Bath Life – Issue 550

THE GREAT ESCAPE

TAKING

DIVINE WATERS

CELEBRATING THE POWER AND THE BEAUTY OF THE RIVER AVON

QUIRK IN PROGRESS

SEEKING OUT THE OFFBEAT CO RNERS OF BATH

SUMMER DAZE

DOWN TO EARTH THE GARDENING STAR CHARLES DOWDING WHO MADE NO-DIG A THING

Happiness. How do we define it? Easy. Bath. Yup it’s official, our city makes us properly, unreservedly, full-on happy. Time Out’s 2026 global happiness poll has crowned Bath as the world’s happiest city. And this isn’t tourists talking Crescents, Bridgerton and the Roman Baths. This is us locals talking neighbours, how we live, and the everyday stuff.

More than 24,000 city-dwellers from around the globe weighed in, but it was Bath’s overwhelming positivity that stole the show – 93 percent of us agree our city makes us happy, 92 percent say we feel happier in Bath than elsewhere, 90 percent say our neighbours seem positive, 91 percent find joy in the everyday experiences Bath offers, and 76 percent of us think the sense of happiness here has grown a lot recently. Of course I’m biased, but I love that Bath came first (as a by-the-way second and third place respectively is Panama City, Panama and Guadalajara, Mexico). The results really do echo what this magazine reflects every three weeks – page after gorgeous page of positivity, beauty, and celebration. All in honour of the happiest place on earth – Bath!

MOOLLA

Issue 550 / August 2026

COVER Exploring the fascinating story of the River Avon in Bath over on page 38.

Photo by Rowena Ko; Instagram @rowenako_visuals

THE ARTS

18 QUIRKY BATH The new book taking us off the beaten track

22 20 THINGS TO DO Helping you plan the long school holidays

29 ARTS INTRO The Bath Book Fair returns to the Pavilion

30 WHAT’S ON People to see, places to go

32 CULTURE CLUB The arty picks of Jodie Steele

35 BOOKS Mr B’s collab with The Bookshop Band

EXPLORATIONS

38 THE RIVER AVON How the waters shape our city

FOOD & DRINK

44 GREAT ESCAPE Eat, sleep, spa, repeat at beautiful Bowood

49 NEWS FEED Nuggets from the foodie scene

51 SHOP LEAD Lucknam elevates the garden picnic

52 EDITOR’S CHOICE Al fresco dining essentials

LIFESTYLE

55 BEAUTY The joys of a bespoke Thirns facial

56 GARDENS Nick Woodhouse on the no-dig legend that is Charles Dowding

NETWORK

59 LEAD STORY The inspiring EntreConf returns

64 NETWORK NEWS News, views and interviews

67 CAREER PATH Zoe Chandler on her role at Milsted Langdon

PROPERTY

73 LEAD STORY No.1 Royal Crescent plan a Georgian garden

74 NEWS The latest from the market

77 PROPERTY SCENE Bath Property Awards launches

78 SHOWCASE Explore a luxury country lodge

DEPARTMENTS

8 SPOTLIGHT Shining a light on the city’s positive stories

11 SCENE Hello party people!

15 FLATLINE Flats weighs up his situation

82 BATH LIVES Meet coach and comic Harriet Beveridge

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Iona Bas, Nic Bottomley, Elsie Chadwick, David Flatman, Rowena Ko, John Mather, Claire Thatcher and Nick Woodhouse Commercial director Pat White pat.white@ mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Business development executive Ruby Coburn ruby.coburn@mediaclash.co.uk Production and distribution manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, Media House, 1 Widcombe Parade, Bath, BA2 4JT. tel: 01225 475800; www.mediaclash.co.uk. Instagram @TheMediaClash ©All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath and Bristol. Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

ROYAL VISIT

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Dorothy House Hospice on 2 July, to mark the organisation’s 50th anniversary and honour its remarkable record of care. The Princess Royal, a long-standing supporter of hospice care, met with staff, volunteers, patients, and dignitaries at the Winsley-based hospice, recognising the dedication that has touched over 75,000 lives since its founding by Prue Dufour in 1976.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness spoke with patients and their families, expressing gratitude for the compassion and expertise of the hospice team. Dame Sarah Troughton DCVO, Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, says, “It is a great privilege to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to Dorothy House Hospice as the organisation marks its remarkable 50th anniversary year. This visit recognises not only the hospice’s extraordinary history and continuing service to the community, but also the dedication and professionalism of its staff and volunteers, whose kindness and commitment make such a profound difference every day.”

The Princess Royal last visited Dorothy House in September 2023 for the opening of Firefly Woods, where she accepted a Firefly in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

For more: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

FOUND IN TRANSLATION

A teenage student has breathed new life into an ancient language with a unique Latin audio guide for the Roman Baths voiced by Sir Stephen Fry. The London student was inspired by a family visit to the Baths earlier this year, after being struck by the audio guide’s array of languages but noticed Latin was missing. She says, “Visiting The Roman Baths was incredible, and I loved the audio guide, but I kept thinking how amazing it would be to hear it in Latin, right where the Romans once spoke it.”

Florence reached out to The Roman Baths team and set about translating the guide into Latin. She then contacted Sir Stephen Fry, who is a classical enthusiast. “I was enchanted both by Florence’s marvellous idea – to offer a Latin audio guide to the magnificent Roman Baths, one of Britain’s greatest treasures – and by her infectious passion for the classical word,” says Stephen. “I have been so thrilled to see over the past decade or so the notable rise in young people’s enthusiasm for the language, art, mythology, history and culture of Ancient Greece and Rome.” He adds wryly, “I apologise in advance to any scholars or Roman ghosts who might raise their eyebrows at my Latin accent and pronunciations…” For more: www.romanbaths.co.uk

SCENE

Matthias Guggenberger, Holly Rust-March and Marc Heywood

A CHAMPION EVENT

Rengen House, the co-working, business, and events hub on Argyle Street, recently hosted Olympic gold medallist Matt Weston and fellow skeleton athletes after their Hall of Fame induction at Bath Guildhall. The exclusive reception, attended by sporting legends and partners, celebrated the athletes’ remarkable achievements and highlighted Rengen House’s growing role in Bath’s elite sporting community.

Photos by Narrated Frames; www.narratedframes.com For more: www.rengenhouse.com

Jason Gardener, Stephen Baddeley and Miles Peyton

Rengen House hosted

LIGHT WORK

Victoria Art Gallery recently welcomed guests to the opening of Norman Ackroyd: The Transience of Light, the first posthumous exhibition dedicated to the renowned printmaker’s work. The collection brings together over fifty years of Ackroyd’s evocative etchings and celebrates his lifelong pursuit of capturing the fleeting nature of light in the landscape. Among those present were the artist’s four adult children and his studio manager, adding a personal touch to the occasion. The exhibition ends 6 September.

by Anna Barclay; Instagram @annabarclayphotos For more: www.victoriagal.org.uk

The weighting game

Flats gets hot and heavy

As much as I try not to go on about it, I used to play rugby.

In almost all areas of my life this fact is neither relevant nor interesting. Now and then, though, my old job likes to remind me that a career in a collision sport never quite goes away.

One thing on which I tend and indeed like to blame my former occupation is my weight. “Well,” I tell them as they threaten to lose consciousness, “for nearly 20 years my entire mission was to be as big and strong as possible, and that never really leaves you.” This is tosh, by the way. Folks believe it because how would a non-pro athlete know to disregard the knowledge of a pro one? They wouldn’t, so there’s my excuse signed off. The thing is, though, there is simply no need to be 130KG in real life, and I am 130KG because I lift heavy weights and eat lots of food. I also don’t run anywhere because I’m too big. It’s a visceral fat-based version of the old ‘chicken and egg’ jobbie. Consider me a double yolker.

So the size thing was a thing, and now it’s

“I can’t lean back on my arms like they do in clothing catalogues”

cure not so obvious. Losing 20KG would surely help, but I feel more likely to climb Everest (in a singlet).

One option is the jabs. Get on the old jabs and the timber will drop off, we know this. But I really don’t want to. “Aw, it wouldn’t feel right if you lost loads of weight, Flats” said my lovely mate last week, but I’d like her to carry her husband around on her back for a week as she goes about her business and see what global warming feels like then… she’d melt, as do I.

So having done no research at all beyond Instagram posts, I’ve decided the jabs aren’t good for me. Am I right? Dunno.

just my lifestyle and I need to get a grip. Sadly I have the willpower of a man with ADHD and no willpower. See? Always an excuse. This game is easy, except nobody wins.

Often – not always, but often – being really heavy means you’re really unhealthy. Annoyingly, I have my ‘bloods’ done every year or so and somehow they keep telling me that, apart from some slightly elevated cholesterols, I’m about right. This doesn’t help, as you might imagine. What being really heavy does mean is that you tend to run hotter than smaller people. I am too hot at least once every single day of my life. It’s hot right now, in fairness, but I’ve just cleaned the kitchen and put away the kids’ toys and had to have a quick shower in the garden (a must-have by the way) before typing these words. A bloke at school drop-off just today said: “Cor, gym session already done? Fair play!” No, chap, this sweat is a result of pouring milk on Weetabix and getting the kids’ shoes on. It ain’t right. It ain’t comfortable and it ain’t right. Everywhere I go I am boiling hot and, therefore, wishing I was somewhere else. It would be a genuinely sad story were a potential

Another effect of having stuck my body in a meat grinder every day for a long time is that my joints aren’t as good as other people’s joints. I’m actually not that badly off compared to some, but certain activities and positions just do not work. I did a long course in Pilates and was told, effectively, that all the clamps and anchors and pins in my body mean I’ll never realistically be able to do it properly. I can’t sit on the floor for long as I can’t lean back on my arms like they do in clothing catalogues, as my shoulders don’t go that way and I can’t straighten my arms. I can’t lie causally on my side at the park as my shoulder pins do not allow it. And my beautifully fused spine and neck mean I can’t sit up straight for long or my hands go numb.

Anyway, the only reason I say all this is because one of the themes of this edition of Bath Life is ‘picnics’. They are a lovely idea and indeed a lovely pastime for most. But you only do them in summer and I cannot be in the heat or I’ll end up either passing out or sweating into your potato salad. And I can’t sit on the floor or lie on a posh blanket. So I hate picnics. Happy summer!

David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. Follow him on Instagram @dflatman and X @davidflatman

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

Dani Quaglietta’s pursuit of excellence makes Ponte Vecchio one of Bath’s finest dining destinations

Nestled on the banks of the River Avon, with its picturesque riverside terrace and authentic Italian charm, Ponte Vecchio has long been one of Bath’s most beautiful restaurants. Today, under the co-ownership of Dani Quaglietta, it has become one of the city’s most celebrated dining experiences. Since Dani became co-owner, Ponte Vecchio has risen to the number one spot on Tripadvisor in Bath, a reflection not only of its exceptional food but of the philosophy that drives everything the restaurant does. For Dani, hospitality has never been about chasing profits or competing on price.

“ THE EXPERIENCED AND PASSIONATE KITCHEN TEAM CREATES AUTHENTIC ITALIAN DISHES USING THE FINEST LOCAL PRODUCE”

Instead, it is about making every guest feel genuinely welcome, valued and cared for.

“It’s about the full package,” says Dani. “The location, the service, the quality: everything has to work together.”

That commitment to excellence stems from a lesson passed down through generations. Dani recalls the advice his grandfather gave him: “Whatever you do, you do it right.” It is a principle that continues to guide every decision he makes. While many businesses become focused purely on numbers, Dani believes true success comes from an unwavering pursuit of quality over profit.

Originally from Naples, Dani has spent more than 21 years working in Bath’s hospitality industry. During that time, he has built an outstanding reputation, previously running award-winning restaurants and becoming a familiar face within the local community.

His achievements extend beyond hospitality. Dani has been recognised as Sports Coach of the Year for his work supporting local people and was also honoured with a prestigious Bath Life Award, reflecting his passion and talent for hospitality,

At Ponte Vecchio, quality begins with the ingredients. The experienced and passionate kitchen team creates authentic Italian dishes using the finest local produce, complemented by carefully sourced Italian ingredients that bring genuine regional flavours to every plate. The extensive wine list showcases producers from across Italy, with expertly selected bottles designed to pair beautifully with every dish.

Whether guests are enjoying a relaxed lunch overlooking the river, an intimate dinner on the roof terrace or celebrating a birthday or anniversary with family and friends, the same level of care and attention is evident throughout the experience. Every member of the team shares Dani’s belief that exceptional service is just as important as exceptional food.

In a city renowned for its hospitality, Ponte Vecchio stands out by staying true to a simple but powerful idea – when quality comes first, everything else follows. Under Dani’s leadership, that philosophy has transformed a beautiful riverside restaurant into one of Bath’s true dining destinations. n

tel: 01225 424800, info@pontevecchiobath.com www.pontevecchiobath.com

OFFBEAT BATH

Our city’s curious corners where quirky stories hide in plain sight

Anew guidebook is set to take readers far beyond Bath’s postcard-perfect crescents and Roman Baths. Published this month, 111 Places in Bath That You Shouldn’t Miss by Martin Booth reveals an alternative city of surprises, curiosities and hidden histories.

From burial grounds, bollards and slippery lanes to a sentry box, secret back gardens and statues you’ve probably walked past without noticing, the book uncovers stories in every corner. Along the way, readers can follow two walking tours and a cycle ride to stitch these discoveries together.

“Bath is a city of contrasts,” says Martin, a journalist, writer and tour guide. “Beyond the world famous Georgian crescents and Roman ruins lies a city with an unexpected past. Whether you have lived here all of your life, are a frequent visitor or taking a trip for the first time, 111 Places in Bath That You Shouldn’t Miss is an exploration of unknown and undiscovered Bath from thousands of years ago to the present day.”

1WORLDBUILDERS OF QUEEN STREET

Nothing beats a good explore and nothing is quite like the Worldbuilders of Queen Street. The journey you take is up to you, but the recommended route is to start in the basement and then work up each of the five storeys of this extraordinary building. It’s one of those places best discovered yourself with instructions to open drawers, handle objects and ‘interact freely with the space’. What this means is completely up to you but there will always be three different worlds to explore based around science fiction and fantasy, with the rooms a real-life extension of the books that the Worldbuilders of Queen Street also publish. You might even find artist Oliver Hurst working away in his studio on the second floor of this 1760s Georgian townhouse. Many of Oliver’s original oil paintings are dotted around the building and are available to buy if you want to take a bit of a particular world home with you.

2BATHEASTON TOLL BRIDGE

The original charges for crossing Batheaston Toll Bridge on different contraptions and by various means are still displayed on a handwritten sign next to the bridge. At least they were the prices at the time when the anonymous calligrapher was commissioned. Walking on your own? Ha’pence, please. Crossing with a wheelbarrow? That will be one penny. Riding on horseback? Two pennies. Have a donkey and cart with you? Threepence. A private car cost 6d and seems to have been added on the sign almost as an afterthought. These days, pedestrians and cyclists can cross for free, but motorbikes now have to pay 50p and cars £1.

