Why go?

Wander through the streets of Bath for a rich slice of history. This city was given the name Aquae Sulis (the waters of Sulis) and dedicated to the goddess Minerva after the Roman invasion in AD43. Harnessing the natural hot springs that emerge here, the Romans built an elaborate spa complex, which remains at the heart of the city to this day. In 1987, Bath was declared a Unesco World Heritage site; now it’s a lively university town and a hub for visitors who come to appreciate its architecture and museums. Visit for the Christmas market: 129 stalls, housed in wooden chalets, spring up on the streets around Bath Abbey between 24 November and 11 December. Find everything from food and drink or one-off decorations and handmade gifts.

What to do

Start off in the north of the city at Royal Crescent, where you can see one of the UK’s greatest examples of Georgian architecture. The graceful, curved terrace is comprised of 30 golden sandstone houses, designed by English architect John Wood the younger and built between 1767 and 1774. Step inside No. 1 and you’ll be transported back to Georgian Bath: see authentic furniture, paintings, textiles and carpets. Walk down Brock Street and you’ll come to another Georgian gem, The Circus, a perfectly proportioned circle of townhouses made up of three segments. It’s said to be inspired by Rome’s Colosseum, but faces inwards. Walk southeast towards Bath Abbey’s tower; you can take a tour of the Abbey, viewing its grand vaulted ceiling, clock face and bell tower. Back outside, stroll across the churchyard to the Roman Baths. Discover how the Romans built this impressive spa complex more than 2,000 years ago. Take a dip yourself in the new Thermae Bath Spa (thermaebathspa.com) – its rooftop pool has great views over the city. The Fashion Museum (fashionmuseum.co.uk) is among the best of its kind in the world – it houses over 30,000 items from 16th-century ballgowns to 20th-century daywear. If you’re inspired by what you see, go for a browse in the city’s many boutique shops. Stroll east, to the Avon river and the iconic crescent weir. Pulteney Bridge, which crosses the river above the weir, is uniquely beautiful and is home to shops, cafés and drinking holes.

Where to stay

The Queensbury Hotel (01225 447928, thequeensberry.co.uk) has 22 contemporary rooms in four interlinked 18th-century townhouses. Comfortable rooms at the centrally located Carfax hotel (01225 462089, carfaxhotel.co.uk) have been individually designed – some come with large sash windows and far-reaching views of the surrounding Bath hills.

Where to eat and drink

Tucked away in the basement of the Queensbury hotel is the Olive Tree restaurant (thequeensberry.co.uk). Expect seasonal British dishes such as fillet, belly and cheek of Bishop Collings pork served with dauphinoise potatoes. A few minutes from the historic Royal Crescent you’ll find the contemporary Lime Lounge café (01225 421251, limeloungebath.co.uk). It’s quite crowded inside but the food, friendly staff and atmosphere make up for it – simple offerings include home-made tartlets, stews, soups and fresh cakes. The Pump House (01225 444477) is an institution - patrons have been coming here to drink the curative local waters for two centuries, but these days an afternoon tea here goes down just as well.

Time running out?

Climb the 212 steps to the top tower of Bath Abbey for a panoramic, bird’s-eye view of the city.

Travel Information

Travel Information

Bath is a one hour 30 minute train journey from London Paddington, or a three-and-a-half hour drive.

Getting There

First Great Western (firstgroup.com) provides a direct service to Bath Spa from Paddington.

National Express (nationalexpress.com) operates a regular service between London Victoria coach station and Bath Spa.

Resources

Bath Tourism (visitbath.co.uk) provides practical information on visiting the historic city of Bath.