Bath is one of the jewels in England’s crown – a World Heritage city that dates back to the Romans and is a perfect example of an 18th century town. Visitors are charmed by the quaint Georgian streets that are filled with boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The city boasts many attractions including the Roman Baths with their famous hot springs. You can see the water’s source, and walk around the steaming pool on two thousand year old pavements. There’s also an excellent thermal spa for unwinding and pampering after a busy day's exploring.
There's also the Royal Crescent, designed by John Wood the Younger, the beautiful Cathedral; Beckford's Tower (a 120ft neoclassical structure that now houses a museum); the elegant Guildhall; and the dazzling Assembly Rooms (the height of fashion, my dear, in Georgian society). There’s also a fashion museum, and art gallery.
Bath's Royal Crescent terrace is a masterpiece of Georgian architecture. The town-house at No. 1 is open to visitors, so that you can see how grand these houses were inside and out. The Royal Crescent overlooks Royal Victoria Park, which was opened by Princess Victoria at the tender age of 11, and is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll.
The Circus is another fabulous example of Georgian architecture designed by John Wood the Elder. It was inspired by Rome’s Colosseum and is a circular space surrounded by large town houses. When viewed from the air, it resembles a key shape (a Masonic symbol).
The Roman Baths is the source of the famous thermal springs, the pool where Romans took to the water. See the ancient pump room, and if time, visit the museum which holds artifacts from Roman Bath. This is a good spot for tea and cake, too.
This 15th century abbey is one of the last remaining medieval churches in Britain. Pilgrims have been made welcome at this very special place for hundreds of years. Bath Abbey has amazing fan vaulting and spectacular stained glass windows. One to be missed on a tour of Bath.
Jane Austen, who used to live here, set two of her famous works in Bath (Northanger Abbey and Persuasion). Tour guides can show you Miss Austen’s Bath—you’ll see where she lived and where she loved to visit, when the city was in its Georgian prime.
Pulteney Bridge is one of the most beautiful and romantic bridges in the world – and it’s particularly unusual as it’s got shops built into it too. Enjoy a stroll across the bridge towards the Holburne Museum, Bath’s spectacular art gallery.
Sally Lunn's is one of the oldest houses in Bath (c.1483) – and home of the famous 'Sally Lunn' Bun (a tasty semi-sweet bread). You can see excavations showing how the site dates back to the Roman times – plus the original kitchen that 'Sally Lunn' used over 300 years ago.