3HARUSPEX STONE

At the Roman Baths, there is a stone the meaning of which many Romans would have struggled to understand. A haruspex was a priest who predicted the future by examining animal entrails. This was an unusual role and the haruspex in Bath is the only one to have ever been recorded in Roman Britain, showing the significance of Aquae Sulis. The haruspex stone was found during an excavation of the site in 1965. It is now on display in the temple courtyard close to the sacrificial altar which was the place of work of Bath’s own haruspex: Lucius Marcius Memor. Not everyone believed in his predictions, but his work would still have been carried out during special occasions. Even for Romans, this was an old practice which had been established in the East prior to GrecoRoman times. Like tea reading today, this special brand of fortune telling might well have told people what they wanted to know.

4PET CEMETERY

‘In remembrance of Tim, a little pal.’ ‘Our faithful pet Jack.’ ‘Beautiful loving Boy, sadly missed.’ ‘In loving memory of our Lulu.’ ‘Our mate Chum.’ These are just a few of the smallest gravestones in Bath, hidden in plain sight in the middle of Parade Gardens, that form one of England’s oldest pet cemeteries. The owners of these pets clearly thought the world of their faithful companions and built some relatively elaborate graves for their muchmissed furry friends.

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5SHREE JAGANNATHA TEMPLE

People come from all over the world to visit the only Hindu temple in Europe dedicated to Maha Prabhu Shree Jagannatha. In the Hindu belief, Shree Jagannath is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient. He is also known as Parameshwara (supreme lord), ParamBrahman (supreme omnipresent god) and Paramatma (supreme self). His most elaborate temple in Puri in Odisha on the east coast of India is just one where devotees pray to him to remove sin and give salvation. The temple in Puri was founded in the 12th century, with the Shree Jagannatha Temple in Bath much newer; opened in 2021 in part of the former Culverhay School.

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6SLIPPERY LANE

You can no longer slip or slide down Slippery Lane because it is closed off at the top. It may be inaccessible today but when standing on Northgate Street, you can still look down this narrow thoroughfare that once provided access to the River Avon just outside the city walls. The dark passageway gives an evocative indication of what it would have been like to live in Bath during the Middle Ages. Also known as Northgate Lane, another former name of Slippery Lane could have been Ducking Stool Lane as at the end of the lane was where Bath’s ducking stool was located.

7SEDAN CHAIR LODGES

Spare a thought for Bath’s sedan chairmen who spent every day on their feet, ferrying customers across a city which has a number of exceedingly steep hills and due to its status as a health resort, a higher-than-average number of people who would not have been able to walk. But even those in perfect health would

also have made use of the chairs, enabling passengers to not just be carried by either two or four chairmen (depending on their weight) through narrow streets but also inside one building to another, or even straight into the baths. Two buildings on Queen’s Parade are unique in the UK as previously being sedan chair lodges. Located to the rear of 24 Queen Square, they date from the 1730s and were built as places where chairmen were able to rest between trips.

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ELLETT GHOST SIGN

It doesn’t take long on a promenade around Bath to be transported back in time thanks to more than a few faded memories from the past. Hand painted advertisements proliferate across the city allowing you to see what businesses occupied premises long before the current custodians. What are today restaurants, hairdressers and vape shops were previously milliners, reading rooms and brush manufacturers. Bath is not alone for having these so-called ‘ghost signs’ but it is probably the UK city with the greatest abundance. One ghost sign, however, is very different from the rest. ‘J Ellett, smith & plumber’ is made not out of paint but of ironwork, positioned above the roof of the business on Beauford Square. John Ellett began life as a farmer in Dorset before switching trades to become a blacksmith by the 1851 census, helped by his eldest sons Thomas and Henry. The family relocated to Bath but by 1881 it was John’s widow Ann who was carrying on the business as A Ellett & Sons. The surviving sign was commissioned by one of John and Ann’s other sons, also called John, to serve the dual purpose of both advertising his company and demonstrating his blacksmithing skills.

9POPE’S WALK

Pope’s Walk has been known throughout history as Hangman’s Lane, Hanging Land Lane and Blind Lane, and is reputed to be

haunted by a headless or blind horseman. It could also have been named because trees overhang the route making this a wonderfully picturesque spot. Hanging land means ‘land on a slope’ so the thoroughfare’s unusual former moniker is likely to be more prosaic than paranormal. The evocative lane may not have ghosts and ghouls along its length, but it still has an atmospheric - some may say spookyfeeling, particularly after dark. One story is that highwaymen and thieves used to lurk here to attack unsuspecting passers-by but these days you will find more ramblers than robbers.

10REC TURNSTILES

The beginnings of what is now Bath Rugby can be traced back to 1865. For their first three decades, the team was an itinerant one, playing matches at Claverton Down, Kensington Meadows, North Parade, Lambridge Meadows and Henrietta Park. Their first game at the Rec was played against Exeter in 1894. The pair of wooden turnstiles with ogee crested roofs at the entrance to the Rec at the end of William Street were built around a year later, granting Edwardian rugby fans access to what was then still known as Pulteney Meadows and used to regularly flood. Rugby remains at the heart of Bath and a match day cheering on the modern-day gladiators has to be experienced by any sports fan. n

111 Places in Bath That You Shouldn’t Miss by Martin Booth (Emons Verlag, £13.99) is available to order from all local book shops.

For more: Instagram @beardedjourno

SUMMER IN THE CITY

1BRANCHING OUT

In Tune with Nature, Westonbirt Arboretum; www.forestryengland.uk

This summer, Westonbirt Arboretum celebrates its In Tune with Nature theme with an immersive trail running now until the end of August. Designed for all ages, the trail invites visitors to pause, listen to birdsong, and connect with the calming beauty of trees. Throughout the season, free family events add creativity and discovery: craft woodland instruments during Nature’s Soundtrack (4–6 August), unwind together with In Tune with Wellbeing’ yoga walks (11–13 August), marvel at bees in Wild About Bees (16 August), and join sensory woodland walks (25–27 August).

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Children can also enjoy magical adventures with The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, and the new Room on the Broom trail. There are also free daily guided walks at 11am and 2pm sharing the arboretum’s fascinating stories and secrets.

2QUESTION MARK!

Summer Quest: Reverse the Curse, The Roman Baths; www.romanbaths.co.uk

Created in partnership with AQUILA magazine and running daily until 31 August, visitors are invited to embark on a playful quest packed with puzzles, code-cracking, and

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hands-on fun inspired by ancient curse tablets. Follow a trail of clues around the 2,000-yearold historic site and uncover surprising Roman stories and work together to lift a playful ‘curse’. Complete the quest and unlock a three-month digital subscription to AQUILA, extending the adventure beyond the visit.

The quest is just part of a lively summer programme. Budding archaeologists can join Archaeology Adventures (23 July–28 August), digging for replica artefacts and learning how real archaeologists work. Plus, free creative craft sessions inspired by Roman festivals run throughout the holidays, with new activities each week for children aged 4+.

3PARK LIFE

Summer of Play at Dyrham Park; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Experience a festival atmosphere at Dyrham Park this summer, with imaginative play stations near Old Lodge, including a mini stage with costumes, a beat box, building blocks, a ball run, mud kitchen, and sensory barefoot walk. Down by the house, lose yourself in a bamboo and bunting mini-maze,

test your skills with games and jumping challenges, or join in weekly themed sessions: Nature Explorers (Tuesdays), Watercolour Art (Wednesdays), and Thrillseeker Thursdays with circus skills, morris dancing, archery, and more. Don’t miss the Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail – team up as a family to search the gardens, discover Pokémon powers, and complete fun challenges. On until 2 September.

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LITTLE LOVES

Newtlings Experiences, The Newt in Somerset; www.thenewtinsomerset.com

All year round The Newt offers nature-inspired adventures for children to explore, play, and learn outdoors. With activities like forest school, crafts, and seasonal family events, young visitors are encouraged to connect with nature in creative and engaging ways. Many of these experiences are included with membership, making it easy for families to enjoy hands-on fun throughout the year.

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UNDERGROUND MAGIC

All season | Wookey Hole; www.wookey.co.uk

Explore the legendary caves with the all-new immersive underground projection show, launched earlier this year after a £250,000 investment. This cutting-edge experience uses projection mapping to bring the caves’ stories, legends, and ancient geology to life – projected directly onto the natural rock. Visitors rave about the added magic, from the legend of the Witch to the daring exploits of early explorers. Above ground, there’s more fun with adventure golf, soft play, a vintage penny arcade, and familyfriendly shows. Don’t miss the all-new seaside circus show from the Wookey Hole Circus or the weekly illusion spectacular, Magique Presents: Fire and Water.

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ROLL UP, ROLL UP

Circus of Curiosities: An Exhibition of Moving Marvels, American Museum; www.americanmuseum.org

Step into a world of mechanical magic at Circus of Curiosities, a touring exhibition from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre on until 3 January. Discover 25 animated sculptures and whimsical automata, each brought to life with a push or a turn. Created by leading contemporary makers, these kinetic marvels celebrate the spectacle of the circus – blending humour, art, and storytelling. Explore toys, characters, and witty creations that spring into interactive action.

Alongside the exhibition, families can enjoy a dedicated creative play area to experiment, build their own inventions, or simply relax in the big top.

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POOLED RESOURCES

Thermae Bath Spa; www.thermaebathspa.com

Any time of year this place is a wonderful treat, but the open-air rooftop pool is a particular delight in the summer. Visitors are soaking up centuries of history while immersed in Britain’s only natural thermal waters and drinking in the views that stretch right across Bath’s skyline. There’s also the newly refurbished terrace to experience afterwards – for ice cream, prosecco or a light bite. There’s an adults-only policy so you can be sure of a little peace and quiet!

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TAKE IT OUTSIDE

Mendip Activity Centre; www.mendip.co.uk | www.mendipbasecamp.com

Make the most of summer with over 25 exciting activities for ages 4+ to choose from at this outdoor adventure hub. Swap screen time for shared experiences, including instructorled and self-guided options like tobogganing, climbing, caving, archery, axe throwing, kayaking, and paddleboarding – for all ages and all abilities.

Extend the adventure at Mendip Basecamp, the award-winning on-site campsite with

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a flexible pitch-anywhere policy, rental tents, modern facilities, and free weekend entertainment. New for this summer, Mendip Mini Fests bring family-friendly festivals, headline bands, and a local talent competition to the campsite.

9SMASHING!

Tennis at Lansdown; www.mylansdownclub.co.uk

Serve up some summer fun at Lansdown Club! Junior tennis camps (ages 7–13) run now until late August, while adult summer sessions start 27 July, and are open to all. Enjoy expert coaching, then relax with homemade cakes and drinks in the newly refurbished clubroom.

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SUNSET SUPPERS

Garden Lates, The Newt; The Newt in Somerset; www.thenewtinsomerset.com

Enjoy summer evenings in the beautiful Bruton countryside on 13 and 27 August. Celebrate the season with two relaxed outdoor feasts: indulge in a seafood barbecue with chef Gelf Alderson or savour a traditional lamb asado by Ana Ortiz, both featuring live-fire cooking. Sip on The Newt’s legendary cyder and soak in stunning sunset views across the gardens.

“Celebrate the season with two relaxed outdoor feasts”

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SAY CHEESE!

Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show; www.fromecheeseshow.co.uk

A one-day celebration of food, farming and, of course, cheese! Taking place on 12 September, the show has championed British agriculture since 1861, featuring livestock, equine, horticultural and handicraft competitions alongside the internationally renowned Global Cheese Awards. Enjoy delicious local food and drink, spectacular countryside displays, family entertainment, and the Little Show-Goers Play Zone, packed with free activities for children throughout the day.

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SECOND NATURE

Forest of Imagination, American Museum & Gardens; www.forestofimagination.org.uk

This inspiring outdoor art event transforms the museum’s gardens, woodland, and arboretum into a celebration of creativity, nature, and play until 1 September. Explore a fantastical trail of imaginative installations – giant sculptures, immersive artworks, and interactive spaces –each designed to encourage visitors of all ages to look closer at the natural world, reflect, play, and create.

Highlights include Dreamer, a spectacular 7.5-metre inflatable rabbit by Andrew Grant, and Imaginal Soup by Matthew Leece, which explores transformation and renewal through the lens of a butterfly’s chrysalis. Trace hidden watercourses in The Waters Way by Andrew Amondson, following

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IN FINE VOICE

Family Fiesta, Church Farm, Wingfield; www.ifopera.com

Dive into a world of music, colour, and creativity on 9 August, as Carmen’s story sets the scene for an immersive day of singing, crafts, dress-up, and adventure. Highlights include songwriting workshops with West End composer Tim Gilvin, hands-on craft activities, face painting, and a garden fiesta trail. Try on Carmen-inspired costumes and join the fun in Carmen’s café and picnic areas.

The day culminates in The Big Sing, where everyone is invited to learn the Toreador chorus and join professional singers for a rousing finale. No singing experience needed – but enthusiasm is a bonus!

shimmering ribbons that map an ancient stream beneath the gardens. Pause among oversized chrysalises in Chrysalis Grove by Grant Associates, celebrating the possibilities of change. On 26 July, there’s a hands-on workshop with the Forest of the Imagination artists.

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WRITTEN IN THE STARS

Astronomy, Herschel Museum; www.herschelmuseum.org.uk

From 24 July to 1 September, follow a solar system trail at the Herschel Museum, find the hidden planets and colour in a sticker to take home, and join a Make Your Own Fab Felt Planet workshop on 17 August. Look out as well for bookable planetarium shows at Bath Central Library – Our Spectacular Sun is on 11 August and Stories in the Sky on 18 August.

“Explore a fantastical trail of installations”imaginative

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TASTY TUNES

Foodies Festival; www.foodiesfestival.com

The mouth-watering weekend of culinary and musical delights is back in Victoria Park from 4–6 September. Now in its 21st year, this popular touring festival brings an all-star line-up of celebrity chefs and chart-topping music acts to the city. Highlights include cooking demos from MasterChef 2025 champion Harry Maguire, Bake Off’s Val Stones, and royal cake-maker Mich Turner MBE, alongside regional stars like Ayesha Kalaji and Mark Chapman.

Music fans are in for a treat with performances from Example, Boyzlife (featuring Boyzone and Westlife members), and the electrifying Symphonic Ibiza Orchestra. Enjoy live chef demos, cake and dessert theatre, interactive masterclasses, shopping, street food, and fun for all ages – including kids’ activities and even a dog-friendly zone.

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CULINARY ADVENTURE

Gardener and chef workshops, The Newt in Somerset; www.thenewtinsomerset.com

Begin your morning by harvesting fresh produce alongside expert gardeners, then head to the open fire to cook your bounty with the guidance of talented chefs. The workshop culminates in a delicious communal lunch, celebrating the best of seasonal ingredients and outdoor cooking. These immersive days for food lovers and nature enthusiasts are happening 5 and 19 August.

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GEORGIAN GAMES

Summer activities, No.1 Royal Crescent; www.no1royal crescent.org.uk

Explore Georgianthemed games, crafts, and costumes daily in the learning space. On Wednesdays in August, drop in for a decoupage shells workshop and craft a trinket tray inspired by Georgian shell grottoes.

