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Bath with a Twist – Staycations & Unique Experiences

Short City Breaks with a Twist

Fright Night! Dare to discover Bath’s spooky side Staycation October 2023

Tour Dates

October 2023

Shriek! Discover the secrets of Frankenstein’s author Mary Shelley and take a terrifying tour of Bath’s most ghostly haunts

Fergus and Doctor Lynch Ghost Walk weekend in Bath Spa UK

Walk! Put on your walking shoes and follow a local guide into the Somerset countryside – panoramic views guaranteed!

Waffle Making in Bath October weekend in Bath Spa

Cook! Learn to make an authentic Belgian Waffle – and eat it too…

Stay! Enjoy two nights at Bath’s most bodacious boutique hotel, The Bird where each luxe-chic bedroom tells its own story through hand-crafted wallpaper, unique artwork, dramatic designs and knock out views over Bath and beyond.

Dine! Treat your tastebuds with a three-course dinner at the hotel’s eatery Plate where the delicious seasonal, local dishes are made for sharing and feasting.

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Autumn in Bath Somerset Staycation in Bath Spa

What’s Included in your weekend stay

2 nights bed and breakfast at the Bird Bath (double accommodation)
Complementary hotel car park
Three-course dinner at The Bird’s restaurant The Plate with a glass of prosecco
Waffle making workshop, with apron and all ingredients (2.5hrs)
Mary Shelley talk with Dr. Gabrielle Malcolm, including pub grub and drink
Guided ghost walking tour (1.5hrs)
Countryside walking experience with a local guide, including transport to and from the hotel in a private minibus (3hrs in total. Approx. 1hr 40-minute walk)
ECT Ambassador. Our host will welcome you at the hotel and answer any questions you might have. S/he will then be available on the phone all weekend.

Bath Abby Bath Spa weekend in Bath Spa UK

Itinerary - what you will do when

Friday

PM - arrive at your hotel, The Bird, 8-19 Pulteney Rd (South), Bathwick, Bath (Check in is from 3pm but you can leave your luggage with reception. There is a free hotel car park – please let us know if you would like to reserve a space.)

15:00-17:30 - Bev’s Waffle Workshop (There are 4 places available today, with a further six places on Saturday 8th.) Under Bev’s expert guidance, you will be making and eating your own scrumptious Belgian Waffles in no time. Everything you need, including an apron, is provided.

19:30 – A glass of prosecco followed by a three-course dinner at The Bird’s restaurant The Plate

Saturday

Breakfast at the hotel

10:00-12:30 - Bev’s Waffle Workshop (for those who didn’t do it on Friday). Under Bev’s expert guidance, you will be making and eating your own scrumptious Belgian Waffles in no time. Everything you need, including an apron, is provided.

16:30-17:45 – Pie and a Pint with Mary Shelley. The author of Frankenstein was a resident of Bath. Settle down with a drink and a delicious pub meal and hear Dr. Gabrielle Malcolm reveal fascinating details about Mary Shelley's life and works, followed by a suitably spooky reading from Frankenstein.

18:00-19:30 approx. – Guided Ghost Walk of Bath with Brother Fergus and Doctor Lynch. Discover the city’s hidden haunts, and hear the ghostly stories of Roman soldiers, medieval monks, witches, and restless Georgian souls. The walk beings outside Bath Abbey and ends at Queens Square.

Sunday

Breakfast at the hotel

Check out time is 11am. You will be able to leave your luggage with reception while you are walking.

09:30-12:30 – Guided walk in the fields and hills surrounding Bath, with panoramic views of Bath, the surrounding villages, Bristol and - on a clear day - across to Wales. Your guide, Daniel, will meet you at the hotel and take you to the start of the walk in a private minibus. You will be taken back to the hotel after the walk. Walking time is about 1hr 40 minutes, with plenty of stops to admire the views along the way, and ends at the Bath Soft Cheese Company in the village of Kelston. Tea and cake are available* (*not included in the tour price) and you will also have the opportunity to purchase some of their famous cheese. You will be walking on fields, dirt paths and farm tracks so please wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for mud.

