The day is fast approaching and at Dukes Hotel we’ve been getting in the Christmas spirit and decorating our lovely Georgian guest house from top to bottom.
Now that the decorations are up getting into the spirit is easy. Even more so when you’ve got a glass of mulled wine in one hand, a mince pie in the other. Imagine you’re putting your feet up in front of a roaring wood fire in the beautiful period surroundings of our luxury bed and breakfast hotel. Especially at this time of year our Grade One listed Georgian guest house is alive with atmosphere and, whilst surrounded by such festive inspiration, it got us thinking about a few Regency Christmas traditions.
A hugely important part of Christmas is the decorations. One form of decoration that was very popular in the Georgian era that we still love now is the hanging up of holly and sprigs of evergreen. Christmas trees weren’t so common, in the Georgian and Regency era; they were more popular in Germany; Queen Victoria made them a tradition here in the later half of the 19th century. Wreaths would have been made though and added to with ribbons and aromatic spices. Christmas never smelt so good!
Christmas never tasted so good either. A turkey or a goose, or if you were a member of the landed gentry then maybe also venison, was the meat of choice for the main course of Christmas dinner. To follow this up, for desert King George I was given plum pudding (an early variant of Christmas Pudding) during his first Christmas dinner, thus establishing it as a festive favourite.
Spending time with family and friends is what Christmas is all about and balls, parties and family reunions were the main focus of the season. Fun family games such as pick-up-sticks and charades were very popular. Unfortunately while Christmas holidays today may only mean a few days off for many people, in the Georgian era the festive season ran from December 6th - St Nicholas Day through until January 6th - Twelfth Night.
We are passionate about preserving history and love getting lost in the Regency atmosphere here at Dukes Hotel, so what better way than to reintroduce the festive season? At the end of a long year, taking a short break in Bath over the Christmas period is a great way to relax and celebrate. Whether you’re looking for a luxury bed and breakfast escape, a romantic getaway, a city break, or a longer stay in Bath to give you time to really unwind and get into the Christmas spirit, Dukes Hotel is here to help. We’re in the heart of Bath, just a few minutes walk from the city centre, but with stunning views of Prior Park and Claverton Down visible from our windows to one side and the impressive Great Pulteney Street to the other.
Christmas is the time to treat yourself. We’re here, Regency guest house halls decked, ready with the mulled wine and Christmas cheer to help you do just that!
Wednesday 26 November 2014
Monday 24 November 2014
Bath City Centre Break - Top Winter Attractions
There’s no denying that the countdown to Christmas has well and truly begun, but there is so much more to be enjoyed during the winter season besides the big day itself. With the weather outside turning colder and Christmas day still weeks off yet, what could be a better way to lift the spirits than a luxury Bath city centre city break in Bath? At Dukes Hotel we’ve scouted out some of the top activities and events taking place around the city.
One big upside to the lower temperatures is the opportunity to construct an outdoor ice rink in Victoria Park. Skate hire is available and the rink is open from 10 a.m. to 9p.m. daily, so we recommend wrapping up warm and stepping out on the ice beneath the gaze of the beautiful Royal Crescent. Bonus points if you manage not to slip over and a good excuse for a medicinal cup of mulled wine if you do.
On November 20th from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. will be The Holburne Museum’s impressive lantern procession. A parade of lights, lanterns and music will wind it’s way right past the door of Dukes Hotel on Great Pulteney Street and finish it’s journey at the Parade Gardens. A sight not to be missed!
If you’d rather stay in out of the cold during your Bath city break then there’s always the historic Theatre Royal to visit. Their upcoming shows include such gems as Saturday Night Fever, the wondrous and world-famous Slava’s Snowstorm, and the charming Christmas production of Rumpelstiltskin.
In addition, Bath’s museums are also hosting an impressive array of exhibitions so there is sure to be something to interest most tastes. Displays range in variety from explorations on Caroline Herschel (sister to the famous astronomer) to shows housing the works of Matisse, Picasso and Dali.
