Couldn't remember when I was last at Bath - but as we drove into the centre (after 3 hours of slow traffic) it came back to me how parts of it are just so neglected and run-down and yet other parts are the exact opposite. It's a strange part of the country. There's no doubt that the architecture is amazing - especially when it's all lit up by the Christmas lights reflected in the river running through the centre of the city.

We stayed at the famous (5 star) Bath Spa Hotel which is as fantastic as you would expect (!) the service and rooms were wonderful, the facilities - including the 5 different spa rooms all at different temperatures from freezing to boiling - were excellent. The food was the only slightly disappointing aspect of the hotel - but then there were catering for a few of us.

We were right near the centre of the city and so had lunch booked at the (apparently) famous Browns. But its only really a gastro pub and as they were short staffed the wait for the food went pear-shaped. Not that we minded - outside it was pouring with rain and we were in no rush. Santa was ringing his bell pointing people to the Christmas market stalls but these were also a bit disappointing. But then we're off (again) to see the real thing next weekend. The Germans are the only nationality who really know how to do Christmas...