As the leaves fall, oversized jumpers become our go-to attire, and warm drinks beckon, autumn is the perfect season to embrace all things cozy. The UK boasts a wealth of destinations perfect for a cozy retreat, and a recent ranking has revealed some of the most comforting places on Earth.
Bath, the charming city in Somerset, has earned the title of the ‘coziest city’ in the UK, and it sits proudly in ninth place globally. Known for its warm and relaxing atmosphere, Bath offers a delightful escape. The overall winner in the global ranking was Brussels, described as ‘charming’ and ‘historic’. Paris, with its romantic streets perfect for leisurely strolls, came in second, followed by Geneva, known for its steaming hot, traditional Swiss fondue.
But what makes Bath so cozy? Travel insurance experts at AllClear, who conducted the study, say it’s no surprise. The historic city boasts an abundance of theaters, museums, and the famous Thermae Bath Spa, making it an ideal destination for a seasonal staycation.
Things to do in Bath This Autumn
Bath is a city that truly comes alive in autumn. Visit Bath’s website proclaims, ‘Bath is the perfect place to spend a cozy autumn break. The city comes alive with a patchwork of autumnal colours as the leaves turn, creating a beautiful backdrop for Bath’s iconic architecture.’
If the weather permits, explore Bath’s numerous parks and gardens, admiring the falling leaves. The Royal Victoria Park Bath, praised by one Tripadvisor reviewer as a ‘lovely park, especially in Autumn’, is a must-visit. The Sydney Gardens, the oldest park in Bath, beloved by Jane Austen, offers another picturesque escape. Tripadvisor reviews describe it as ‘beautiful’ and ‘relaxing’.
Explore the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site indoors, from the No.1 Royal Crescent, a restored town-house museum, to the Holburne Museum, a Grade I listed building housing a collection of fine and decorative art.
For a truly relaxing experience, book a session at the Thermae Bath Spa, an adults-only spa in the heart of the city. Prices start at £41 for two hours.
After dark, the city offers a range of experiences. Embark on a spooky ghost tour of Bath, or dance the night away on a Ghost Hunters Silent Disco tour. There’s even a Frankenstein in Bath tour, tracing the footsteps of Mary Shelley, who wrote the gothic novel in the city in the 1800s. Visit Bath describes this tour as a ‘journey of where the author lives, wrote, and kept her dark secrets’.
Those who have visited Bath rave about its charm. One Tripadvisor reviewer declared it ‘spectacularly beautiful’ with ‘striking architecture’. Another reviewer added that the ‘incredibly beautiful’ city has a ‘romantic atmosphere’. On Reddit, one visitor declared Bath the ‘best-looking city in the UK’.
Reddit users quickly agreed. ‘metalmick’ wrote, ‘I think this is widely accepted.’ While ‘isangotravel01’ added, ‘Bath’s beauty is truly unmatched.’
If you’re looking for a cozy escape this autumn, Bath should be at the top of your list. Its charming architecture, abundance of attractions, and unique atmosphere promise an unforgettable experience.
