Sometimes the shortest journeys provide exactly the escape we need.
For a peaceful weekend aboard Tilly Mint, we cruised along the Kennet and Avon Canal from Bathampton to Bath Top Lock. From there, the historic city centre—and an afternoon of relaxation at Thermae Bath Spa—was only a short walk away.
It was the perfect combination of slow travel, beautiful surroundings and time to unwind.
An evening cruise into Bath
We arrived at Bathampton on Friday evening and set off towards Bath as the sun began to sink across the canal.
Our journey was only a few miles, but there was no need to hurry. The pleasure came from settling aboard Tilly Mint, watching the scenery pass and feeling the working week gradually disappear behind us.
We moored near Bath Top Lock, approximately a mile from the city centre. It provided an ideal base from which to explore, combining a peaceful waterside setting with easy access to everything Bath had to offer.
Once Tilly Mint was safely secured, we walked into the city for dinner.
Bath’s Georgian architecture looked particularly beautiful in the evening light. We wandered through its historic streets before finding a restaurant and enjoying a relaxed meal together.
It was an excellent beginning to our weekend.
Exploring historic Bath
Saturday morning began with a leisurely walk around the city.
Rain was forecast, but the mild weather gave us time to explore before it arrived. Bath was already bustling with residents and visitors enjoying its shops, cafés and celebrated landmarks.
The city’s history is visible everywhere.
Its Roman Baths reflect its origins as a place of healing and relaxation, while Bath Abbey and the surrounding Georgian streets reveal later chapters in its remarkable development.
We explored at an unhurried pace, stopping at local shops and cafés before making our way towards the main event of the day.
Returning to Thermae Bath Spa
This was our third visit to Thermae Bath Spa, and it remained one of the highlights of spending time in the city.
The spa uses Bath’s naturally warm, mineral-rich waters, continuing a tradition that has attracted visitors for almost two thousand years.
Adam treated himself to a rejuvenating massage while Chris relaxed in the rooftop pool. Floating in warm water while looking across Bath’s historic rooftops provided a wonderful contrast to life aboard the boat.
The weather may have threatened rain, but that hardly mattered from the comfort of the pool.
After a few deeply relaxing hours, we emerged refreshed and ready to return to Tilly Mint.
Cruising back to Bathampton
Later that afternoon, we retraced our route along the Kennet and Avon Canal towards Bathampton.
Leaving the energy of the city behind, the gentle pace of the boat restored the tranquillity with which our weekend had begun.
This is one of the pleasures of visiting somewhere by narrowboat. A city break and a peaceful countryside escape do not need to be separate holidays—the canal connects the two.
By evening, we were back near Bathampton and ready for dinner at a cosy canalside pub.
Over classic pub food, we reflected upon a day of historic streets, warm spa waters and quiet cruising. Outside, the gentle movement of the canal provided the perfect backdrop.
One final morning aboard
Sunday arrived far too quickly.
After a relaxed breakfast aboard Tilly Mint, it was time to pack our belongings and head home.
We had travelled only a modest distance, but the weekend felt like a genuine escape. There had been no demanding itinerary and no pressure to cover miles—just time to enjoy the canal, explore Bath and relax together.
The pleasure of slow travel
Our weekend demonstrated that a memorable boating adventure does not need to involve a long journey.
Bathampton and Bath are separated by only a short stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal, yet the route offered everything we needed: beautiful scenery, historic surroundings, excellent food and complete relaxation.
Cruising into the city aboard Tilly Mint made the experience feel particularly special.
It was a reminder that some of the greatest pleasures of canal travel can be found only a few peaceful miles away.