Friday 12 December 2014

Stay in Bath and Wish Jane Austen Happy Birthday

Jane Austen is one of the most famous figures in history to have stayed in Bath. She visited often in her youth and lived in the city between 1801 and 1806. Bath plays a part in all of her novels and taking a tour of the city to do some location spotting is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

The city’s magnificent Georgian buildings, built from unique Bath Stone, are still as impressive today as they were when they were first completed around the time of the 18th century. If you are booking a stay in Bath, the city is a true Regency gem and it’s easy to imagine yourself in one of Austen’s novels as you take a stroll past the Royal Crescent or sip tea in the Pump Rooms.

If the weather is less clement and taking an exploratory wander about the town needs to wait until conditions are more favourable then that’s no problem either. Her connections to Bath live on not only in her novels but also through local attractions such as the Jane Austen Centre; a great place to visit if you’re a fan of her work or curious about her life.  

In addition to this, as well as hosting an annual Jane Austen Festival each September – where visitors from across the world can come to take part in costumed processions, book readings, and Regency balls – this year Bath plays host to an evening of celebrations on the night of her birthday, December 16th. 

Who could forget the iconic image of Colin Firth striding dripping wet across the grounds of Pemberley? But another heart-throb from the BBC’s 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, Adrian Lukis, who played the devilish Mr Wickham, will be visiting Bath along with well-known actress Caroline Langrishe to discuss all things Austen. Also on offer will be seasonal music, the delightful singing of Rosie Lomas, and plenty of mince pies and mulled wine to enjoy in the atmospheric surroundings of the Masonic Hall. 

Just five minutes level walk away at Dukes Hotel we hope to be welcoming guests into yet more Regency luxury. Our boutique Grade I listed guesthouse sits within two conjoined Georgian townhouses on the historic Great Pulteney Street, so it’s the perfect place to stay to immerse yourself in the Regency atmosphere.  It’s close enough to the city centre to be in the heart of all that’s going on whilst also providing an idyllic peaceful escape to return to.

During a winter stay in Bath be sure to also pay a visit to the outdoor ice rink in Victoria Park and to catch the Christmas lights. There’s plenty to enjoy so we hope you can make the celebrations and that we will see you soon!

Follow the link for more information on Jane Austen’s birthday evening.

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