For any Jane Austen fans, there’s an evening of celebrations planned for the night of Austen’s birthday, December 16th. In addition to mince pies and the enchanting voice of Rosie Lomas, there will be the chance to hear from Mr Darcy, meet Adrian Lukis (Mr Wickham from the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice) and lap up the regency vibes in a beautiful historic location.
Of course, there are also the festive things to enjoy as well. Bath’s Christmas lights are hung up and switched on, and from November 27th until December 14th there’s also the ever-popular Bath Christmas market to explore.
With so much on offer why not treat yourself to a warm winter getaway to Dukes Hotel? We’re only a five minute level walk from the city centre and all of the action, and we’re sure that our boutique Georgian guesthouse will be the perfect accommodation for your stay in Bath. Our luxury regency rooms promise an indulgent night’s sleep in a bed you won’t want to leave. No problem. While the warmth and comfort of your bed may embrace you, a best in class breakfast cooked to order awaits you. Crisp smoked bacon, fluffy scrambled egg, homemade pancakes or delicious smoked salmon beckons.
Winter is coming to Bath and we hope you will too!
One big upside to the lower temperatures is the opportunity to construct an outdoor ice rink in Victoria Park. Skate hire is available and the rink is open from 10 a.m. to 9p.m. daily, so we recommend wrapping up warm and stepping out on the ice beneath the gaze of the beautiful Royal Crescent. Bonus points if you manage not to slip over and a good excuse for a medicinal cup of mulled wine if you do.
On November 20th from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. will be The Holburne Museum’s impressive lantern procession. A parade of lights, lanterns and music will wind it’s way right past the door of Dukes Hotel on Great Pulteney Street and finish it’s journey at the Parade Gardens. A sight not to be missed!
If you’d rather stay in out of the cold during your Bath city break then there’s always the historic Theatre Royal to visit. Their upcoming shows include such gems as Saturday Night Fever, the wondrous and world-famous Slava’s Snowstorm, and the charming Christmas production of Rumpelstiltskin.
In addition, Bath’s museums are also hosting an impressive array of exhibitions so there is sure to be something to interest most tastes. Displays range in variety from explorations on Caroline Herschel (sister to the famous astronomer) to shows housing the works of Matisse, Picasso and Dali.
For any Jane Austen fans, there’s an evening of celebrations planned for the night of Austen’s birthday, December 16th. In addition to mince pies and the enchanting voice of Rosie Lomas, there will be the chance to hear from Mr Darcy, meet Adrian Lukis (Mr Wickham from the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice) and lap up the regency vibes in a beautiful historic location.
Of course, there are also the festive things to enjoy as well. Bath’s Christmas lights are hung up and switched on, and from November 27th until December 14th there’s also the ever-popular Bath Christmas market to explore.
With so much on offer why not treat yourself to a warm winter getaway to Dukes Hotel? We’re only a five minute level walk from the city centre and all of the action, and we’re sure that our boutique Georgian guesthouse will be the perfect accommodation for your stay in Bath. Our luxury regency rooms promise an indulgent night’s sleep in a bed you won’t want to leave. No problem. While the warmth and comfort of your bed may embrace you, a best in class breakfast cooked to order awaits you. Crisp smoked bacon, fluffy scrambled egg, homemade pancakes or delicious smoked salmon beckons.
Winter is coming to Bath and we hope you will too!
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Dukes Hotel - Stay With Us in Bath And Visit the Christmas Market
One of the highlights of staying in Bath during the winter season has to be the opportunity to explore the Christmas market. Begun in 2000, this year will be the market’s fourteenth visit to the city and it promises to be another huge success.
Five minutes level walk from Dukes Hotel, down Great Pulteney Street and across Pulteney Bridge, will take you to the city centre and to the square outside of the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. Each year this square accommodates the market’s village of over 170 wooden chalets and provides a dramatic backdrop for visiting shoppers. Christmas shopping online can’t hold a candle to this festive experience.
