Bath, England — Where to Go
Bath Sightseeing Overview
Being a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city of Bath has plenty of sights and attractions to offer visitors in terms. The most famous landmark is unquestionably the Roman Baths, but no less magnificent are the many Georgian architectural treasures - the Royal Crescent, the elegant Circus consisting of perfectly curved houses, the so-called Assembly Rooms and also Pulteney Bridge, which was inspired by Florence's Ponte Vecchio and is Britain's only bridge lined by shops. There is also the great Abbey with its imposing facade.
Other attractions include the brand new Thermae Bath Spa (see below) and the charming Pump Room (tel: (01225) 477 785; www.romanbaths.co.uk). Accessed through the Roman Baths, the Pump Room is a striking neo-classical salon that has been regarded as the social heart of Bath for more than two centuries.
Nor is any visit to Bath complete without a trip to the oldest house in town (c.1483), where Sally Lunn's Refreshment House and Museum (tel: (01225) 461 634; www.sallylunns.co.uk) can be found and the world-famous Sally Lunn Bun (exceptionally light, semi-sweet bread) enjoyed. Go for the refreshments rather than the very small museum.
There are museums and galleries aplenty as well, such as the Jane Austen Center, the Building of Bath Museum, the Museum of Costume and the Holburne Museum of Art.
Bath Tourist Information
Bath Tourist Information Center
Abbey Chambers, Abbey Church Yard
Tel: 0906 711 2000 (information) or 0844 847 5256 (accommodation and ticket bookings); or 0844 847 5257 (overseas callers).
Website: www.visitbath.co.uk
Key Attractions in Bath, England
The Roman Baths
The Roman Baths constitute the historical heart of Bath. It was here, around the only hot spring in Britain, that the Romans built this magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water. One million liters flow from the springs every day at an average temperature of 45°C (113°F). These beautiful baths are among the best preserved Roman sites north of the Alps, and the atmosphere is magic on July and August evenings when the whole complex is lit up by torches. Expect audio tours from celebrities and fantastic views of the Abbey. The Pump Rooms are also included on the walk-through tour.
Abbey Church Yard
Tel: (01225) 477 785.
Website: www.romanbaths.co.uk
Thermae Bath Spa
When Thermae Bath Spa opened its doors in August 2006, it had been 28 years since the last person bathed in Bath's natural thermal waters, so it was a big day for the city. Finally, locals and visitors could again do as the Celts and Romans did 2,000 years ago: bathe in the city's hot, healing-ground water. The new state-of-the-art spa and bathing complex offers several pools and more than 50 different kinds of spa treatments and activities. It prides itself on being a municipal spa and the prices are very reasonable. There is also a shop and visitor center.
The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath Street
Tel: (01225) 331 234.
Website: www.thermaebathspa.com
Abbey Church
The cruciform Abbey Church is the dominant edifice in the center of Bath. The construction of the abbey started in 1499, and it is the last great gothic church in England. It was Bishop Oliver King who decided to demolish the ruined Norman cathedral on the site and replace it with the Abbey, and the magnificent west front of the building represents the dream that made him do so. Visitors who brave the steep climb to the dome are rewarded with views of Bath and the surrounding countryside.
Kingston Buildings
Tel: (01225) 422 462.
Website: www.bathabbey.org
Royal Crescent
The high point of Palladian architecture in Bath, the stately arc of the Royal Crescent is one of the city's true marvels, built to the designs of John Wood the Younger between 1767 and 1774. No 1 Royal Crescent is a museum and has been redecorated and furnished to give visitors an impression of how the house might have appeared in the late-18th century.
Royal Crescent
Tel: (01225) 428 126.
Website: www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk
The Jane Austen Center
The Jane Austen Center is a permanent exhibition devoted to Jane Austen and her relationship with Bath. The great novelist lived in the city from 1801 to 1806, and two of her novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, are largely set in Bath. The center explores the various ways in which living in this magnificent city affected Jane Austen's life and writing. If it takes your fancy, you can also pay £10.50 to get dressed up and have your hair done in the style of Austen, and for £20 you can have tea in the tea rooms while pretending to be Elizabeth Bennet. Book in advance.
40 Gay Street, Queens Square
Tel: (01225) 443 000.
Website: www.janeausten.co.uk
The Building of Bath Collection
This exciting museum gives a fascinating insight into how Georgian Bath was developed and constructed and turned into one of the true architectural wonders of modern Britain. The museum is housed in the gorgeous gothic-style Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel and is essential for visitors interested in finding out how Georgian Bath came about.
Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, The Vineyards
Tel: (01225) 333 895.
Website: www.bathmuseum.co.uk
Further Distractions
The Museum of Costume
This museum tells the fascinating story of fashion over the last 400 years with the help of costumes drawn from its collection of 30,000 original items.
Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street
Tel: (01225) 477 173.
Website: www.museumofcostume.co.uk
Prior Park Landscape Garden
Just 10 minutes from Bath city center lies this beautiful garden, created in the 18th century by local entrepreneur and philanthropist Ralph Allen with advice from the poet Alexander Pope and Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The garden is set in a sweeping valley with magnificent views of the city of Bath. Interesting features include a Palladian bridge, three lakes and Pope's Wilderness with a cascade and gothic temple.
Ralph Allen Drive, Bath
Tel: 01225 833422.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
