Bath became an elegant spa city in the 18th<\/sup> century during the Regency era\u2019s craze for water healing and the city\u2019s popularity has not decreased since then. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and a popular haunt for fans of its most famous resident, Jane Austen<\/a>, Bath continues to pull in the tourists with nearly 4 million visitors a year. Located on the edge of the Cotswolds<\/a>, Bath is also an ideal base for exploring these stunning medieval villages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But what is on offer for those wanting to make a more permanent move to Somerset\u2019s biggest city?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bath is situated in the South West of England just 15 minutes from Bristol and around 90 minutes from London via train. When it comes to travelling around the UK, Bath has two major train stations that serve locations such as Bristol, London, Cardiff and Portsmouth. Bath Spa Train Station<\/a> is situated right in the city centre and easily accessible from within Bath. Oldfield Park Train Station<\/a> sits just outside of the city but is still well within walking distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a result of its compact size (and an unfortunate lack of parking), Bath is most easily traversable by bike or foot<\/a>. There are a number of cycling routes that not only get you where you need to go but allow you to really take in the beauty of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also several bus operators<\/a> running regular services throughout Bath and surrounding areas. If you\u2019re new to Bath, the city also has a hop on\/off bus<\/a> tour which is a great way to get to know the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bristol Airport<\/a> is just 40 minutes away by car or airport bus service<\/a> from the city centre and serves over 100 destinations worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearest stations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bath Spa Train Station<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Oldfield Park Train Station<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Freshford Train Station<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bath was recently voted the best UK city in which to raise a family<\/a> and if schools are anything to go by then we can see why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bath has an impressive 86 primary schools to choose from<\/a>,15 of which are currently rated \u2018outstanding\u2019 by Ofsted. At the top of the list sits Weston All Saints CofE Primary School<\/a>, which has 95% of students achieving expected or higher grades in reading, writing and maths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also 26 secondary schools available<\/a>, including Wellsway School<\/a> and Hayesfield Girls School<\/a> and highly rated independent schools such as King Edward’s School<\/a>, Royal High School GDST<\/a> and nearby Monkton Senior School<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of further education, Bath College<\/a> offers over 1400 entry, apprenticeship and degree level courses and the city has two universities within close proximity. The impressive University of Bath<\/a> has previously been named University of the Year and is ranked 9th<\/sup> in the UK. Bath Spa University<\/a> is also situated close by and is ranked 94th<\/sup> in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To keep the youngest members of the family happy, check out Mums in Bath<\/a> for toddler groups, baby classes and fun family days out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A visit to Bath isn\u2019t complete with a trip to the world-renowned Roman baths in the heart of the city and a stroll down the iconic Royal Crescent<\/a>. The city also has over 40 fantastic museums and galleries to choose from. Must visits are The Holbourne Museum<\/a>, which features a grand collection of fine and decorative art, the Fashion Museum<\/a>, Victoria Art Gallery<\/a> and the Jane Austen Centre<\/a>, dedicated to the famous writer\u2019s life in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But life in vibrant Bath also revolves around great restaurants, impressive watering holes, cobble lined streets<\/a> full of quirky shops and caf\u00e9s and breath-taking outdoor space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether it is Indian street food<\/a>, a traditional Sunday roast<\/a> with all the trimmings, something more plant based<\/a>, or a side of AA Rosettes<\/a>, you can find it all in Bath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can burn off some of those calories with a trip to the Southgate Shopping Centre<\/a> to stock up on high street essentials or a wander down Bath\u2019s cobble lined streets<\/a> exploring the many independent<\/a> antique, jewellery, homewares and artisan food and drink stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the thrill seekers among us, Bath has a great range of activities for you to try. At the top of the list, Escape4Fun<\/a> is a highly rated escape room experience. It features an interesting array of escape rooms including Comic Adventure where you are the hero in your own comic book story. If you\u2019re looking to let off some steam, Wadswick shooting simulator<\/a> has a great selection of safe activities for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Head to Alexandra Park<\/a> for a hillside panorama of the city and beyond or 57 acre Royal Victoria Park<\/a> (\u2018Vicky Park\u2019 to locals) where you can enjoy the splendour of the botanic gardens or climb to new heights on the Great Dell Aerial Walkway or soaring into the sky in a hot air balloon<\/a>. Another family favourite is Bath City Farm<\/a>, which offers a play park, animals, walking trails, farm shop and caf\u00e9, all free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more family friendly days out, head to Kids of Bath<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the family friendly vibe, the nightlife in Bath is equally as impressive. With a significant University population, every night is student night<\/a>! For something a little more grown up, Bath has plenty of cocktail bars, microbreweries, independent cinemas and live music on offer<\/a>. For a more relaxed vibe, head to the Twilight session<\/a> at the rooftop Thermae Bath Spa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Year round, Bath has an incredible range of festivals<\/a> and events<\/a> to enjoy, whether its comedy, carnivals, children\u2019s literature<\/a> or food festivals. At the top of the list, The Bath Festival<\/a> is the largest celebration of music and literature in the city. Or fully immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of Regency era Bath with the Jane Austen Festival<\/a>, which takes place each year and covers 10 days of celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to musicals, comedy, drama and dance, check out the programme of events at the Theatre Royal Bath<\/a> or The Mission Theatre<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From organic groceries to collectables and vintage clothing, the Green Park Station Markets<\/a> housed in a former railway station are definitely worth a wander. Bath loves a market, and also on offer are the historic Guildhall Market<\/a> and the Bath Artisan Market<\/a> full of handmade artwork, ceramics, jewellery and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For the sporty types, take part in the Bath half marathon<\/a> every March, or head down to the Recreation Ground to support the Premiership league Bath Rugby<\/a> team. Bath was named the second safest city in the world<\/a> (second only to York) in 2015 and continues to rate highly as one of the safest places in the UK to live<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With high numbers of families, students and tourists Bath is a friendly, welcoming city but like any UK city, crime does exist. However, this tends to be more along the lines of bike thefts and antisocial behaviour rather than serious criminal offences.For detailed crime and safety statistics and information on local police teams, visit the official Police UK sites for Bath City Centre<\/a> and North Mendip<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/yopa-production-wordpress-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2020\/04\/bath-housing-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTransport links<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Schools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Leisure and amenities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s on?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nSafety and Crime<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thinking of moving to Bath?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n