Bath is a picturesque tourist hotspot in the heart of Somerset. This incredibly pretty city really is a stand-out destination and thousands of tourists visit every year, drawn by the quaint Georgian streets, the quintessentially English ambiance and the Roman baths that lend the place its name.
As well as tempting boutiques and upmarket restaurants, fabulous parks and gardens, and a series of eye-catching landmarks, Bath also boasts impressive literary connections; it is the one-time home of Jane Austen and the setting for two of her classic novels.
Exploring the Roman history
Long before the genteel Georgians made Bath their own, the city was a Roman settlement. This pioneering people selected this particular spot for its natural thermal springs, which rise with their health-giving warmth thanks to a now dormant volcano.
The sight of steaming water emerging independently from the ground must have been miraculous to the Romans, who promptly set out building an ingenious plumbing network in order to capture this incredible natural resource.
The city has a museum dedicated to telling the story of the result – the Roman Baths Museum. Visitors can learn about how the springs, as well as the baths, public spaces and temples associated with them became integral to social and political life, not just in Bath itself, but across the Roman Empire.
Elegant Georgian architecture
During the 18th century Bath enjoyed something of a renaissance, becoming a hotspot for the wealthy socialites and royalty of the day, second only to London for entertaining one’s most valuable connections.
That period has come to define Bath’s architectural aesthetic. The Royal Crescent, a sweeping Georgian terrace in pale limestone, is perhaps the most well-known architectural project of the time.
Completed in 1774, these homes are the very essence of Georgian design. Don’t miss neighbouring Victoria Park, or Pultenay Bridge.
Crossing the broad River Avon, Pultenay Bridge is lined with charming shops, and is one of only four like it in the world. For insight into all of the city’s best structures, pay a visit to the Museum of Bath Architecture.
Festivals, markets and live performance
A relatively small city, Bath often feels more like a large town and the community is friendly and welcoming. There’s a healthy and well-organised calendar of events to attend, whatever time of year you choose to visit.
From the late spring International Music Festival to the high summer Fringe Festival and the cheerful Christmas markets, there’s plenty to do and see.
Alternatively, why not book tickets for live performance at one of Bath’s many top entertainment venues? Make it the Theatre Royal for high-impact, large-scale touring shows, Ustinov Studio for intimate, ground-breaking theatrical performances, or the Rondo Theatre for new writing, brilliant stand-up and engaging plays.
Thanks in part to Bath’s large student population, the city has a great live music scene that spans a number of diverse genres. Head to the Bell Inn for locally grown musical talent, Green Park Brasserie for slick jazz sounds served up to accompany delicious meals.