12:30 approx. – arrive back at the hotel

Tour ends

Walking Holiday in West Country - October Staycation

October FrightNight_Staying at the Bird Hotel in Bath

Where you will be staying

The Bird is a dazzling boutique hotel nestled in a quiet residential street a stone's throw from Bath's city centre and its iconic world-heritage sites. Masses of colour, bold designs and statement artwork combine with luxurious bedrooms, delicious food, and fabulous cocktails to create a uniquely creative and lively atmosphere.

Every meal here is something special. Discover the restaurant Plate, where the ever-changing menus feature the finest ingredients from farmers and fishermen, all hand-picked to create spectacular, playful dishes that celebrate the seasons. And if you fancy a cocktail, head for the super-cosy Alpine Lodge tucked in behind the hotel.

Each of the 31 bedrooms features hand-crafted wallpaper, unique artwork, and dramatic designs. Every room is different, but all promise a wonderful night's sleep and knock out views over Bath and beyond.

October FrightNight_The Bird

Pultney Bridge by night weekend in Bath Spa

Brave Bath’s Hidden Haunts

In the month of Hallowe’en we invite you to explore Bath’s more spectral side. Join Brother Fergus and Doctor Lynch on a chilling walk through Bath’s most haunted locations, peopled with the ghosts of Roman soldiers, medieval monks, witches, and restless Georgian souls. This spine-chilling walk, filled with theatre, history, and paranormal activities, brings Bath to life in a truly unforgettable way.

Discover Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein

Mary Godwin, better known as Mary Shelley, spent half a year from 1816 to 1817 living in lodgings in Bath. In that time, she wrote and edited the first quarter of Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, and began the development of the next phases of the novel which was eventually published in January 1818.

Discover Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein talk with expert weekend in Bath Spa UK

Within a year of its anonymous publication, it was a hit. After an initial print run of 500 copies, the novel was widely circulated, and new editions followed in 1823 and 1831. Raw and shocking, Shelley’s novel is today a globally acknowledged masterpiece, but the conditions of its composition were both agonising and challenging. We have invited editor, author and fount of Mary Shelley knowledge, Dr. Gabrielle Malcolm, to tell the spine-tingling tale in the intimate surroundings of a Bath pub.

Discover Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein expert talk with Gabby Malcom weekend in Bath Spa UK

Learn to make a Belgian Waffle

Having mastered the art of Belgian waffle-making, Bev decided to share the joy. In this fun and friendly hands-on workshop, you will not only discover the secrets of success but also cook and eat your very own delicious waffle. Ingredients, aprons, and tasty toppings are included.

Kelston walk weekend in Bath Spa UK October weekend away

Take a Panoramic Walk in the Countryside with a Bath Insider

Join Bath local Daniel on this 1 hour 40-minute walk in the beautiful rolling hills surrounding Bath. Starting by the city's racecourse, you will follow the track to a great viewpoint then, taking the Cotswold Way, you will climb the Kelston Roundhill where you will be rewarded with panoramic views over the city, pretty Somerset villages and on to Bristol. On a clear day, you will even be able to see Wales. After a short break to enjoy the scenery, you will walk down to the small village of Kelston, stopping at the Bath Soft Cheese Company for tea and cake. Should you wish, you will also be able to purchase their famous local cheese.

October FrightNightAutumn leaves Staycation in Bath Visit Bath

Mary Shelley Frankenstein Bath Spa UK weekend in Bath

Before you book

Please read our Booking Conditions, Covid-19 Additional Terms and Information and our commitment to your welfare.
This tour requires a minimum of 6 passengers refer to point 7 in our booking conditions
Mobility: this tour is generally suitable for most, if you are concerned or have specific issues please let us know ahead of booking

Key Legislation