VisitBath Survey Shows Bath Is No.1 Feel Good City
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A new survey shows VisitBath is the top city to rejuvenate visitors and takes people away from the stresses and strains of every-day life.
Over 1000 respondents took part in the survey, which was commissioned by the DMO and found that visitors to Bath are more relaxed than anywhere else in the UK.
The city’s Georgian architecture and honey-coloured Bath Stone reported to ‘turn to gold in the sun’ is also believed to have a ‘rejuvenating’ effect on visitors and their overall sense of wellbeing.
Results from the survey revealed that visiting the city of Bath made them feel generally happier, even more than being at home.
David James, Chief Executive of VisitBath explains: “Bath has long been a destination for relaxation since the Roman Times, but now we lead such fast paced lives it is more important than ever to take time out to relax. Bath fits the growing focus on mindfulness and wellness and trends such as Hygge, not only for the wide variety of relaxing activities the city offers but also for its visual appeal and the fact that it is small and compact, making it easy to get around.”
David James continues: “We hope the results of this survey will help inspire even more visitors to come to the city for short breaks and day visits and showcase Bath’s first-class spa offering and feel good attractions. It’s not surprising that Bath soothes the stress of modern day living.”
Key survey findings
- 55% of visitors feel more relaxed when visiting Bath than they do when visiting other UK cities such as London or Bristol
- 72% of visitors agreed that “My mood is better in Bath than it would usually be at home”
- 84% of visitors agreed that “Being in Bath rejuvenates me”
- 88% of visitors agreed that “Being in Bath takes me away from the strains and stresses of everyday life”
- 89% of visitors to Bath said the visual appeal of the city had contributed towards them having a relaxing experience during their visit.
- 97% of visitors in each case agreed that “Bath makes me feel happier”
Bath’s top five ‘Feel Good’ attractions
The survey findings suggest that eating out is the most popular activity undertaken by visitors whilst visiting the city (89%), closely followed by shopping (80%).
Art and history appreciation was equally popular with visitors including visits to The Holburne Museum as well as the Roman Baths (44% of visitors).
Bath has always been synonymous for its lush countryside and breath-taking views, so it’s not surprising that walking and taking in the views came third (39% of visitors).
Visiting a spa and having a treatment surprisingly came fifth in a long list of wellbeing and must-see activities (31% of visitors).
How to have yourself a ‘Bath Feel Good’ moment…
- Immerse yourself in Bath’s impressive Georgian architecture on a free walking tour of the city led by The Mayor of Bath’s Corps of Honorary Guides. Elegant buildings such as The Royal Crescent, Circus and Pulteney Bridge are sure to inspire you
- Embrace Bath’s history and culture as you roam around the city’s 15 museums which house unique exhibitions and are bustling with events and workshops. Don’t miss the Holburne’s new exhibition Bruegel: Defining a Dynasty (11 Feb – 4 June) and the Fashion Museum’s Lace in Fashion (4 Feb 2017 – 1 Jan 2018)
- Indulge in your favourite foodie treats. From afternoon tea in the tranquil gardens of the Royal Crescent Hotel and the charming surroundings of Old Time Vintage Tea Rooms to heartier fare at a cosy country pub such as the wonderfully restful Holcombe Inn or the recently refurbished Redan Inn in Chilcompton
- The city offers a wide choice of eateries for all budgets, from Michelin starred restaurants (Lucknam Park) and newly opened eateries (Comptoir Libanais), to quirky coffee shops (Foodie Bugle), independent restaurants (Clayton’s Kitchen) and gastro pubs (The Chequers). Foodie fans will enjoy the three-hour Savouring Bath tour which takes in many tantalising tasting opportunities
- Unwind with a spot of retail therapy and window shopping. Bath is without doubt a shopping haven with everything from high street stores to independent boutiques. Be sure to stop at tremendously trendy stores such as Anthropologie, Graham and Green, Jolly’s (the oldest department store in the UK), Brissi, and Rossiter’s of Bath (a unique rabbit warren of gifts, clothes and interior accessories) to name but a few
- Activities such as bread making with French baker, Richard Bertinet or soap and smoothie making workshops at Neal’s Yard Remedies will also exercise your mind as well as the soul. The Makery offers a variety of sewing and craft workshops – enjoy the lovely sense of fulfilment when you’ve made something yourself
- Book lovers should put aside some “me time” and head to Topping & Company Booksellers which houses a treasure trove of books that you can peruse whilst enjoying a complimentary tea or coffee
- Enjoy the vistas from the Bath Skyline Walk – the National Trust most downloaded walk in the UK. Join Gardener Matthew Ward at Prior Park Landscape Garden to explore the beautiful gardens with a relaxing mindfulness walk
- Invigorate your body with a luxurious experience in one of the city’s first-class spas. Bathe in Bath’s naturally warm, mineral rich waters at Thermae Bath Spa or enter The Garden Spa for a bespoke, Provencal treatment in the UK’s first L’OCCITANE Spa at The Bath Priory. For the ultimate mindfulness break join a Hygge Yoga retreat before sinking into the hydro spa beds at Combe Grove Hotel.
- Early birds can enjoy early morning Tai Chi on the terrace of the Roman Baths – an inspiring location that guarantees to blow the cobwebs away complete with rising steam from the Great Bath below.