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MONSTERS INC.

The Frankenstein Experience; www.houseoffrankenstein.com

Escape the sunshine and uncover Bath’s darkest secrets with this unique theatrical walking tour created by Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein and Show of Strength Theatre Company. Wander the Regency streets as performance and history reveal the scandals, tragedies, and stories that inspired Shelley’s Gothic masterpiece.

After the one-hour guided journey, explore the award-winning House of Frankenstein museum, filled with atmospheric soundtracks, unusual artefacts, and immersive exhibits. Tours run every Thursday and Sunday until 30 August.

19AFTER DARK

Summer Lates, The Roman Baths; www.romanbaths.co.uk

Experience the Roman Baths like never before with Summer Lates, running until 31 August. Open until 10pm nightly, this after-hours event features vinyl DJ sets and live acoustic music beside the Great Bath, creating a laid-back, sociable vibe. Fridays and Saturdays spotlight vinyl DJs – curated by Bath Carnival – with a line-up including Pete Cunningham (Ishmael Ensemble), Tina Edwards, Poly-Ritmo, and more, spinning funk, soul, jazz, and global grooves. Sundays offer acoustic sessions curated by 7 Hills Festival, featuring Steve Cradock, Hannah White, Robert Vincent, True Foxes, and rising talent. Explore the Grade I-listed site as torchlight flickers and enjoy drinks from the bath-side bar.

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DRAW TOGETHER

Summer art camps, Holburne; www.holburne.org

These holiday clubs, which run over various dates between 27 July and 11 August, are designed to nurture artistic skills, inspired by the wonderful objects and stories from the museum collection as well as its temporary exhibitions. Each class is led by an experienced artist and will have different themes, including sculpture garden, mythical beasties, Picasso and futuristic art.

Get ready for two days of literary treasurehunting as Bath Book Fair returns to Bath Pavilion. Running the weekend of 31 July and 1 August the event, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in the south of England, brings together around 70 accredited dealers from the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association (PBFA) and Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association (ABA), showcasing everything beautifully book-related including first editions, fine bindings, maps, postcards, curios and ephemera from across the UK. Fair organiser Dan Ahern says, “Whether you’re looking for that special first edition of a classic work of literature, or a favourite book from childhood, Bath Pavilion is the place to be on the final weekend of July.”

For more: www. pbfa.org | www.aba.org.uk

WHAT’S ON

25 July –22 August

EXHIBITIONS

Until 22 August FANGIRL

A beautiful, material-led mix of artist Lou Taylor’s work, exploring all things botanical as well as geometric. Palette Gallery; www.palettable.co.uk

Until 6 September

NORMAN ACKROYD: THE TRANSIENCE OF LIGHT

The first posthumous exhibition of the celebrated printmaker Norman Ackroyd, featuring five decades of atmospheric etchings capturing the coasts, landscapes and ever-changing light of the British Isles. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 6 September

BROWN IN BATH: ARROWS OF DESIRE

Brown in Bath is an exhibition across both the Holburne and No. 1 Royal Crescent featuring the work of Glenn Brown, one of the most celebrated painters to come out of the Young British Artist generation of the late 80s. He borrows images, colours, and drawn lines from art history to create fresh, humorous and disturbing paintings. www.holburne.org | www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk

Until 13 September BEYOND IMPRESSIONISM: PRINTMAKING FROM MANET TO PICASSO

Bringing together prints by key artists of the Impressionist movement, including Édouard Manet, Pierre Bonnard, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Pablo Picasso, among others, the collection explores how these artists, better known for their works in paint, also made remarkable contributions to printmaking. The Holburne; www.holburne.org

Until 19 September REIMAGININGS

Shaped by her Singaporean and British heritage, sculptural artist Hannah Lim works with materials including polymer clay, wood, and metal to create playful sculptures that explore mythology, history, and reflections on identity. The Museum of East Asian Art; www.meaa.org.uk

Until 18 October ANGEL OTERO

Moving his studio practice from Brooklyn, NY and Puerto Rico temporarily to Somerset, Angel Otero, known for his physically immersive approach to paint as

material, makes his UK debut featuring a deeply personal body of work completed during his residency. www.hauserwirth.com

Until 1 November JOURNEYS

The Karun Thakar textile collection displayed throughout the 17th-century Dyrham Park’s house interiors reveals powerful narratives about migration, trade, craftsmanship and colonialism. Dyrham Park; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Until 27 June 2027

LACOCK BY MARTIN PARR

The final major commission by the late celebrated British photographer Martin Parr captures a year in the life of Lacock village. This intimate exhibition explores community, tradition and daily life, bringing Parr’s acclaimed documentary style back to where it began. Fox Talbot Museum; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Until 3 January 2027

CIRCUS OF CURIOSITIES: AN EXHIBITION OF MOVING MARVELS

Developed and toured by the

Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, this playful exhibition, inspired by the spectacle of the circus, brings together 25 interactive mechanical sculptures by contemporary makers. American Museum & Gardens; www.americanmuseum.org

THEATRE / MOVIES

28 July – 1 August TEECHERS

It is the end of term and John Godber’s hilarious comedy masterpiece, bristling with teenage swagger and outlandish imagination, has been reset for our post-Covid and lockdown times. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

11 – 22 August

THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD

Starring Ralf Little (The Royle Family, Death In Paradise), the John le Carré classic becomes a stage play for the very first time. It follows weary British intelligence officer Alec Leamas on a journey through the terrain of Cold War espionage and moral compromise. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

from top left: Gráinne Dromgoole and Ralf Little star in The Spy Who Came In From The Cold coming to the Theare Royal Bath 11 – 22 August; The pioneering Anglo French Stereolab bring their hypnotic motorik krautrock beats and French pop melodies to We Out Here 20 – 23 August; Laura Smyth is one of the many headlining comics appearing at the Rode Comedy Festival happening 26 – 30 August; The Pride celebrations return to Bath on 22 August

FESTIVALS

30 July – 2 August

VALLEY FEST

Chew Valley Lake’s feel-good bestview festival with live sets from Big Special, Cast and Billy Nomates alongside hot tubs, yoga, family fun, creative workshops and spectacular lakeside feasts from top regional chefs. www.valleyfest.co.uk

6 – 16 August

IF OPERA

This is a spectacular yet intimate country house opera festival at Church Farm, Wingfield, beneath the Westbury White Horse, with reimagined Carmen, operetta, baroque masterclasses and big band Picnic Prom finale in a charming pastoral setting. www.ifopera.com

20 – 23 August

WE OUT HERE

The Gilles Peterson curated fourday festival at Wimborne St Giles, Dorset, joins the dots between soul, jazz, hip hop, electronica and more, with pioneering artists and deeply laidback, out-there vibes. Headliners include avant-pop superstars Stereolab, South London singer songwriter Joy Crookes and the father of Ethio-jazz Mulatu Astatke. www.weoutherefestival.com

26 – 30 August

RODE COMEDY FESTIVAL

The mega name event returns to Pitchperfect Camping, Woolverton. Enjoy five nights of top UK stand-up, including Katherine Ryan, Rhod Gilbert, Romesh Ranganathan, Jen Brister, Laura Smyth and Sir Lenny Henry. Features music, artisan food, and a charity gameshow. Last few tickets remaining. www.rodecomedyfestival.com

3 – 6 September

END OF THE ROAD

It’s the 20th year of the critically acclaimed indie festival at Larmer Tree near Salisbury. Among the headliners are Pulp playing their only UK festival set of the year, Irish pop sensation CMAT, and slacker rock icon Mac DeMarco. Plus there’s a packed programme of literature, talks, arts, and comedy, accompanied by an eco ethos, family workshops, and locally produced food and drink. www.endoftheroadfestival.com

MUSIC

7 August

ULTIMATE COLDPLAY

The world-class tribute show will perform two decades of mega-hits and bring with them the spectacular Bouncing Beamz laser display for a

full arena experience. But what will really blow your mind is just how much the lead singer actually looks like Chris Martin. Komedia; www.komediabath.co.uk

8 August

NATIONAL YOUTH BRASS BAND

The prestigious youth music organisation with over 70 years of history delivering world class musical performance from talented young musicians, bring their 90-piece orchestra to the city led by guest conductor Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Petritz-Watts. The Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

15 August BLUE LIGHT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

A unique, registered charity ensemble comprising musicians who are serving or former emergency services personnel, NHS staff, military personnel, and others connected to the blue light community. This concert marks the culmination of their inaugural Blue Light Music Week, a residential music-making event centred around player mental health and wellbeing. The Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

19 August UNDERCOVER HIPPY

Undercover Hippy (aka musician Billy Rowan) is an uplifting, quirky yet politically and socially aware artist, whose music takes you on a full provoking detour around protest pieces and jams. Chapel Arts; www.chapelarts.org

OTHER

28 July

EDINBURGH PREVIEW: HARRIET DYER & LINDSEY SANTORO

Harriet Dyer, a Channel 4 Lock Comedy Award Winner and Lindsey Santoro, the creator of her own Radio 4 series, have partnered together to create a witty and delightfully crazy Edinburgh special. Komedia; www.komediabath.co.uk

22 August BATH PRIDE

Marking its third year, the communityled celebration starts with a Pride march from the Holburne at midday and from 1pm onwards its Pride in the Park in Sydney Gardens with music, stalls and performances. www.bathpride.org

Turn to page 22 for our what’s on summer time special

CULTURE CLUB with JODIE STEELE

Jodie, who played Heather Chandler in the UK première of the musical Heathers, will be performing at Theatre Royal Bath 4 to 8 August in Our Man in Havana, adapted by Clive Francis from Graham Greene’s novel. Together with Jack Ashton, Bob Barrett, and Leon Ockenden, she helps bring over 30 characters to life.

The last great film I saw: Project Hail Mary. I cried like a baby about the alien rock – Rocky is a new world sensation.

A film I could watch over and over again: Love Actually is the best Christmas movie ever! I watch it every Christmas without fail and it never gets old!

A painting that means something to me: Van Gogh’s Sunflowers reminds me of a trip to Amsterdam with a dear friend. He took me to the Van Gogh museum, and it was an amazing experience to actually get to see such a masterpiece in person.

Best TV show ever: As a massive Steven Knight fan it has to be Peaky Blinders! Cillian Murphy is one of my all-time favourite actors. He is so visceral in everything he does.

My TV guilty pleasure: Emily in Paris. It’s so bad, it’s good! The

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cast are sensational and it’s so vibrant in design and an easy binge.

The book that changed my life: JoJo Moyes’ books Me Before You and After You broke my heart. My biggest fear is losing loved one. These books show strength and perseverance through that.

Last live music gig I went to:

A dinky little jazz bar in New York, which I can’t remember the name of, but James Arthur was performing and I LOVE HIM!

The first song I remember hearing: Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. It was my dad’s favourite. We would always listen to it in the car and rock out!

My karaoke go-to: I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney because it always gets everyone up dancing and you just can’t go wrong.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

He’s with the band

I’m typing as I listen to The Bookshop Band soundcheck for our Mr B’s 20th Birthday concert tonight. The band was born back in 2010 from a conversation between brilliant local musician Ben Please and myself. We wanted to add music into our author events and Ben stepped up to the challenge and put together a super-trio with Beth Porter (who he would eventually marry) and Poppy Pitt (who moved to London and stepped away from the band after five years or so).

For years this ridiculously talented crew wrote an impressive volume of songs, all inspired by the books of our guest authors which were then debuted in front of those sometimes-bemused sometimes-emotional writers just before they spoke to us about their books. Honestly, it’s one of the oddest and most rewarding things we’ve done in our constant pursuit of unconventional bookselling.

Nowadays Ben and Beth live in Wigtown (Scotland’s famous book town) still writing literary-inspired songs for authors, publishers and cultural institutions and still touring bookshops and music venues. Poppy has been away from the band for a decade or so after moving to London – until tonight when she’s rejoining them to reprise some of their early songs as part of this birthday celebration.

Gale’s Costa Prize shortlisted A Place Called Winter). Themes of family, friendship, the passage of time and memory all combine in Love Lane, to give a trademark Gale novel full of memorable characters, conflicts and resolutions.

Beth Porter’s chilling vocals are ringing out now on Room for Three, a track on the band’s latest album Emerge, Return which was produced and featured The Who’s Pete Townshend. They’ll play this and another dozen songs either side of on-stage interviews I’ll conduct with two authors who’ve been with us most of the way on our two-decade bookselling jaunt.

First, Naomi Ishiguro, our former bookseller turned novelist who is now celebrating the release of her third novel, the epic anime and Japanese folklore-infused fantasy novel The Rainshadow Orphans (Simon & Schuster, £20).

And then, Joanna Nadin, the prolific Bathbased novelist who was the very first author to do an event at Mr B’s when, surrounded by seven-year-olds in our old children’s room, she told the tale of Jake Jellicoe and the Dread Pirate Redbeard

“The BandBookshop have worked with so manyauthorsgreat ”

The Bookshop Band have worked with so many great authors through their collaborations – Hilary Mantel, Philip Pullman, Rachel Joyce, Kate Mosse, Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris to name just a few. Tonight one of their keenest collaborators, Patrick Gale, has travelled up from his Cornish home to Bath to do a reading and say some words about his new book Love Lane (Headline, £20) and to guest on cello on the song Making Tracks written as a response to his earlier novel Rough Music.

Love Lane sees Patrick return to the character Harry Cane – now a veteran Canadian wheat farmer who is heading back to an England utterly changed and shaken by two wars since he’d first been trapped into emigrating at the beginning of the twentieth century (in

To say Nadin is versatile as a writer is the ultimate understatement. She has written for young readers, middle grade, teens and adults and tonight we’ll quiz her about After Darcy (Bedford Square, £9.99) – a retelling or reinvention rather of Pride and Prejudice in which the male romantic heroes take a back seat and the Bennet sisters get a chance for a different destiny. With the action all set in the modern day, I’ll be fascinated to find out how Nadin found the process of translating the Austen character traits to the modern world.

Soundcheck is over and so time to find my notes and check whether my authors are here yet. And after that to enjoy a full weekend of Mr B’s 20th Birthday celebrations and then, even more excitingly, crack on with the next decade of bookselling in our wonderful supportive community.

Nic Bottomley is the general manager of Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, 14/15 John Street, Bath; www.mrbsemporium.com

BATH CITY FOOTBALL - FIXTURES

26/27

CURRENT AFFAIRS

The River Avon and how it shapes the past, present, and future of Bath

Words by Sarah Moolla

Ask most visitors what makes Bath, well, Bath, and they’ll point at the honey-coloured stone, the Crescents, the Abbey and talk about Jane Austen and Bridgerton. Fair enough. But look past that, look down, and you’ll find the real engine humming away at street level, under Pulteney Bridge, past the weir, snaking in, out and around our city, quietly getting on with the job it’s had for over a thousand years. The River Avon didn’t just happen to flow past Bath. It built the place, dressed it, fed it, and – these days – keeps us entertained and our wellbeing in check. A beautiful backdrop to our everyday lives.

