How to Enjoy Bath on a Summer’s day...... in Spring?

How to make the most of those unexpected summer moments:

Bath is a hub of art, music and historical festivities, with a variety of things to do all year round. Summer, like in most national heritage cities, brings with it a large sum of tourists, hungry to devour the best that this Georgian city has to offer. With Bath being the post London hot-spot for international tourists, the Bath city council has been busy in accommodating the rising numbers of summer sight-seers. But what do you do, as a central Bath resident, on an unexpected summer’s day in April? And most of all, how do you avoid the madding crowd?

First of all, having a car helps. Just a twenty minute drive out of Bath city centre is Dyrham Park. A stately home with beautiful grounds, dating back to the 17th century is the last place one might think of going to avoid tourists on an unexpectedly glorious Sunday afternoon, but I discovered it to be quite the contrary! There’s an element of reverse psychology involved in sussing out the best places to go when the weather’s good. Most people would have stayed well away from such a popular destination, but in fact, unbeknown to me and my mother, the numbers were pretty pleasing. Additionally, there happened to be today, an official MG car race, showcasing the cars there amidst the grounds. Even this did not excite the tourists beyond a bearable number, despite the free entry!

My mother and I, blanket in tow, set up camp in the main courtyard of the house. It was 2pm, 23 degrees celsius, and peaceful. Between the church and the pond, the tranquility was addictive. It was only afterward we realised what a wonderful afternoon we had enjoyed that I began to wonder how on earth the demographics of the tourists had lent themselves so favourably in our direction.

Then it hit me. People in Britain plan. Few would have banked on this Sunday being so glorious, especially in the month renowned for its “April Showers”. So, in fact, to turn up at the place that one would have thought to attract the most tourists, conversely, worked in our favour.

In the early evening, mother and I headed to our temporary home; the Royal Crescent. With our new found confidence of beating the tourists, we headed onto a calming crescent lawn. The smell of others’ barbecues flavored our conversation. With our own space again, at a peak time for outdoor activities, the day was a true success. Ultimately, when it comes to the perfect 'day out', i’ve learnt that when it comes to British Summer weather; take chances. Beat the crowds at their own game. Go where you know it’s not going to be secluded and quiet, especially on an unexpectedly nice day. This should go some lengths into guaranteeing you a good day out in the Southwest.