Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 24 – Exploring the Off-the-beaten-path Gems of Bath and the West Country

Jules Mittra, the founder of In and Beyond Bath, discusses travel in the West Country of England with a focus on Bath and the Cotswolds. He emphasizes the importance of thoughtful travel and experiencing the off-the-beaten-path gems of the region. Jules offers personalized tours for small groups, allowing for meaningful connections and engagement. He aims to make the tours more than just sightseeing by sharing the stories and significance behind the places visited. The conversation also touches on the cultural encounters and personal growth that can come from travel, as well as the exciting events and attractions in Bath and the surrounding area. The conversation explores the historic attractions and natural beauty of the Bath and Cotswolds region, as well as cultural differences between the UK and the US. Jules Mittra highlights the prehistoric sites, burial mounds, and stone circles in the area, emphasizing the rich prehistory and stunning landscapes. He also discusses the southern Cotswolds, which are less well-known but equally beautiful. Jules mentions the Mendip Hills, Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury, and Wells as must-visit places in the region. He also talks about the relaxed and communal atmosphere in the UK compared to the US, as well as the filming locations in Bath and the surrounding areas, including those featured in Bridgerton. Finally, Jules shares his favorite places outside of Bath and the Cotswolds, which are Ludlow and the Shropshire Hills.

Links

• In and Beyond Bath
• Visit Bath
• Cotswolds Tourism

Takeaways

• Thoughtful travel involves experiencing the off-the-beaten-path gems of a region.
• Personalized tours for small groups allow for meaningful connections and engagement.
• Travel can lead to cultural encounters and personal growth.
• Bath and the West Country of England offer a wide range of exciting events and attractions. The Bath and Cotswolds region is rich in prehistoric sites, burial mounds, and stone circles, offering a glimpse into the area’s prehistory and stunning landscapes.
• The southern Cotswolds, although less well-known, are equally beautiful and offer a different experience from the more popular northern Cotswolds.
• Other must-visit places in the region include the Mendip Hills, Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury, and Wells.
• The UK has a more relaxed and communal atmosphere compared to the US, with a stronger sense of community and more opportunities for interaction.
• The Bath and Cotswolds region is a popular filming location, with many historic buildings and picturesque landscapes that have been featured in various films and TV shows, including Bridgerton.
• Outside of Bath and the Cotswolds, Ludlow and the Shropshire Hills are one of Jules Mittra’s favorite places to visit in England, offering medieval charm, stunning countryside, and a vibrant food scene.

Sound Bites

• “It’s the small stuff that has the impact.”
• “Smaller groups allow for meaningful connections.”
• “American tourists want to connect with culture and history on a deeper level.”
• “It’s rich with prehistory. Landscapes are extraordinarily beautiful.”
• “You get off the main roads into the kind of back roads, and you are in a whole other world.”
• “Somerset is one of the most beautiful parts of England, which doesn’t get anywhere near the attraction of the Cotswolds.”

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Thoughtful Travel and In and Beyond Bath
• 03:12 Exploring the England We Love: Historical, Cultural, and Landscape Gems
• 06:20 The Value of Small Group Tours: Creating Meaningful Travel Experiences
• 33:36 Cultural Contrasts: Anxiety and Community in England
• 43:09 Bridgerton Filming Locations and Recommendations for Fans
• 48:52 Ludlow and the Shropshire Hills: A Favorite Place to Visit in England