As Mike Chapman and Neil Macmillen, say in their book Bath Waters: The Cold Waters of Bath (edited by Andrew Macmillen, Lightmoor Books, £24) “Without its river, canal and streams, Bath would never have become the city it did. Water mills would not have turned, textiles would not have been woven, a wide range of products from beer to plasticine and from gas to corsets would not have been manufactured, beautiful bridges would not have been built, and boats would not have been able to transport goods east and west…

“By the 1920s, with the advent of the motor age, it was already noticed that tourism was an important asset for the city. Since then, and particularly after 1980 when it was designated a World Heritage Site, Bath has developed into an attractive centre of business, education and residence which, as in the 18th century, has brought back an interest in its water resources as a leisure amenity. This is a welcome development as for so long Bath turned its back on the river and its cold waters, ignoring their historical importance on the development of the city.”

Here we explore further…

ON THE MOVE

Long before anyone was sipping a flat white by the water, the Avon was doing hard graft. The Domesday Book records four mills on the river at Twerton alone, each turning a tidy 30 shillings in rent – decent money for the eleventh century. By the late Middle Ages, Bath had become one of England’s great cloth towns, its fortune built on wool brought down from the Cotswold Hills and washed, pulled and finished using the river’s own muscle. At one point Broad Street alone housed fifty broad looms. The city was so identified with the trade that Chaucer had The Wife of Bath boast she was better at clothmaking than the weavers of Ypres and Ghent (originally the County of Flanders, and now part of Belgium) one of English literature’s earliest brags about a local industry.

The Avon wasn’t just power, either – it was the delivery van. Goods moved down to Bristol and out to the world, and when the river itself proved awkward to navigate, Bath’s merchants simply engineered around it. The Kennet and Avon Canal opened in 1810, linking Bath to London via Reading, while the Avon Navigation turned the city into a proper inland port, its wharves near what’s now Broad Quay stacked with wine, coal, stone and cloth. Even Bath’s most photographed stretch of stone got its start as industrial infrastructure: Pulteney Bridge, completed in 1773, was built to open up new land across the water for development – commerce first, looks second.

FLOW CHARTS

The decline of heavy industry in the 20th century could have spelled trouble for the area but while the looms are long gone, the river didn’t decline – it evolved and changed jobs. Today, the riverside is home to creative businesses, lively pubs, and performance spaces. The former Newark Works, once a Victorian engineering factory, now houses digital

“Without its river, canal and streams, Bath would never have become the city it did”

EXPLORING BATH

startups and design studios. “We wanted to be right by the water,” says Sarah Lee, co-founder of a riverside co-working space. “It’s energising and a bit unexpected – perfect for sparking new ideas.”

These days Pulteney Weir’s main cargo is people having a nice time. Pulteney Cruisers has been running boats out from Pulteney Weir for more than fifty years, and there’s Bath River Cruises (operated by Bath Adventures) who ferry visitors past the weir in lovingly restored, classic 1960s river cruisers. One of the highlights of such trips is being able to marvel at the horseshoe-shaped weir close-up – a feat of 1970s engineering designed to reduce flooding – and the opportunity of a unique underside view of Pulteney Bridge, one of only four bridges in the world lined with shops. Jeweller James Dando is one of those shops: “When I first set up shop on Pulteney Bridge back in 2002, the river was the main draw. There’s something about being right on the water that immediately softens the mood, transforming shopping from a transaction into a genuine experience. The view of the weir puts customers at ease; there’s an instant sense of calm and welcome.

“The river shapes everything here. The light bouncing off the Avon floods through our windows, creating the perfect natural conditions for inspecting precious stones and metals. The changing seasons outside – the frost in winter, the rush of water in summer – provide a living, breathing backdrop. It’s a constant reminder of the natural, timeless beauty that inspires the jewellery I curate.

“I’ve always made sure our consultation space overlooks the water. Whether someone’s trying on an antique diamond ring or I’m valuing a gold collection, I encourage them to look out at the river. It makes every appointment memorable. Early mornings and late afternoons, when sunlight gilds the bridge and water, are my favourite times—there’s a warmth that echoes the gold we work with every day. Being here, away from the high street, gives us a unique, almost magical atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else.”

The river also helps the nearby businesses succeed and keep evolving as the director and executive general manager of Ponte Vecchio Daniele Quaglietta explains, “Setting up by Pulteney Weir means being in the heart of Bath, and just across the bridge, and yet we feel a world apart from the city’s rush. The river’s changing moods – light on the water, shifting seasons, even the wildlife – continually inspire us. Our menu often reflects what we see outside: vibrant summer greens, fresh seafood, dishes that echo the scenery. No matter if you’re enjoying the view from the balcony or inside, the river always finds its way onto your plate. It’s a quieter, more thoughtful space for dining, shaped as much by the landscape as by what’s in the kitchen.”

That trade adds up. The visitor economy across Bath, Bristol and the wider West of England hit a record £2.46 billion in 2023, supporting some 41,000 jobs, according to the region’s tourism body Visit West. The Roman Baths with its roughly 10,000 years-old waters, and the original source of our ‘watery’ name, alone pulled in just over a million visitors last year, putting the site 29th on the UK’s list of most-visited attractions. Companies like Bath Narrowboats offer cruises, while the Bath Boating Station has been hiring out skiffs and canoes since 1833.

REFLECTED BEAUTY

Here’s the thing about our waterways – they don’t charge admission. Stand on Pulteney Bridge at golden hour and watch the water tip over the horseshoe of Pulteney Weir in a churn of white, framed by the gentlest curve of Georgian shopfronts either side, and you’ve had one of the best views in Britain for nothing. Stroll the canal ways and wildlife turns up uninvited, too: herons stalk the shallows, kingfishers streak past in a blur of orange and blue, peregrine falcons nest at St John’s Church overlooking the water, and – for the patient and the lucky – otters occasionally surface near Bathampton.

WATER WELL

The river ways are part of the extraordinary scenery in Bath, but they also provide therapy. Researchers studying what’s now called ‘blue space’ – any visible body of water, from oceans down to canals – have found measurable drops in cortisol and improvements in mood simply from spending time near it. This comes as no surprise to the residents of Bath Leat, the modern later-living community developed and operated by Pegasus Homes, who know that the advantages of riverside living extend well beyond the view. The collection of riverside homes offers residents over 60 the unique opportunity to set up home alongside the River Avon very near the city centre. “While the appeal of attractive, well-designed homes is clear,” say Pegasus Homes, “it’s the proximity to water that sets Bath Leat apart – and science is increasingly revealing why this matters. Research from environmental psychologists and health experts confirms that living near rivers and waterways measurably boosts mental and physical health.

“The ‘blue mind’ or ‘blue space’ effect describes how the sights and sounds of flowing water calm the nervous system, lowering stress

“The riverside setting healthyencourages habits”

hormones and heart rates after just 20 to 30 minutes spent by the water. Residents at Bath Leat can simply step outside for a walk along the towpath and immediately benefit from these scientifically proven effects. Beyond stress reduction, the riverside setting encourages healthy habits. Access to the riverside promotes more frequent walking, cycling, and outdoor activity – low-impact exercise that is linked to improved cardiovascular health and mobility in later life.”

But if you aren’t lucky enough to have a ringside seat to the river there are other ways to reap the benefit. Warleigh Weir, just upstream of Bath near Claverton, draws up to 500 wild swimmers on a good summer’s day. Walkers, joggers, and cyclists trace its towpaths, while rowers and paddleboarders slice through its morning mist. The Two Tunnels Greenway, a cycling route that includes sections along the river, sees over 200,000 users a year, according to Sustrans.

Local charities like Bath Mind run riverside walks as part of their wellbeing programmes as “nature, movement, and water are a perfect recipe for stress relief.” Recent studies, including one by the University of Exeter, confirm that living near blue spaces like rivers can boost mental health and happiness.

Fishing is another riverside pastime, which is not about the catch, but “is about slowing down and watching the river go by” as stated by the Bathampton Angling Association, which was founded in 1910 and manages several prominent local fishing locations including the Hunstrete Complex, sections of the River Avon, and the Kennet & Avon Canal.

above left: A home near the water, like these at Bath Leat by Pegasus, is proven to have health benefits; above right: The waters below provide a beautiful backdrop for the businesses that surround it; below: This 1750

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WATER WORLD

The Avon is not simply a waterway; it’s a living ecosystem. Swans glide past Georgian terraces, while otters have returned to the river in recent years – a sign of improving water quality, thanks to clean-up efforts led by organisations like the Avon Wildlife Trust. Wildflowers and reeds fringe the banks, softening the city’s architectural lines and providing habitats for butterflies and bees. Bath’s riverside parks – Henrietta Park, Sydney Gardens, and the newly revitalised Bath Quays – offer green refuges within minutes of the city centre.

This embrace of the river is being embedded into the city itself with the recent Bath River-line project, backed by the local council and community groups, that looks to cover a 10k stretch of towpaths and riverwalks from Newbridge to Bath Quays with B&NES aim of ultimately creating “a continuous, highly accessible green route for walking, wheeling, and cycling, while simultaneously boosting local biodiversity and celebrating Bath’s unique industrial and natural heritage.” Grow Batheaston and similar community groups run river clean-ups, wildlife surveys and swimming tasters aimed squarely at getting more locals into, and alongside, the water.

A TRIBUTE TO THE TRIBUTARY

Pull all four strands apart – trade, looks, tourists, wellbeing – and you’d think you were describing four different rivers. Put them back together and you get the River Avon. From millstone to meeting place, trade route to tranquil escape, the River Avon continues to wash over us and shape our city’s identity in ways both visible and subtle. n

FOR MORE: www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk | www.bathnes.gov.uk | www.pegasushomes.co.uk | www.bathmind.org.uk | www.bath-narrowboats.co.uk | www.bathquays.co.uk | www.bathadventures.co.uk | www.bathampton.org | www.growbatheaston.co.uk | www.canalrivertrust.org.uk | www.lightmoor.co.uk | www.newarkworks.co.uk | www.nigeldando.co.uk | www.pontevecchiobath.com | www.pulteneycruisers.com | www.romanbaths.co.uk | www.sustrans.org.uk | www.visitwest.co.uk

BOWOOD HOTEL, SPA & GOLF RESORT

Enjoying a luxury stay that’s close to home but miles from ordinary

By Victoria Bond

Embrace the journey, not the destination is a saying often attributed to the 19th century American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. With respect, I don’t think Mr Emerson ever encountered Friday evening GWR delays or, as per a recent mini break of mine, major midsummer motorway madness that left this grown woman yelling at the sat nav, ‘Are we nearly there yet?!’

So when the live map app Waze informs me Bowood Hotel is comfortably just 45 minutes door to door from Bath, my heart skips a beat. I switch my OOO on at 3pm and I’m by the pool, cocooned in a fluffy white robe, by 4pm.

“The infinity pool looks out across the immaculate fairways”

Proximity as a luxury might be a sign of age. So, I suspect, is my changing taste in interiors. Bowood epitomises the kind of modern country house elegance I am increasingly drawn to when booking a night away. Arriving on one of the hottest days of the year, my travel companion and I coo as we step into the most beautifully quiet and cool room. Everything feels proper: excellent fabrics, impeccable bed linen and a bathroom so well appointed, it’s tempting to forgo the spa and just take baths and showers on a loop for the entire stay.

It comes as no surprise to learn that the hotel’s interiors are the work of the current Marchioness of Lansdowne, whose home sits on the same estate and has been in the family since 1754. The current Lady Lansdowne trained at the Inchbald School of Design and worked for Colefax & Fowler before her marriage, and it shows. The hotel manages

GREAT ESCAPES

to feel contemporary, homely and quietly grand all at once.

The hours we save on travel are quickly exchanged for an afternoon spree in the spa. Bowood’s infinity pool looks out across the immaculate fairways of the 18-hole PGA golf course. Post dip, we sit by the wraparound glass windows like two gloriously happy goldfish. Everywhere we look there is more green, and the view is only interrupted by woodland from which deer regularly emerge at the treeline for a nose at the golfers lining up their shots.

I wouldn’t call myself a golf fan. I once watched the Open with my dad but I prefer my activity a little more aerobic. Still, I like the idea of watching people do things while I do absolutely nothing. Nicely dressed folk teeing off while I press the ‘XL Whirl’ on the jacuzzi. Yes, there is a golf club but this is not a golf resort which putts up (sorry, couldn’t resist) with other guests. Plus you can hitch a lift around the grounds on a golf buggy faster than you can say Seve Ballesteros.

“Marco Pierre White ordered it last week and loved it”

My dad was actually a very keen golfer and always used to joke his favourite hole was the 19th aka the Clubhouse. So it feels rude not to book a three course dinner at the Shelburne Restaurant in his honour. Now, this is the one bit of our trip I’m a teensy bit hesitant about. My friend is a journalist based in London and is no stranger to some of the capital’s best tables. Hotel restaurants can have a reputation for playing it safe but not Bowood. Executive chef Rupert Taylor was born and raised in Bath (I like him already) and earned his chef-de-partie stripes under Heston Blumenthal at the three-Michelin-star Fat Duck. He’s created ‘Zero Mile’ dishes from produce grown entirely in the hotel’s kitchen garden.

We order soupe au pistou with wild garlic oil from the signature menu and Wye Valley asparagus. For mains, my friend quickly jumps on the lamb rump with white onion purée. I do the everything-soundsso-delicious-I-can’t-decide routine with the waitress, and ask if the pork chop, served with mushroom ketchup and micro watercress, is good. She tells me, quite discreetly, Marco Pierre White ordered it last week and loved it. It’s a small moment, but it sums up something Bowood does brilliantly: a kind of insider warmth among the staff that makes you feel like a regular, even on your first visit.

We honestly declare everything ten out of ten – and that was before we inched towards the funnel cake, a super light doughnutty tower that I swear made my pal, Kitty, purr. Same the next morning, with eggs perfectly cooked to order and a personal charcuterie board that has, frankly, ruined ordinary breakfasts for me ever since. Next visit I’m booking Bowood’s afternoon tea, served with tea from Tregothnan,

STAY DETAILS

Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Derry Hill, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 9PQ. tel: 01249 822228; www.bowood.org

Ownership Owned and managed by the Lansdowne family, custodians of Bowood Estate for over 250 years. Lord Kerry is the current chief executive and 11th generation custodian.

Rooms 43 rooms ranging from classic courtyard rooms (£210 per night B&B) to luxury four-poster suites (£330 per night B&B), with access to the Spa and Bowood House & Gardens during open season.

Grounds Set within 4,000 acres of landscaped Wiltshire parkland, with sweeping lawns, mature trees and countryside views.

Chef Rupert Taylor, executive head chef, previously at The Fat Duck with Heston Blumenthal and trained under Gary Jones at Homewood Park.

Type of food at The Shelburne Seasonal, modern British menus with a strong focus on locally sourced produce and Estate-grown ingredients.

The Two AA Rosette Shelburne offers Wiltshire breakfasts, à la carte dinners, Sunday lunch and afternoon tea.