The market, which will run this year from November 27th until December 14th, plays host to a wide variety of unique craft and gift stalls, artisans, and, of course, an array of delicious food and drink to sample. As the market is of the traditional European variety, it would hardly be complete without somewhere to purchase a warming cup of mulled wine or a mug of Austrian-style Goulash soup.
Among the wares on display you’ll see a range of ceramics, Christmas ornaments, stone-work, children’s toys, textiles, jewellery, home wares, artwork and handmade clothing. But there are too many stalls to mention everything the market has to offer! The best thing to do is to take a relaxed stroll around and soak up the atmosphere for yourself.There is plenty of atmosphere to go around!. Aside from the gifts on offer there are carolers singing traditional tunes, street artists performing music and magic and an abounding air of festive excitement.
The market is open from ten o’clock every day and is a fantastic afternoon out during your stay in Bath. But if you want a real sense of winter festive spirit why not visit in the evening? When the sun sets the Bath Christmas lights are turned on and the abbey is lit up, highlighting its impressive Gothic Revival architecture and towering steeple. Monday to Wednesday the stalls are open until seven. On Thursday you can browse until eight, on Sunday until six, and on Friday and Saturday there’s no need to stop before nine! The Roman Baths too keep their doors open until half past five so you can pay a visit to the illuminated steaming waters before you start your shopping.
Then, when the day is over, what could be better than coming back to the warm welcome of Dukes Hotel to round off your Christmas break in Bath? Our guest house resides in a pair of Grade I listed Georgian town houses and is the perfect city centre location for a luxury break away. We can offer you a choice of period bedrooms and a stay in characterful antique surroundings. We are here to provide our guests with charming accommodation that is ideal for anyone who wants to escape from the hubbub of the everyday. Come and stay in Bath and pay the Christmas market a visit. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful city.
Five minutes level walk from Dukes Hotel, down Great Pulteney Street and across Pulteney Bridge, will take you to the city centre and to the square outside of the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. Each year this square accommodates the market’s village of over 170 wooden chalets and provides a dramatic backdrop for visiting shoppers. Christmas shopping online can’t hold a candle to this festive experience.
The market, which will run this year from November 27th until December 14th, plays host to a wide variety of unique craft and gift stalls, artisans, and, of course, an array of delicious food and drink to sample. As the market is of the traditional European variety, it would hardly be complete without somewhere to purchase a warming cup of mulled wine or a mug of Austrian-style Goulash soup.
Among the wares on display you’ll see a range of ceramics, Christmas ornaments, stone-work, children’s toys, textiles, jewellery, home wares, artwork and handmade clothing. But there are too many stalls to mention everything the market has to offer! The best thing to do is to take a relaxed stroll around and soak up the atmosphere for yourself.There is plenty of atmosphere to go around!. Aside from the gifts on offer there are carolers singing traditional tunes, street artists performing music and magic and an abounding air of festive excitement.
The market is open from ten o’clock every day and is a fantastic afternoon out during your stay in Bath. But if you want a real sense of winter festive spirit why not visit in the evening? When the sun sets the Bath Christmas lights are turned on and the abbey is lit up, highlighting its impressive Gothic Revival architecture and towering steeple. Monday to Wednesday the stalls are open until seven. On Thursday you can browse until eight, on Sunday until six, and on Friday and Saturday there’s no need to stop before nine! The Roman Baths too keep their doors open until half past five so you can pay a visit to the illuminated steaming waters before you start your shopping.
Then, when the day is over, what could be better than coming back to the warm welcome of Dukes Hotel to round off your Christmas break in Bath? Our guest house resides in a pair of Grade I listed Georgian town houses and is the perfect city centre location for a luxury break away. We can offer you a choice of period bedrooms and a stay in characterful antique surroundings. We are here to provide our guests with charming accommodation that is ideal for anyone who wants to escape from the hubbub of the everyday. Come and stay in Bath and pay the Christmas market a visit. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful city.
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