Attractions - England

Attractions - London

Bath, England

The beautiful town of Bath is one of the most unmissable tourist destinations in England. With its famous Roman Baths and breathtakingly elegant Georgian architecture, Bath is a World Heritage Site and draws thousands of visitors each year.

Archaeological excavations have indicated that human use of the hot mineral springs at Bath date back at least 10,000 years. In 65 AD the Romans developed a complex of baths and a temple to the goddess Sulis Minerva at the springs. Bath became the playground of the wealthy British aristocracy in the 18th century. They commissioned architects to design elegant Palladian terraced housing and the city’s stylish crescents and squares. Relatively small and compact, Bath is ideal for leisurely exploration. Bath Abbey was constructed between 1499 and 1616 and was the last great medieval church built in England. It has an impressive west façade featuring angels climbing up stone ladders and the vault houses a museum chronicling the abbey’s history.

Right across the road from the abbey lies the Roman Baths Museum and the Pump Room. The Great Bath features Roman paving and a lead base and is bordered by 19th century arcading. Underground passageways lead you to the remains of the smaller baths and heating systems. The museum traces the history of the baths and showcases objects discovered during excavations. The stately 18th century Pump Room is part of the museum. A fountain dispenses spa water which can be bought in the restaurant. Other places worth visiting include the Museum of Costume, the magnificent Palladian townhouse at No 1 Royal Crescent, the Holburne Museum with its collection of paintings by artists such as Stubbs and Gainsborough, and the Museum of East Asian Art. Bath is full of interesting restaurants, trendy cafés and charismatic pubs. Take in a play at the Theatre Royal and have a pint at the oldest pub in town – the Saracen’s Head.

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