Specialities Don’t miss the ‘Zero Mile’ dishes, using produce grown in Bowood’s Walled Garden—think garden vegetables, herbs, fruit and edible flowers, picked just metres from the kitchen.

Dinner Prices Starters £9–£15.50; mains £18–£48; desserts £8–£15.50.

Covers The Shelburne Restaurant seats 64, with an outdoor terrace overlooking the parkland and golf course for al fresco dining.

Drinks A carefully curated wine and drinks list, including cocktails, Champagne and Bowood’s own botanicals gin.

Disability Access Two accessible double rooms with large showers, level access in event spaces, accessible toilets and golf buggies for guests with mobility needs. Complimentary parking, including disabled spaces. Good to know Guests enjoy complimentary access to the spa which includes an infinity pool, sauna, steam room, Technogym and relaxation room, an 18-hole PGA Championship golf course and driving range, plus entry to Bowood House & Gardens during the open season. Also check out their website for events, afternoon teas and seasonal experiences.

England’s first tea plantation, and making sure we do sundowners on the terrace made with Bowood’s own botanicals gin.

Sadly, we’d only booked one night. But just as that sinking Sunday afternoon ‘back to school’ feeling sets in, Bowood pulls out a trump card (two, really, if you count Seb, the wonderful head porter, insisting on carrying our bags to the car with the biggest smile despite it being 32 degrees). Guests have complimentary entry to Bowood House and so we spend a really lovely couple of hours wandering the house and gardens: nothing like a Capability Brown lake, a Doric temple, and a private library, five thousand books deep, to stave off the reality of firing up Waze once again.

KITCHEN DREAMS

FOOD AND DRINK

Arguably one of the world’s most famous chefs, thanks to his TV career as well as being the author of around 25 cookbooks, Gordon Ramsay is set to launch a restaurant in Bath with the Bread Street Kitchen & Bar coming to the DoubleTree by Hilton on Walcot Street in August.

The celebrated brand is already a hit in London, Singapore, Dubai and Bangkok thanks to its signature Ramsay-esque British classics such as beef wellington, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts.

“We couldn’t think of a better city than Bath for our next Bread Street Kitchen & Bar,” says, Andy Wenlock CEO of Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global. “Our commitment to exceptional food and world-class service aligns perfectly with Bath’s local community and international visitors.” Brady Smith, general manager of DoubleTree by Hilton, Bath, adds, “This partnership is an exciting step for both our guests and the wider Bath community.”

For more: www.breadstreetkitchen-bath.com

TALKING ITALIAN

A new restaurant has opened up in Bath to bring us the flavours of Naples. Osteria Partenopea, led by Valeria Casolaro and Costantino Turco, is based on Upper Borough Walls, taking over the site long occupied by Bonghy Bo, a fixture of the Bath dining scene for almost 40 years. The venture marks the first independent restaurant for the pair, who grew up in Naples and have worked in kitchens across Italy and the UK. Named after Parthenope, the mythical siren said to have founded Naples, the osteria

(which translates as’ tavern or pub’) will serve dishes including paccheri fritti, scialatielli seafood pasta and slow-cooked Neapolitan ragù, alongside aperitivi, grilled meat and fish, and homemade desserts.

Valeria says, “Naples is at the heart of everything we’re doing here. We wanted to create a place that captures the food, hospitality and spirit we grew up with. It’s a huge step for us, but we’re so proud of what we’re creating.”

For more: Instagram @osteriapartenopea

SET TO RISE

Bath’s bakery scene is set to rise with the arrival of Jocelin Bakery, opening in Shires Yard this summer. Fronted by Jake Simpson, former head chef of London’s acclaimed Bocca di Lupo, Jocelin promises to blend European baking traditions with the warmth of a neighbourhood café.

He says, “I hope Jocelin will be a place of simple joy. Our focus is on European baking traditions, but our overwhelming ethos is to make gorgeous food and drinks using lovely ingredients, served by great people. We’ll be using the best of Somerset and West Country produce, as well as top continental ingredients.”

The menu will feature naturally leavened sourdough, focaccia, European pastries, cakes, and sandwiches, alongside coffee from local Roundhill Roastery, teas from Rare Tea Company, and a curated selection of European wines, local beers, and ciders.

For more: www.jocelinbakery.com

Jake Simpson is opening up Jocelin Bakery in Shires Yard this summer

SHOPPING

LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

BENCH MARK

Summer casual dining just got a serious upgrade. Lucknam Park has launched luxury picnic hampers. Luxury being the operative word with these fabulous ‘picky bits’ baskets created by the five-star country house chefs. Think Cornish crab rolls, Valley Smokehouse salmon, Huntsham Farm sausage rolls, fresh garden produce salads, and Cheddar Valley strawberries with vanilla cream.

There’s also no lugging this around causing your bubbles to pop and your sarnies to wilt; you can explore the 500-acre grounds first and then get your hamper delivered when you’re done.

And even better, for those of us who are slightly floored by the idea of trying to eat on the floor, you can choose a bench in the flowering arboretum, and picnic in seated comfort.

Lucknam picnics run until 31 August, from £60 per adult, £30 per child; www.lucknampark.co.uk

OCELLUS LEATHER MINI BAR IN AIR FORCE BLUE, £995

This handsome leather case unfolds to reveal a beautifully appointed drinks kit: flask, hip flask, shot cups, tumblers, wine coolers, ice tongs and even has a pull-out tray to create a level surface wherever you settle.

From OKA, 26-27 Milsom Street, Bath; www.oka.com

THE NEWT PICNIC BLANKET, £130

Woven from brushed cotton in an exclusive fern green, this blanket is built for lazing on the lawn or by the river. A leather carrying strap embossed with The Newtʼs logo makes it easy to sling over a shoulder for the next al fresco adventure.

From The Newt in Somerset, Hadspen, Bruton; www.thenewtinsomerset.com

PIQUENIQUE MAGNIFIQUE

Elevate your picnic with these outside favourites

VEGETABLE PATCH MELAMINE SERVING PLATTER, £15

Bursting with cheerful colour, this durable, lightweight platter is built for sunshine and sharing. Dishwasher-safe and BPA-free, itʼs practical enough for everyday use yet pretty enough to anchor a summer feast.

From ProCook, 4-5 Quiet Street, Bath; www.procook.co.uk

BOVER NANS PORTABLE OUTDOOR TABLE LAMP, WAS £572, NOW £473

Inspired by a secluded Mediterranean cove, this portable lamp weaves stainless steel, aluminium and synthetic fibre into a warmly glowing shade. Rechargeable and easy to carry, it extends golden hour long after the sun dips below the horizon.

From Holloways of Ludlow, 37 Milsom Street, Bath; www.hollowaysofludlow.com

WOODEN SALAD SERVERS, £25

Hand-carved from mango wood and bamboo, this pair of servers shows off natural grain and gentle curves that only improve with use.

From Homefront Interiors, 10 Margaretʼs Building, Bath; www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk

BOROUGH LONG OAK CHOPPING BOARD, £69

Equally at home slicing cheese or presenting lunch, this seasoned oak board brings a relaxed, sociable feel to any gathering. Its natural grain and solid construction mean it looks just as good propped against a hamper as it does piled high with food.

From Neptune, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath; www.neptune.com

MULTI COLOURED MURANO CRYSTAL WINE GLASSES SET OF FOUR, £180

KITENGE NAPKINS, SET OF SIX, £36

Four long-stemmed crystal glasses bring instant glamour to any spread, each hand-painted with a lively tumble of blue, red, green and yellow blooms. Made in Italy by Les Ottomans, they add colour and character to every toast in the open air.

From Courthouse Interiors at Kilver Court, Kilver Street, Shepton Mallet; www.kilvercourt.co.uk

HEAL'S + L.F. MARKEY GREEN MULTI CUSHION, WAS £99, NOW £84

Softening any patch of grass or garden bench, this embroidered cushion pairs abstract pattern with cheerful colour from Healʼs collaboration with the East London fashion label L.F. Markey. From Heal 's, 20 Milsom Street, Bath; www.heals.com

Made from 100 per cent cotton kitenge cloth, these joyful napkins look good and do good. They’re from Kabisa, the ethical Bath-based social impact company that helps generate self-employment opportunities for young women and whose profits contribute to improving food and water security in East Africa. From Kabisa; www.kabisa.co.uk

WILLOW

PICNIC HAMPER FOR TWO, £98

Woven from classic wicker and lined in fresh green stripes, this hamper thinks of everything: cutlery, corkscrew, plates, wine glasses, seasoning and a handy removable cooler bag. Effortlessly stylish, it turns any patch of grass into a proper feast for two.

From Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

left: Olga Brennand delivers a unique facial every time, based on the clients’ needs; right: Her Thirns range is the result of luxury botanicals combined with evidence based skincare

CHANGING FACES

Lisa Caldognetto discovers a locally created range, plus treatment, for mid-life skin that delivers max results

As a beauty expert, I’ve had a lot of facials in my time. Some are a little meh, and some are a little bit woah! Some claim to relax you, some leave you glowing and some to rejuvenate. My facial with the founder of Thirns Olga Brennand is actually a little bit magic and little bit ‘shapeshifting’!

“The trick seems to be in the jawline definition”

What makes this extra special is that advanced skin therapist Olga created her own Thirns skincare range in Bath. It is the result of two decades of clinical experience, is sustainable and specifically formulated for mid-life skin. Her products include a botanical cleansing balm infused with rosehip and juniper; a firming emulsion featuring the essence of rose from Damas, an eye cream powered by tuberose, an energising serum mist that’s a blend of apothecary rose and seaweed. Olga’s goal with her brand was to combine luxury botanicals with evidence based skincare, and deliver unique treatments designed to strengthen the skin while delivering natural looking results, and it would seem the five-star Gainsborough Bath Spa believe the range achieves this and have recently partnered with Thirns.

In Olga’s cosy home therapy room in

Bath, instead of me choosing from a menu of set treatments and protocols, she asks me to share my expectations of what’s to come from the session and then begins an in-depth consultation. This is because each treatment is created around an individual’s skin goals and skin needs. She then talks me through the treatment plan in detail. Already I feel genuinely listened to. Olga then explains her clinic focus on treatments is to strengthen the skin barrier to keep it healthy and to use techniques to boost collagen production perfect for mid-life skin and beyond. Her approach isn’t about chasing trends or dramatically changing appearance. Instead, it’s about supporting the skin’s natural function, strengthening the skin barrier and encouraging collagen production through thoughtful, hands on techniques.

Once on the bed and tucked in, the treatment begins with a thorough deep cleanse, and relaxation mode clicking in. She then starts the facial massage plus the shoulders and neck. She tells me this increases blood flow to the area, lifts and improves muscle tone and melts away any tension. It’s a similar great feeling after having a deep tissue massage, and she spends a generous amount of time targeting and loosening those ultra tight and tense area and muscles, which in my

case is around my jaw.

The treatment incorporates lymphatic drainage massage techniques to help reduce fluid retention, minimise puffiness and enhance natural facial contours. As my lymphatic system is stimulated, I have the urge to keep clearing my throat. I’m assured that’s completely normal and a sign the drainage process is being encouraged. While facial sculpting is believed to firm the face and mimic the effects of a face-lift, there’s a genuine wellbeing benefit too. Releasing tension held in the face, jaw and neck should help me both look and feel fresher says Olga.

A large electric soft brush is then applied over the skin to delicately exfoliate and stimulate the blood flow in the skin. Next came a vitamin C exfoliating mask with a fresh citrus scent and whipped, mousselike texture. Olga explains that the gentle exfoliation is to remove the build up of dead skin cells and also allows the products applied afterwards to be absorbed and work more effectively. My skin does immediately looks brighter afterwards. But it’s not just that I feel glowing, I genuinely think my face looks more sculpted. The trick seems to be in the jawline definition, and makes me realise how much tension I must have been holding there. This fabulous facial has both shape-shifted and lifted my face! n

Olga Brennand personally delivers bespoke, natural facials in Bath for midlife skin crafted around Thirns signature, plant-based, chemical-free formulations with prices starting at £95

For more: Thirns, 1 Derrymans Green, Bath; www.thirns.co.uk

Lisa Caldognetto is a makeup artist, beauty expert and content creator with over 20 years’ experience in the beauty industry. www.lisacaldognetto.com

From the GROUND up

Nick Woodhouse tells us more about the gardening legend Charles Dowding and how he helped the revolutionary ‘no dig’ approach go mainstream

Photos

by Betty Bhandari;

There is a particularly satisfying, quiet form of rebellion in refusing to do something everyone else insists is essential. For decades, gardeners have been told that soil must be turned regularly: broken open, aerated, manured, and left to weather over the colder months. Charles Dowding has built a career on ignoring that advice entirely – and on proving that the soil does that bit better when left alone.

Dowding was born in 1959 and grew up on his family’s dairy farm at Shepton Montague in Somerset, a county he has never really left despite spells living in France and southern Africa. He read geography at Cambridge, a degree that pointed him initially towards maps and land rather than laboratories. It was there however that he first encountered the environmental writings that would eventually steer him away from a conventional farming life. By the time he graduated in 1980, he had already stopped eating meat and started asking those uncomfortable questions about how the food on our plates had been grown.

The story Dowding tells of his own conversion is disarmingly ordinary. In the early 1980s, working a small patch of his parents’ land, he did what every gardening manual instructed: he rotovated the ground to clear the pasture grass, then built his vegetable beds by hand. Surveying the neat rows he had just created, he realised that rotovating again the following year would simply undo all that careful work. Around the same time, he came across the writing of the American gardener Ruth Stout, whose books argued for leaving nature to do the heavy lifting. Rather than turning the earth or pulling up existing grass, Stout would recommend simply adding hay directly over the growing area.

and he has never looked back. What followed was four decades of quiet, patient experimentation across a succession of market gardens – on stony ground, silt, clay, and chalk – each one used to test whether the no dig approach could be trusted on difficult soil, not just the forgiving kind. By the mid-1980s he was already cropping several acres this way, running one of Britain’s earliest vegetable box schemes and proving, in commercial terms, that a garden could feed itself and its neighbours without a single turned sod.

His garden at Homeacres, near Castle Cary, has since become a working laboratory. Side-by-side trial beds, one dug and one not, are cropped and weighed every season, with records stretching back years. Dowding has generally found the undisturbed beds to be more productive, less prone to slugs and mildew, and dramatically quicker to weed, since fewer dormant weed seeds are ever brought to the surface to germinate. It is unglamorous, longitudinal evidence – the kind gathered by someone more interested in results than theory.

“He has often argued that horticultural advice has grownelaborate”needlessly

Part of the appeal of Dowding’s no dig methods lies in what it removes rather than adds. He has often argued that horticultural advice has grown needlessly elaborate over the decades, and that much of what beginners find intimidating about growing vegetables can simply be dispensed with. There is no annual doubledigging and decidedly less bending, lifting, and turning of heavy ground. Instead, Dowding recommends simply suppressing weeds with cardboard or an annual mulch of well-rotted compost to the bed surface –typically around two inches in depth. This leaves the soil structure beneath undisturbed, allowing fungal networks, worms, and soil bacteria to do the work a spade would otherwise interrupt.

