Rainy Day Activities: Take afternoon tea in the Pump Room

You almost expect Mr Darcy to appear from behind one of the marble columns at The Pump Room – and for good reason. Pride & Prejudice author, Jane Austen, spent many an afternoon enjoying the tea, cake and a helping of Regency gossip in Bath’s most elegant eatery.

Choose from the traditional Pump Room tea or a Champagne tea with a selection of sandwiches, homemade scones, pastries and a choice of teas or coffee.

The Pump Room Restaurant is also the ideal place to sample two local delicacies unique to the city, the Bath bun and spa water. The Bath bun is made from sweet yeast dough with a sugar centre and is definitely worth sampling during your visit.

For a slightly more unusual taste, try a glass of spa water from the Pump Room fountain. For centuries it's been believed to cure all sorts of health problems.