Bath
For two thousand years people have been drawn by the hot springs, stunning architecture, and cultural life of this attractive historical centre, and Bath remains one of Britain's most popular destinations.
Bath first came to prominence under the conquering Romans, who transformed the small Celtic village into a flourishing spa resort and religious centre that would become famous throughout the Empire. It was of course the impressive Roman Baths complex that gave the settlement it's name, and the baths are still the centrepiece of the city today. This impressive subterranean complex - which includes the remains of indoor swimming pools, saunas, massage rooms, and artefacts from the sacred temple is open throughout the year, and is a 'must-see' for visitors to Bath.
Back at street level, the 18th century Pump Room affords the opportunity to sample the waters from the Roman spring in the opulent surroundings of the restaurant, complete with string quartet. The famous "waters" have long been valued for their curative powers, and have drawn pilgrims and the sick from Roman times up to the peak of their popularity during the Middle Ages.
Overlooking the nearby Roman Baths is the imposing Abbey Church (pictured left). This Gothic structure was built mainly in the 15th century, and the interior walls and floor of the Abbey are a patchwork of elaborate memorials to generations past, and provide an interesting diversion from Bath's busy streets.
Despite the popular drawcard of the hot springs, Bath fell into decline until the eighteenth century, when the town became the favourite holiday destination for the Royal Court and the 'upper classes' of Georgian society.
The Royal Crescent and the elegant arches of Pulteney Bridge (home to a number of small shops and a cafe overlooking the River Avon) showcase the architecture of this period, but the legacy of royal favour is a prominent feature throughout the town - golden-stoned terraces of elegant town houses, parks and gardens, and numerous museums.
The sights of Bath are easily explored on foot, with most places of interest within a mile or so of the town centre. Bath is also an excellent place to shop - small lanes of boutique shops intersect with the main streets and their more familiar stores, often housed in long Georgian Terraces. In summer, numerous street performers provide free entertainment throughout the day.
When the sights and shops all become too much, there are plenty of old pubs to quench the thirst in as well - in the centre The Grapes is a small seventeenth century inn offering cheap pub food, and the Crystal Palace's large conservatory and beer garden is only fifty metres from the Baths.
For those wanting to go further afield, Bath is an excellent base for exploring the nearby port of Bristol and the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds. Regular tours also operate from Bath for the Neolithic stone circle Stonehenge, and most tours also visit the even more ancient stone circle at the village of Avebury.
Bath - Fact File
Getting There - There are trains for Bath every thirty minutes or so, departing from London Paddington. Journey time is 1 hour 20 minutes - for information call 0345 484950. Travelling by car, Bath is a straight forward journey on either the A4 or M4 motorways; journey time should be under two hours.
Tourist Information - Located in Abbey Church Yard (the square adjacent to the Baths and Abbey), the Tourism Office has an extensive range of free information and also offers an accommodation service.
Accommodation - Bath is a popular destination year-round, and accommodation should be booked in advance if possible. There are a number of centrally located B&B's and hotels - often in Georgian buildings - but these can get full fast, so it is often worthwhile to try for a room a bit further afield.
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