For years, this form of no dig gardening

was regarded as a minor eccentricity, of interest mainly to organic growers already outside the horticultural establishment. That has changed markedly. Institutions including the RHS and the National Trust have consulted Dowding on converting long-established kitchen gardens to no dig methods, and his YouTube channel, built from modest beginnings in 2013, is home to over three quarters of a million subscribers, a figure that swelled considerably during the lockdown, when interest in home growing surged.

His written output has been just as steady: more than a dozen books since his first in 2007, moving from basic vegetable growing guides to more detailed explorations of compost and soil biology. This year saw the publication of his latest title, Grow Together, which offers fifty different planting combinations to help readers get the most from growing crops in tune with seasons; carrots between lettuce, fennel between spinach, garlic with coriander, cucumbers between peas and strawberries.

Dowding is now in his mid-sixties, and Homeacres has settled into a rhythm somewhere between working market garden, demonstration plot, and outdoor classroom. Courses run through the summer months, drawing visitors from well beyond Somerset, while the trial beds continue their unglamorous work of quietly generating data that keeps arriving at the same conclusion.

It is easy, from a distance, to mistake no dig for a lifestyle trend – but Dowding’s decades of recorded harvests suggest something more durable; a genuinely different relationship between gardener and soil, in which restraint, rather than effort, wins each time.

For more: www.charlesdowding.co.uk

Something clicked for Dowding,

Nick Woodhouse is the co-director of interior and garden design company Woodhouse and Law at 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

ENTRECONF RETURNS!

This year’s EntreConf felt slightly less online-oriented than recent outings, perhaps something of a relief: we can all get behind the appeal of good coffee, or the dream of flying across the rooftops like the Jetsons, after all; the latest tech app, not so much. “Entrepreneurs get to define what success means to them,” said host Greg Ingham, and listening to people building more traditional, physical stuff felt strangely reassuring.

Here are a few highlights from a packed couple of days.

DAY ONE:

“it’s only instant”, hard-nosed selling-up advice, and a dream of flying

is literally a man who wants to fly without wings, and has made it possible to do so – he’s surprisingly grounded, and happy to share his many setbacks. “When it comes to flight, what happens when you take our natural capabilities, then augment them with thrust?” he says. For Richard, a dynamic and engaging speaker, running a company is a thrilling challenge, but not to be taken lightly. “It’s like watching a war film, but not knowing whether we won in the end or not,” he says. “At times it can be desperately miserable. Am I going to get into an irrecoverable amount of trouble? And am I going to hurt myself or anyone else in the process? If there’s a serious risk of either, my advice would be to try doing something else instead.”

By Paul Marland

There were six keynote speakers this year, two on the first day and four on the second. First up was Richard Browning of Gravity Industries, who’s invented an actual working jetpack device, which thrills and petrifies in equal measure. His presentation was – no lie – perhaps the most jaw-droppingly memorable the Conference has ever seen. For an absolute Icarus dreamer – this

Then, in the afternoon, Helena Hills of coffee company TrueStart –their point of difference is that they major in posh instant coffee – was as engaging and energetic as ever, her commitment to doing good while growing big having an intrinsically Bristol feel. “We’ve gone from scrappy start up to huge scale,” she says. “It helps that people care more than ever, and rightly so, about what

they put into their bodies.”

Interspersed between the major talks, each EntreConf offers assorted expert panels and presentations, plus think pieces called Provocations, and this year – perhaps inevitably – we got two on A.I.: while Ric Hill of custom software developer Ghyston encouraged us to “think differently”, the always lively Nathan Baranowski of Digital Wonderlab was delightfully blunt. There was much this year on how to finance your business too. Graham MacVoy of Wake the Tiger, the immersive ‘amazement park’ at St Philip’s Marsh, talked the gigantic challenges of opening a second site in London, while Iain Lownes of S&W advised on mergers, buy-outs, et al.

Just before many of us departed for The Granary for the EntreConf Summer Dinner, together with a talk by Christian Samuel of Roots Allotments (of Tuckers Meadow and Avon Views in Bath, and Leigh Woods in Bristol, fame), there was just time for Bath Rugby legend Olly Barkley and fellow ex-pro Ed Jackson to take us through the creation of Vapoura Rum, their

high end tipple intended more for the bars at Babington House than the local ’spoons. Yum yum!

DAY TWO: making hospitality look effortless, muddy-handed honesty, and the women come to the fore

The second day seemed to have a slightly different focus, taking things away from the financial. There were more keynote speakers, for a start: first up, the charismatic tour-de-force that is Maxine Laceby of Absolute Collagen, a market leader in one of the fastest growing beauty sectors. “Four hundred years ago they’d dip you in the pond and drown you as a white witch,” she says of female entrepreneurs, who she feels are still woefully underestimated. “But business is not actually difficult, and I’ve proved it. I launched a formula into the market that did not exist, and how? I picked up the phone and spoke to people. If you’ve the courage to ask for help, it’s there for you.”

Female visionaries always make a strong showing at EntreConf, and alongside Maxine, the likes of Chloë Luxton of Bramley, the botanical bath and body product

outfit, and Amber Probyn of Peequal – yes, the female urinals people, cutting out the loo queuing at festivals – were particularly prominent on the second day.

A little later on came the pioneering, and extraordinarily open and candid, Guy SinghWatson of Riverford – purveyors of fine organic fruit and veg boxes – who insisted that he’s actually not pioneering at all, and instead just copied (and at their insistence, too!) what his neighbours were already doing. “The organic industry is incredibly supportive,” he told us, “and particularly of new entrants. But to do well, you have to take the time to understand where your product fits into people’s lives. You can’t just be blindly arrogant: that’s the death knell, and I think we slipped into it at times at Riverford.”

After lunch, Alex Reilly of Loungers, which started in Bristol with the second ever opening on Moorland Road in Oldfield Park but now operates over 300 Lounge café-bars, Cosy Club restaurants and Brightside roadside dining operations (think a cooler Little Chef). “What I love about hospitality is that it’s like producing

“BUSINESS IS NOT ACTUALLY DIFFICULT, AND I’VE PROVED IT”

theatre,” he says. “Each service is the same, yes, but with different pitfalls. I still get the same rush I always did when we find a great site in a new town and think, wow, this would be amazing as a Lounge or a Cosy. That’s my fix, and keeps me hungry for more.”

All told, this was an EntreConf that seemed to show a bigger-thanusual commitment to the idea that – though entrepreneurs have so much in common – we’re all doing things for different reasons, and the level of success that makes each of us happy will be as individual as we are. “I was reminded again why I value stepping outside the everyday and deliberately making space for new conversations and perspectives,” said one attendee. “But sometimes the greatest value isn’t found in the formal sessions at all. It’s in the conversations over coffee, the unexpected introductions, the shared experiences and those moments where one idea sparks another.”

HAT TRICK!

Bath is to get a third university as Norland becomes the world’s first university dedicated to early childhood Gold-rated Norland College will become Norland University of Early Childhood this September, following approval from the Office for Students, making it the world’s first university dedicated entirely to early childhood.

Dr Janet Rose, Principal of Norland University of Early Childhood, says, “Achieving university title is a landmark moment for Norland and for the field of early childhood education and care. Becoming Norland University of Early

Childhood strengthens our ability to advance research, connect knowledge and skills with practice, extend our influence on policy and professional standards, and help shape the future of early childhood for generations to come.”

Founded in Bath in 1892 by education pioneer Emily Ward, Norland has spent almost 135 years at the forefront of early years education. The new status will strengthen the institution’s ability to lead research and professional practice and elevate the standing of the early childhood sector.

For more: www.norland.ac.uk

COMMUNITY HELP

Bath Building Society has announced the winners of its 2026 Community Awards, reaffirming its pledge to donate 2 per cent of annual profits to local causes. This year, £15,000 was distributed to charities and community groups across Bath and North East Somerset.

Top recipient Bath City Farm received £5,000, with awards also going to Grand Friends, Boys in Mind, Bath Welcomes Refugees, and others. Since launching in 2006, the Society has given over £138,000 to more than 150 local groups. CEO Richard Ingle says, “As a judge for the annual awards, I’m always blown away by the great work that local charities, community groups and volunteers do in our local community. The Society’s roots in the community are very important to us.”

For more: www.bathbuildingsociety.co.uk

THE UNIVERSITY OF BATH has appointed Professor Laura Huckins, a leading psychiatric geneticist from Yale, as Chair of Population Health. Supported by a £54 million UKRI Global Talent Fund, the professor’s research on eating disorders and PTSD will strengthen Bath’s leadership in mental health research. www.bath.ac.uk

A plaque was unveiled at the ROYAL UNITED HOSPITALS (RUH) BATH, honouring over 25 years of support from the Rotary Club of Bath & District 1200. Rotary’s fundraising – totalling more than £125,000 – has helped transform care for patients, with the plaque celebrating a longstanding partnership benefiting the local community. www.ruh.nhs.uk | www.rotary-ribi.org

The 5-star country house hotel & spa LUCKNAM PARK has appointed David Griffin as general manager. With over 20 years’ hospitality leadership, David brings expertise from top UK hotels. His arrival coincides with major enhancements to Lucknam Park’s spa and wellness facilities, including a refurbished hydrotherapy pool and gym, reinforcing its Cotswolds wellness reputation. www.lucknampark.co.uk

DIGITAL BOOST

Bath-based web design and development agency Our Name is Mud has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of award-winning designer Oliver Ware as digital design director.

Oliver, formerly lead visual designer at The Football Association and recently named in the Class of ‘24 BIMA 100 –which features the 100 most influential people shaping Britain’s digital and tech industry – will lead the agency’s digital design output as Mud builds on its growing portfolio of web projects.

Matt Powell, co-founder and creative director at Mud, says, “Oliver is an accomplished designer with a brilliant reputation from his many years at the FA, where he successfully brought together a wide range of design disciplines to create beautiful, functional digital experiences.”

Oliver adds, “After six incredible years at the FA, I’m delighted to join the team here to shape the design direction for their digital projects… it’s an exciting time to be joining an agency where craft and collaboration are valued above all else.”

For more: www.ournameismud.co.uk

EAT PR

PR & COMMUNICATIONS WINNER

SPONSORED BY

Andrew Taylor, founder of Eat PR a creative agency that specialises in building campaigns across the food, drink and hospitality sectors, reflects on the company’s win.

“We have entered the Bath Life Awards every year since the company was founded in 2021 and are fortunate to have been shortlisted on each occasion. Winning an Award was a milestone moment in Eat PR’s journey. It stands to recognise the hard work and dedication of our team and is testament to the standout 12 months that we’ve had as an agency.

“REVENUES UP NEARLY 100 PER CENT, TEAM DOUBLED IN SIZE AND DIVERSIFIED OFFER”

THE JUDGES SAY

“The Forum is a fantastic location – right in the heart of the city and with an incredible backdrop. I loved David Flatman hosting too – he’s a true legend of the city.

“I’d say to anyone who operates in the Bath area, the Bath Life Awards are a great way to recognise and celebrate success – and we absolutely will be back next year! The Awards are a true celebration of all that’s great about the city of Bath, so it’s important for us to be a part of that.”

For more: www.eatpr.com | www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

THE EMINENT ME+EM ARRIVES

ME+EM, founded by Clare Hornby in 2009, has opened the doors to its new Bath store, marking the British modern luxury brand’s eleventh standalone location in the UK. Set across two floors on Milsom Street, the 3,460 sq ft store features ME+EM’s innovative ‘townhouse’ retail concept, which replaces the traditional shop layout with stylised rooms designed to evoke the feeling of a welcoming home. The furniture and soft furnishings featured throughout are by renowned British designers such as Robert Kime, Rose Uniacke, and Colefax and Fowler.

A spokesperson says, “Part of our long-term business strategy is to continue to grow ME+EM’s physical presence globally. Stores are an integral part of building an omnichannel business and play a crucial role in brand discovery, allowing our customers to see and feel the product first-hand.

“Our data shows we already have a strong customer base in Bath and the surrounding areas, and we are excited to bring our British modern luxury proposition to this beautiful historic city.” For more: www.meandem.com

BUSINESS DIARY

1 OCTOBER

EntreConf Awards at Aerospace Museum; www.entreconf.com

6 NOVEMBER

Bath Property Awards at Apex City of Bath Hotel; www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk

CAREER PATH

ZOE CHANDLER

The

senior tax manager at MILSTED LANGDON on awards, aspirations and inspirations

With a decade of experience as a senior tax manager, Zoe specialises in a broad spectrum of tax areas, including inheritance tax and stamp duty land tax. Born at the Royal United Hospital, with her very early years in Melksham, her family moved to South Wales when she was three. Drawn back to her birthplace for higher education, Zoe studied Mathematics at the University of Bath. She then trained as a chartered tax adviser at another local South West firm before moving to Milsted Langdon, a leading independent accountancy, tax, and business advisory firm, in 2023.

How did you become a tax manager?

In my final year of university, I was looking at career options in the finance industry and I initially applied for a graduate role as an accountant. However, I didn’t succeed at the interview stage but was asked to interview again for a tax role. At the time, I didn’t even know tax was a separate role from accountancy.

Any relevant jobs you were doing before this?

Before beginning university, I gained work experience at Wessex Water in a data entry role. This introduced me to the professional environment in Bath and made me realise that I would love to study and eventually build my career in the city.

Did you always know this is the work you’d be doing?

No, I always wanted to be a vet, but I quickly realised I would end up taking home all of the poorly animals and my house would become an animal hospital before long. However, I did always have a love for maths and numbers, but also a desire to help people.

Any moment you have been particularly proud of?

In March 2026, I was nominated for an industry award, the Tolley’s Taxation Rising Star Award, and was delighted to be announced as the winner at the ceremony in London. Tolley are a major company within the tax industry as they publish a lot of legislation and commentary and tools, so to win one of their awards was a moment of huge pride for me and Milsted Langdon.

How might you describe your key clientele?

I work closely with clients who may have property portfolios in Bath, small businesses or even private investments. I work with a lot of clients who have an international or overseas footprint such as assets overseas or are considering emigrating or immigrating from/into the UK and have a UK tax liability that means they need our advice. I also work with clients who may be considering how they can pass assets on to their children or grandchildren in a tax efficient way.

What changes have you seen over the years?

Over the ten years I’ve been working in tax, I have seen huge changes in the software and automation landscape and AI is the latest innovation that is changing how we deliver our advice and complete tax compliance. I have also seen vast changes in the way HMRC are organised to administer our tax system and these changes have not been for the better in my view. HMRC has moved away from a more personal, customer-

“BATH IS A FANTASTIC HUB FOR BUSINESSES”

focused service towards a largely digital approach. Combined with reduced staffing levels, this can make issues more difficult and time-consuming to resolve.

Are there negative perceptions about the work you do?

Yes, I always say tax is a difficult thing to sell, but it’s also an inevitable part of life for most people. One of the main misconceptions I see is that only wealthy people need tax advice. However, there are actually many government-backed schemes that people are encouraged to use to save tax such as ISAs and pensions and a lot of our advice is covering these basics and helping ordinary families to understand their tax affairs.

