Bath Attractions

Bath Pictures

One of your first ports of call will probably be the Roman Baths, there’s quite a bit to see here and it is well organised with an excellent audio guide. The highlight is the King’s bath built around the city’s biggest hot spring. The adjacent Pump Room gives you the opportunity to try some warm spa water straight from its source as well as a restaurant offering lunch and traditional afternoon teas. Nearby the magnificent Bath Abbey is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with a churchyard surrounded by 18th century buildings including the Roman Baths Museum which tells the fascinating story of the Georgian baths. From here wander up towards Queen Square, the birthplace of Bath’s Georgian architecture is to be found here and only a short walk away are the architecturally world famous Circus and Royal Crescent. The latter of which was built between 1767 and 1774, and at No 1 Royal Crescent visitors can catch a glimpse of authentic 18th century décor and lifestyle, it was a former home to amongst others the Duke of York, son of George III. The city boasts many museums including the William Herschel Museum, former home to the distinguished brother and sister astronomers or the Museum of Costume, which tells the story of fashion over the last 400 years. Perhaps most famously The Jane Austen Centre, a homage to Bath’s best known resident, the period novelist who based several of her novels on life in Georgian Bath. For something a bit different head to Sally Lunn’s on North Parade Passage, both a café and museum it is situated in Bath’s oldest house and named after the 17th century baker who created the famous Sally Lunn afternoon tea bun! Bath is popular for shopping particularly for its numerous independent, smaller specialist shops which are complemented by many larger more commercial high street stores. Lastly for an authentic local experience book yourself some tickets to watch the local Bath Rugby team (www.bathrugby.co.uk) in a match at their home ground by the River Avon just beyond the picturesque Pulteney Bridge, a must see attraction in itself.