That is the place the Hotel Indigo Bath is available in. Housed in a surprising cream Georgian constructing close to the River Avon, this opulent resort welcomes you from the minute you step in. Assume conventional portraits on the wall with a unusual twist, wealthy, opulent wallpaper that wraps you in a hug, and unbelievable rooms that you simply’re reluctant to depart.
You may select from a spread of rooms, together with romance-themed ones, literary-themed rooms, or the spectacular vault rooms, which is the place I stayed. Set in a subterranean rabbit warren beneath avenue stage, these cozy cave-style suites are heat and welcoming, whereas capitalizing on the historic structure of the arches.
When you’re settled in, it’s essential to eat. There is not any larger custom in Regency England than afternoon tea. This mid-afternoon affair is a staple of excessive society, and to do it justice, go to the Ivy Brasserie in Bath. They run a number of afternoon tea variations, together with particular Jane Austen ones in the course of the competition. Ensure you save room for the crème brûlée with lashings of raspberries on the backside — it is my private spotlight.
The Greatest Time To Go to Tub
For those who’re eager about visiting Tub, there’s actually no unhealthy time to go to. The shoulder season of fall and spring offers fewer crowds, which is all the time a plus level. As there are such a lot of wonderful points of interest, museums, and tearooms to discover, you’ve got loads of choices if the standard British climate begins to show.
For those who’re eager about attending the Jane Austen Pageant subsequent 12 months in September, try to e book your lodging and tickets for particular person occasions prematurely, as standard choices get snapped up quick. Tub additionally has an enthralling Christmas Market, which is ideal for getting within the competition spirit. Particular because of Visit West for his or her help on this journey.
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