Does being Bath-based help your business?

Bath is a fantastic hub for businesses. There are so many networking groups and events to get involved in from the Bath Boules to the Brain of Bath, it makes it so much easier to build your tribe around you of likeminded businesses and people to share ideas with.

Is there someone in business who you admire and try to learn from?

He may not thank me for mentioning him, but since I started at Milsted Langdon, I’ve been hugely appreciative of the support and mentoring from Ian Lloyd, Partner in our Bath office. He has been instrumental in introducing me to the Bath business scene and helping me to build a local presence.

For more: www.milstedlangdon.co.uk

MEET THE RISING STAR

Across every industry, a new generation of Bath talent is shaping the city’s future.

NILESH SINGH OPERATIONS MANAGER, MACDONALD BATH SPA

0344 879 9106

www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

What sparked your interest in your current field?

My passion for hospitality began with a simple belief: great service creates memorable experiences. Starting in food and beverage, I quickly realised hospitality is about people, relationships and making guests feel valued. Over the past 15 years, I have grown within the industry and remain inspired by its fast pace and constant opportunities to learn.

What drives you?

People drive me most. Hospitality gives you the chance to make a genuine difference through service and teamwork. I find it rewarding to create memorable guest experiences while helping colleagues develop and succeed. I am also motivated by continuous improvement and finding ways to raise standards and enhance guest satisfaction.

Who do you look to for inspiration professionally or personally?

Raj Chakraborty, regional general manager, has had the greatest influence on my career. As a mentor, he has taught me the importance of leadership, accountability and continuous learning. His ability to balance commercial success with genuine care for people continues to inspire me.

What does the next chapter look like for you, and what are you excited to explore?

I want to continue growing as a hospitality leader, building strong teams, delivering exceptional guest experiences and helping to mentor the next generation of hospitality professionals.

JESS WEBBER

JUNIOR DESIGNER, CREATIVE CUPBOARD www.creativecupboard.co.uk

What sparked your interest in your current field or venture?

My interest in packaging and design started early, but it really came into focus during sixth form. I had always noticed branding, layouts and visual details around me, and studying them more closely made me realise how much I enjoyed the creative process. University then pushed that interest further and gave me the confidence to see design as a career.

Who do you look to for inspiration or guidance?

Professionally, Sam at Creative Cupboard has been a huge source of support, helping me refine my skills and grow into a stronger designer. Personally, my parents and friends keep me grounded. Their advice and encouragement give me reassurance, and knowing they have my back helps me approach my work with confidence.

What skills or habits have been important in helping you grow quickly? Consistency has been important. Working on print design every day has sharpened my eye for layout, balance and detail, while staying active on social media has helped me understand how visual content connects with people. Together, those habits have strengthened my creativity and broadened my approach across different areas of design.

What does the next chapter look like for you, and what are you excited to explore?

The next chapter is about playing a bigger part in Creative Cupboard’s growth while continuing to develop my own skills. I am excited to keep learning, take on new challenges and work towards becoming a confident, well-rounded designer with real depth in design.

CASEY GILROY

PRIVATE CLIENT SOLICITOR, GOUGHS SOLICITORS

01225 781927 www.goughs.co.uk

What sparked your interest in your current field?

From a really young age I knew I wanted to be a lawyer, it started with a fascination of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and grew as I discovered the world of crime documentaries. I had dreams of becoming a criminal lawyer and then a clinical negligence lawyer. I started my training contract and knew residential property was the one for me… until I did my seat in private client! The client contact that I have is my favourite part of the job and it is something I didn’t experience as much of in other practice areas.

What drives you?

I have always been extremely ambitious and motivated and when this is coupled with a job that you absolutely love, the drive and determination come easily. I understand that seeing a solicitor can be daunting for a lot of clients, so I want to give them a positive experience and an outcome they feel confident in.

How do you make space for balance or is that still a work in progress?

This is definitely still a work in progress for me. When you love what you do, it is easy to put in additional hours but a break from work is essential to ensure you are performing well. I plan activities after work and at weekends to make sure I have a break and spend as much time with my loved ones as I can.

ELLA PATEL CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNER, FIDELIUS

0345 241 6500

www.fidelius.co.uk

What skills or habits have been most important in helping you grow quickly?

For me it comes down to communication and the people around me. Financial planning can get technical, but not all clients need that detail. They just want to feel clear and reassured. I’m lucky to have brilliant colleagues to bounce ideas off too. Really, it’s about getting to know people and building that trust.

How do you stay open to learning without getting overwhelmed by comparison or pressure?

It’s easy to compare yourself to others early on, but I’ve always loved learning, which really helps. Everyone has their own strengths, so there’s always something to pick up from the people around you. I try to see each client as a chance to learn rather than a measure of where I should be.

What does the next chapter look like for you, and what are you excited to explore?

It’s about growing my client base, but really it’s the existing relationships I care about most. I’d love to keep building on my work with medical professionals and supporting clients through major life transitions, including retirement and divorce, where steady guidance can make a real difference. If someone leaves feeling clearer and more confident about their future, that’s a real win for me.

REBEKAH DONN ATT ACCOUNTANT, MUTU ACCOUNTANCY

01225 582582; www.mutu.uk

What first attracted you to a career in accountancy, and what has your journey to Mutu Accountancy been like?

I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers and became interested in accountancy while I was at school. I initially started a business management degree, but after completing the accounting module, I realised that accountancy was where my passion lay. I began studying AAT and joined Mutu Accountancy nearly five years ago. Since then, I’ve progressed from preparing personal tax returns to bookkeeping, VAT returns, management accounts, statutory accounts and corporation tax returns. Working in a supportive team has given me the opportunity to learn continuously and develop my skills.

Looking ahead, where do you hope your career will take you?

My goal is to complete my ICAEW chartered accountant qualification and continue growing within Mutu. I’m excited by how technology is transforming accountancy, allowing us to spend less time on processing and more time providing valuable advice to clients. At Mutu we are always looking for ways to automate manual tasks to allow us to spend time adding value to our clients businesses instead of just number crunching.

What’s your favourite part of working with clients?

Helping clients achieve their business goals. I particularly enjoy management accounts and cash flow planning because when we do these we have a real impact on our clients. There’s a real buzz when I feel like I’ve helped someone, either by reducing their stress levels by providing clarity over their figures, or working out a plan with them for the future.

WILLIAM KENNET CHARTERED QUANTITY SURVEYOR, MEA CONSULT

01225 337793

www.meaconsult.co.uk

What sparked your interest in your current field?

I’ve always been interested in construction and history. Before becoming a quantity surveyor, I worked as a labourer, which gave me a real appreciation for how projects come together, but I quickly realised that manual work wasn’t the career I wanted long term. I discovered quantity surveying through a degree apprenticeship and found it combined everything I was looking for – construction, commercial thinking and problem solving.

What drives you?

Knowing that my work helps move projects forward and creates something with a lasting impact. Take a recent project of mine, Newark Works B4, where a previously derelict building was transformed into a space with a new purpose while retaining its historic character. Walking through a completed project like that gives you a real sense of achievement because you know you’ve played a part in preserving a piece of history.

What are the skills that have been most important in helping you grow quickly?

A willingness to learn and a commitment to continually improving whilst learning just as much from the challenges as the successes. But most importantly, communication. Quantity surveying is about much more than numbers; it’s about understanding the priorities of clients, consultants and contractors and helping everyone work towards a successful outcome. The best quantity surveyors aren’t necessarily the ones who know the most – they’re the ones who know how to communicate effectively.

SOPHIE TARBATT

RESIDENTIAL SALES

NEGOTIATOR, KNIGHT FRANK 01225 325 991 www.knightfrank.co.uk

What sparked your interest in your current field?

I’ve always loved looking at houses on Rightmove, especially exploring different interiors and seeing how people live. That interest led me to want to understand more about the buying and selling process and the role estate agents play in doing that.

What does the next chapter look like for you, and what are you excited to explore?

Having recently joined Knight Frank after graduating from Newcastle University, my focus is on throwing myself into the role, learning as much as possible and building strong relationships, as I believe that making connections is a huge part of the industry. I’m looking forward to gaining hands-on experience, understanding the local market in greater depth, and building the confidence needed to become a successful negotiator.

Who do you look to for inspiration or guidance, professionally or personally?

I take inspiration from my colleagues in the office. Watching how they do their job and approach their work helps me learn the role whilst developing my own style and approach.

REBECCA HOBBS

RECRUITMENT

ASSISTANT

SIMPLE RECRUITMENT

(SOUTH WEST)

01761 235741

www.simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk

What sparked your interest in your current field? I first became interested in recruitment because of how rewarding it can be. Every day, you help people with something that is incredibly important to them: work. Whether it’s supporting clients by finding the right talent for their business or helping candidates secure their next career opportunity.

Was there a turning point or moment that set you in this path? A turning point in my career was wanting to get more from my work and make a genuine difference. Recruitment offered the chance to do exactly that.

What drives you?

What drives me most is seeing both candidates and clients happy with the service I’ve provided. Knowing I’ve helped someone secure a new opportunity or solved a hiring challenge for a client is incredibly rewarding.

What does the next chapter look like for you, and what are you excited to explore?

Looking ahead, I’d like to take on more responsibility across the end-to-end recruitment process. I’m already gaining exposure to different stages and thoroughly enjoying it, so I’m keen to continue developing my skills and broadening my experience.

ISABELLA MCANDREW-FEENY

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - SALES MANAGER, SAVILLS 01179 100317

www.savills.co.uk

How do you stay focused and confident early in your career?

I focus on the impact I’m trying to make rather than where I am in my career. Staying focused comes from keeping the bigger picture in mind while breaking it down into achievable milestones. Confidence is built through preparation, consistency and delivering results. When something feels outside my comfort zone, I usually say yes. Most opportunities involve a learning curve and I trust my ability to adapt and deliver.

Do you ever feel underestimated because of your age?

Occasionally but I see it as an opportunity. Rather than overcompensating, I focus on being prepared and delivering results. Over time, that speaks for itself.

What does success look like to you?

Success today is continuing the momentum that took me from Saturday cover while studying my A-levels to associate director. In five years, I hope success is defined by the impact I have on others, helping people develop and leaving things better than I found them.

What has helped you grow quickly?

Being willing to learn, building strong relationships and genuinely enjoying my work have been key. My advice to my younger self would be simple, trust yourself, stay positive and say yes to opportunities.

MOLLY

NOBLE RECRUITMENT COORDINATOR SIMPLE RECRUITMENT (SOUTH WEST) 01761 235741

www.simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk

How do you stay focused and confident when you’re building something while still early in your career?

I find that having a routine is key to staying focused. Recruitment changes every day, but keeping a consistent morning routine helps me stay organised and productive.

Do you ever feel underestimated because of your age, and how do you handle that?

My confidence has grown with experience, and I’ve learned that the quality of my work matters far more than my age. I don’t usually mention my age because I prefer clients to judge me on my expertise and results. If I’m ever underestimated, I use it as motivation to continue proving myself through my work

What does success look like for you right now, versus what you think it’ll look like in five years?

Success for me right now is building a busy, well-managed temporary industrial desk that continues to grow. Over the next five years, I hope to develop further within the recruitment industry through additional training and progression within the business.

Who do you look to for inspiration or guidance, professionally or personally?

Professionally, Jayla has been my biggest supporter. She continually motivates me, keeps me on track, and gives me the confidence to keep progressing.

BRIAN COLLYER

DIVISION MANAGER, INTERIM FINANCE, WHITE HORSE EMPLOYMENT 01225 777157

www.wh-employment.co.uk

What drives you?

I’m driven by ambition, healthy competition and my commitment to my family. I’ve always been naturally competitive, which is one of the reasons recruitment has been such a good fit. My progression at White Horse has allowed me to achieve personal and professional goals, including being able to support and treat my family. That remains a huge motivation for me.

How do you stay open to learning without getting overwhelmed by comparison or pressure?

I believe continuous learning is essential for growth. Rather than comparing myself to others, I focus on learning from them. I actively seek opportunities to work alongside high performers at White Horse, understanding the habits and behaviours that contribute to their success. This allows me to keep developing while staying focused on my own journey.

What would you tell your 18-year-old self starting out, or what do you think your future self would say to you now?

I’d tell my 18-year-old self not to worry about having everything figured out. Finding work that aligns with your strengths and values is just as important as financial reward. Since joining White Horse, I’ve found that balance: meaningful progression within a genuinely people-focused environment.

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Bespoke Interior Design. Colour consultation. Space planning. Joinery design. Specifications. Sourcing.

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At Emily Day Interiors, we create beautiful, functional spaces tailored to your style and the way you live or work. From full transformations to subtle refreshes, each project is approached with creativity and expertise. Emily specialises in residential and small commercial interiors, delivering thoughtful, colour-led designs from concept to completion

Info@emilydayinteriors.co.uk 07809834225 www.emilydayinteriors.co.uk @emily_day_interiors

PLACES TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

Garden design

HORTICULTURE & HERITAGE

No.1 Royal Crescent to unveil a reimagined Georgian garden

No.1 Royal Crescent, Bath’s landmark museum, will be unveiling its permanent contemporary Georgian garden in autumn of this year. The courtyard space, designed in collaboration with the Bathbased landscape architects Grant Associates, draws inspiration from Charles Babington’s 1834 botanical survey, Flora Bathoniensis, and features container planting with species native to the Bath landscape.

Alex Sherman, CEO of Bath Preservation Trust, says, “We are excited to be extending our museum experience with the addition of this immersive garden space to be enjoyed by visitors and the many schools and community groups we work with. The garden will also serve as an educational resource, illuminating Bath’s horticultural and colonial history.”

The initiative is also part of a broader effort to help make urban areas greener, as Andrew Grant director of Grant Associates, explains, “This small project highlights the wider need for Bath to improve its public and private green spaces to counteract the decline of nature and the impact of climate change.”

For more: www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk | www.grant-associates.uk.com

Growth

THREE IS A MAGIC NUMBER

Otters Home Search is celebrating three years of representing buyers across Bath and surrounding towns and villages. Led by directors Abbie Long and Francesca Watson, the firm acts solely for purchasers, guiding clients through every stage of the buying process – from defining requirements to negotiating and completing purchases.

“Our role is about guiding our clients with clarity and confidence, making what can feel like a complex process far more straightforward,” says Francesca. “Three years in, we’ve seen just how much difference having an expert in your corner can make –both financially and emotionally.”

Abbie adds, “It’s about understanding how our clients want to live, not just what they want to buy. That approach hasn’t changed, but the demand for it certainly has.”

For more: www.ottershomesearch.com

Extension VILLAGE PEOPLE

A new £1.4 million village hall has officially opened at Rangeford Villages’ Wadswick Green retirement community in Wiltshire. Located beside the Pavilion, the flexible space is designed to support health, wellbeing and social activities for owners, their families and the wider community.

At the opening in March, village manager Keith Turnbull welcomed guests before CEO Howard Nankivell addressed the audience. The ribbon was cut by Wadswick Green’s first owners, June Grant, Marilyn McGee and Christine Carter. Keith says, “The new village hall represents an important milestone for Wadswick Green… bringing owners, families and the local community together and offering opportunities for socialising, learning new skills and staying active.”

For more: www.rangefordvillages.co.uk

COMMUNITY MATTERS

CAMELLA believes great homes are built on strong communities — and summer is when those connections shine brightest.

Summer in Bath brings a different rhythm. School gates empty for the holidays, neighbours spend longer outdoors, village greens fill with families, and community events take centre stage.

For Camella, it’s a reminder that finding the right home is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about the people, places and events that create a sense of belonging.

That’s why supporting local communities remains such an important part of what they do.

KICKING OFF FOR A CAUSE

One highlight of this summer was the annual charity football tournament at the Camella Stadium, home of Larkhall Athletic Football Club. Held during one of the hottest weeks of the year, the event brought together businesses from across Bath for a day of friendly competition and fundraising.

“ BECAUSE LONG AFTER THE BOXES ARE UNPACKED AND THE KEYS ARE HANDED OVER, IT’S THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU WHO TRULY MAKE SOMEWHERE FEEL LIKE HOME”

Thanks to the support of Larkhall Athletic, who provided the pitch, referees and refreshments, the tournament raised more than £3,000 for Mentoring Plus, a charity supporting young people aged 5–25 who face challenges at home, at school or in everyday life. While Camella Lettings was delighted to lift the trophy, the real success was seeing local businesses unite behind such a worthwhile cause.

CELEBRATING BATH TOGETHER

This year also marked our first partnership with Bath Carnival, one of the city’s most vibrant celebrations of culture, creativity and community.

For Melissa Anderson, Director of Camella, supporting the carnival was a natural fit. Born and raised in Bath, Melissa understands the importance of creating opportunities for everyone to feel welcomed and included. Bringing together schools, charities, artists and residents, Bath Carnival transforms the city into a colourful celebration of music, dance and diversity — and, importantly, remains free for all to enjoy.

THE HEART OF VILLAGE LIFE

Community spirit can also be found in smaller, more traditional events. The Batheaston Village Fete has long been a favourite in the local calendar and one

that holds particular significance for Melissa, who lives in the village. Camella was proud to sponsor the fete once again this year, giving away 50 tote bags in exchange for small donations to UNICEF. It was a simple initiative that reflected the wider spirit of the day: neighbours helping neighbours and communities supporting good causes.

MORE THAN THE KEYS

People often ask what makes a great place to live. Schools, cafés, green spaces and beautiful architecture all play their part, but they’re only part of the story.

The strongest communities are built by the people who volunteer, organise, fundraise and support one another. They’re shaped by local clubs, independent businesses, charities and residents who care about where they live.

At Camella, we may help people buy, sell and let homes, but we’re equally proud to support the communities that make those places special. Because long after the boxes are unpacked and the keys are handed over, it’s the people around you who truly make somewhere feel like home. n

Batheaston, Bear Flat and Camden Bath camella.co.uk | 01225 255 321 hello@camella.co.uk | lettings@camella.co.uk

KEY PLAYERS

Rengen House on Argyle Street, hosted the Bath Property Awards (BPA) 2026 launch on the morning of 23 June. Organised by MediaClash, the event welcomed 75 guests, who enjoyed networking in the courtyard followed by a speech from Greg Ingham, chief exec of MediaClash, who are organising the event happening on 6 November at Apex City of Bath Hotel.

A new charity of the year initiative was announced, and AGM Planning Consultants was also confirmed as the headline sponsor for the next three years.

Photos by Narrated Frames; www.narratedframes.com For more: www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk

The ENGLISH COUNTRY LODGE with a SCANDI HEART

Seeking the present and the past at the 15th century Hinton Charterhouse former hunting lodge

By Elsie Chadwick

Lodge Farm is a home that has even wooed the most experienced of property professionals, as Alistair Heather, head of Savills Bath, tells us: “This is one of the most beautifully situated properties I’ve ever seen. Set in bucolic countryside in the Iford Valley, it offers seclusion and far-reaching views within easy reach of Bath. Meticulously maintained, the striking former hunting lodge seamlessly blends historic charm with new additions and offers versatile, flexible accommodation across a number of buildings.

“Complete with calming and characterful interiors and a leisure wing with swimming pool and saunas, it is both perfectly designed for family life and relaxing. Its pièce de résistance is the incredibly generous-sized orangery, which serves as an impressive entertaining space as well as a working greenhouse.”

But let’s go and find out for ourselves. The tree-lined drive, the honeyed Somerset stone – Lodge Farm immediately tells its story of the centuries. The front of the house, once ruled by gamekeepers and stewards, puts on a proper welcome: a grand entrance hall, stone floor underfoot, a fireplace so big it practically has its own postcode, all of it hinting at just how old this place really is.

Built around 1420 as a hunting lodge in Hinton

“The great hall is the heart of the soaringplace, up two storeys”

Charterhouse – just five miles from the centre of Bath – the house has picked up new chapters over the centuries without ever losing the plot. Off the entrance hall sit a guest room and a study, but the real show is the drawing room, where deep windows frame the garden and a hulking stone fireplace holds court. Scandi cool meets English country romance here: pale wood, honest textures, light that seems to drift in rather than shine. Nothing showy about it – the house would rather let its history and its view do the bragging.

The great hall is the heart of the place, soaring up two storeys, sunlight pouring through big windows, a galleried landing looking down on it all. Part gathering spot, part architectural showpiece, it slides straight into a kitchen and breakfast room that’s all clean lines and pale oak – a nod to Nordic design without shouting about it. Every choice, down to where the windows sit, feels deliberate: equal parts practical and poetic.

A staircase off the great hall climbs to a guest bedroom with en suite – once the estate’s cheese room, now unrecognisable but still quietly tied to its farming roots. Head down from the kitchen instead and you’ll find a larder, wet room and laundry, the working backbone of country life. There’s also internal access to a double garage, with a studio above just waiting to

become an artist’s hideaway or a home office.

Upstairs on the first floor, the master suite claims the south and east corners, soaking up the morning sun with private views over the garden. Dressing room, en suite – equal parts indulgent and calm. Two more bedrooms and a family bathroom round out the floor, while the secondfloor tucks two further bedrooms and a bathroom under the eaves.

The last few years have brought a proper leisure wing – no bolt-on afterthought, this. Think an indoor pool shimmering beneath a vaulted ceiling, a sauna and steam room close by, and a kitchen-diner made for laid-back get-togethers. Great walls of glass link it all to the garden, so you barely notice where inside ends and outside begins.

Then there’s the showstopper: a 65-foot orangery of glass and stone running the length of the walled garden. Half working greenhouse, half glamorous party space, it’s stuffed with citrus trees, trailing vines and pools of sunlight. Come evening it glows – the kind of backdrop that makes a dinner party or a quiet moment alone feel equally special.

Step outside the main house and the story keeps unfolding. The Falconry – Grade II* listed and thought to be even older than the house – has been

lovingly brought back to life. Once home to the estate’s falcons, and the falconer who was the only person allowed to sit in the king’s presence, it’s now smart guest accommodation with an open-plan living space and two bedrooms above.

HOUSE NUMBERS

Guide price

£7.5 million

Bedrooms 11

Bathrooms 7

Receptions 6

Swimming pool 1

Orangery 1

Dates back to 1420

For more Savills, 21 Milsom Street, Bath; www.savills.com and Strutt & Parker Bath, 5-6 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath, www.struttandparker.com

A short stroll away, the recently converted barn offers a sharp contrast to the main house – walls of glass, exposed beams, views rolling out across the countryside. It’s built for both loud gatherings and lazy weekends, light flooding a space that feels modern yet grounded.

The gardens, wrapped in old walls, are landscaping done with a light touch. Lawns tumble from the house, broken up by perennial borders and neat hedging. Beyond, paddocks and meadows stretch out to a large pond at the estate’s highest point, where the view opens right up – patchwork fields, distant woodland, and Bath just visible on the horizon. At the garden’s edge, a log cabin with a barbecue area waits for midsummer evenings, its own sauna on hand for lazy afternoons.

Inside, that Scandi-calm runs right through the house: pale timber, soft greys, and a real focus on light and space. History sits comfortably at Lodge Farm but with every new contemporary addition feeling like the next natural step rather than an erosion of what went on before.

FOR THE HOME

Our local businesses are poised and ready to help with all your home needs for Summer

TILE & FLOOR For over 50 years, Tile & Floor has been synonymous with the supply of a range of top-tier design-led materials and professional installation services. Our commitment to quality has forged enduring relationships with discerning homeowners overseeing their personal projects, as well as with design and construction professionals serving the property industry. Exciting news! We are now also conveniently located at Chippenham M4. Tel: 01225 310561; www.tileandfloor.co.uk

BONITI Situated on the outskirts of Bath, Boniti presents an extensive array of top-notch interior and exterior products. Offerings include natural stone and timber flooring, Everhot Range Cookers, as well as porcelain and decorative tiles. Providing exceptional installation and restoration services, Boniti pride themselves on delivering a friendly and personalised experience, with customer satisfaction at the heart of it all. Dunsdown Barn, West Littleton,Wiltshire SN14 8JA; Tel: 01225 892 200; www.boniti.com

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

Based in the heart of Bath and specialising in bespoke, handmade kitchens, Bath Kitchen Company become personally invested in every kitchen they design and build. It’s about attention to detail at every stage – creating a beautiful space that enhances the way you live. 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath BA1 1NS; Tel: 01225 312003 www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

PLUSHH: DEVELOPMENTS LTD

Based in Bath and working beyond, PLUSHH: specialises in high-quality restoration, renovation, property care and bespoke developments. Combining skilled craftsmanship with thoughtful design, we deliver everything from sensitive period restorations to complete property transformations and ongoing maintenance, alongside our own carefully considered development projects. Tel: 1225 767148; www.plushhrestoration.co.uk

NO17 INTERIORS

offers a range of bespoke interior design services. Based in Bath and with vast experience in designing and installing developer show homes, hotels and residential properties for private clients, Lisa has the knowledge and skills to work to any brief or budget, whether looking to redesign, update existing furnishings or simply commission new curtains. email: lisa@no17interiors.co.uk; tel:07977 271503; www.no17interiors.co.uk

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

Clair Strong Interior Design is a boutique, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients. Her portfolio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as well as hotels, sports clubs, offices and other commercial venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 426905; www.clairstrong.co.uk

MENDIP FIREPLACES BATH

Bath’s leading fireplace, wood burner, gas fire, chimney and flue specialist. From classic to contemporary, concept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesneys, Barbas Bellfire, Westfire, Stovax, Gazco and Hunter. Get in touch or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD; info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk; Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

JENNIFER MOSSE DESIGN STUDIO

A bespoke, tailor-made, client-focused interior design consultancy service based in Bath. Specialising in residential interior design and providing a truly personal service adapted to each client’s needs, Jennifer’s unique style blends seamlessly between period and contemporary homes. The aim is simple – to create spaces that bring joy, reflecting her clients’ lifestyles and personalities. Tel: 07738289189; www.jennifermosse.com

NEXUS OF BATH is a Bath based family business specialising in painting and decorating, plastering, tiling, sash window restoration and other property restoration. Nexus have built a reputation for the highest standards of workmanship with experience across a range of projects from listed buildings through to new builds, with a complete commitment to customer service and health and safety

Tel: 01225 300414; www.nexusofbath.co.uk

BATH LIVES

HARRIET BEVERIDGE

The keynote speaker, coach, and comic talks paddleboarding, geekiness, and being heckled

Harriet is the co-author of the bestselling book Will It Make the Boat Go Faster? and has spent the last twenty years coaching individuals, teams and organisations to ‘up their game’. She’s also a comic, who has taken four solo stand up shows to the Edinburgh Fringe and starred on both BBC Radio 4 and TEDx  (‘Hilarious’ Fringe Review). She’s also an unashamed geek and has recently completed an MSc in Neuroscience and Psychology.

Dad ran the paper factory in Keynsham, mum taught English at Beechen Cliff – so we lived in a village between the two. I went to both the Royal School and the High school (they’ve since merged). I climbed my first monkey bars in Victoria Park playground, had my first pint in the Hat and Feather (now Hudson’s) and my first bop at Bog Island nightclub.

I was Geeky McGeekface at school: girly swot, head- girl, the works. But I’ve always loved humour and my proudest memory from school was helping to put on a sixth form sketch show to the whole school. We persuaded our utterly terrifying geography teacher to let down her severe bun and do a takeoff of the Timotei advert. We also did a mickey-take of a midsummer festival dance troupe entry.

My first ever job was kitchen portering at the Upton Inn. I was 16 and totally clueless. I had to carry some trifles and pop them in the fridge. I had the genius idea of resting the tray on the pool table midway through carrying it. Needless to say, I spilt cream and custard all over the baize. I was not invited back. For years afterwards, if anyone played pool, the balls would have a mysterious habit of stopping dead on one patch of the table.

“Keith

Allen is very good at heckling”

It never ceases to tickle me that I’ve written a book about transferable strategies from elite sport… but I’m not remotely sporty myself. I do go to the gym and lift weights, but only as an investment in the future – I want to be an outrageously healthy 80-year-old. Other than that, it’s more about watching sport, and in particular Bath Rugby.

I’ve been heckled by Keith Allen. I’d just started out in comedy and I was trying out some new material at a bar in London. Needless to say my new material was poor and Keith is very good at heckling. That was probably the longest five minutes of my life.

I am that middle-aged woman cliché who loves paddleboarding: but on the local canal it is an extreme sport. I was recently attacked by one of the swans guarding its nest, while some tourists on the tow path howled with laughter and stopped to take photos. The other hazard is the stag dos. I once panicked and fell off the paddleboard in front of a narrowboat full of lads who were dressed as pirates and Hawaiian girls. That made their day.

Will It Make the Boat Go Faster? first came out 15 years ago, has sold 100,000 copies, and we’ve just published the third edition. It has been really special to hear how people have put our ideas into practice, including the policeman who secured promotion, the hockey hobbyist who went on

to represent England, and the headteacher who improved their pupils’ results.

In the MSc I just completed, my dissertation was on humour as a stress-coping mechanism. There are some really powerful processes at play which we could all harness. I’d love to write a book about that one day.

I live in Bathwick, and count Bridgerton ’s Lady Agatha Danbury as a neighbour (lol!). Bathwick fields and the canal are fantastic. It is surreal that you can be in open countryside with fantastic views just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town. Then after a breath of fresh air you can potter back down the hill, along the canal path and grab a cuppa and the best cake in town at the Pump Shed café.

My secret Bath is The Pump Shed café and the stretch of canal from Widcombe to Sydney Gardens. Moorhens, coots, and if you are lucky perhaps even a kingfisher… or at least a middleaged woman comedically falling off a paddleboard…

Will It Make the Boat Go Faster?: Olympic-winning Strategies for Everyday Success by Ben Hunt-Davis and Harriet Beveridge (Ebury Publishing, £11.99) For more: www.harriet beveridge.com