Things to do in Bath
Steeped in Roman history, the city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Roman Baths, Pump Rooms and Theatre Royal are noteworthy highlights alongside the city’s architectural merits including the Royal Crescent and The Circus.
Depending on the time of year, the city is also blessed with a thriving cultural scene including the Great Bath Feast, Literary festivals for adults and children, the Bath Mozartfest and the Jane Austen Festival, paying homage to Bath’s most famous resident.
Horse riding, golf and polo facilities are also available within a 15 minute drive from the hotel and guests can explore Bath by canal boat, open-top bus or on foot, or head out of the city for a trip to Stonehenge, Longleat Safari Park or nearby Lacock Abbey.
Visit Bath, the official tourism site for Bath: www.visitbath.co.uk
MUSEUMS
With Bath featuring in the Doomsday book, it is no surprise that the city proudly pays homage to its roots. With 20 museums in and around Bath, there is something for everyone.
- Our top 5 MUSEUMS
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Jane Austen Centre - The Jane Austen Centre is dedicated to celebrating Bath’s most famous resident. The Centre offers a snapshot of what it would be like to live in the Regency times - the fashion, food, society - everything that would have inspired Austen’s timeless novels.
www.janeausten.co.ukNo.1 Royal Crescent - Creating a wonderfully vital picture of life in Georgian Bath. Built between 1767 – 1774, the Royal Crescent is justly considered one of the finest achievements of 18th century urban architecture and represents the highest point of Palladian architecture in Bath. No.1 was the first house to be built in the Crescent and originally provided luxury accommodation for the aristocratic visitors who came to take the waters and enjoy the social season.
www.no1royalcrescent.org.ukHolburne Museum - This Grade 1 listed building was originally designed and constructed as a hotel, but is now home to a collection of fine and decorative art.
www.holburne.orgAmerican Museum - Situated within 120 acres of wonderful grounds and stunning scenery, the American Museum in Britain is home to the finest collection of Americana outside of the United States. The interactive American Heritage Exhibition precedes a series of attractive period rooms dating from colonial times until the eve of the Civil War.
www.americanmuseum.orgFashion Museum - A must-see for every fashionista, the Fashion Museum is one of the world’s top 10 museums of fashionable dress. You’ll see everything from historic Georgian gowns to cutting-edge fashions by some of today’s leading designers.
www.fashionmuseum.co.uk
SIGHTSEEING
As one of the most visited cities in the country, Bath is full of spectacular architecture, including one of the only two bridges in the world with shops built into it (pictured left).
- Our top 5 Sights to see
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Bath Abbey - Magnificent stained glass windows, columns of honey-gold stone and some of the finest fan vaulting in the world, create an extraordinary experience of light and space. Christian worship has taken place on this site for over 1,200 years and the Abbey remains very much a living church today with services taking place throughout the entire week.
www.bathabbey.orgThe Royal Crescent - One of Bath’s most iconic landmarks, was built between 1767 and 1775. This impressive landmark forms a sweeping crescent of 30 Grade I Listed terrace houses, and is without doubt one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture anywhere in the UK.
The Royal Crescent, BathThe Roman Baths - Bath was founded upon natural hot springs with the steaming water playing a key role throughout its history. Lying in the heart of the city the Roman Baths were constructed around 70 AD as a grand bathing and socialising complex. It is now one of the best preserved Roman remains in the world.
www.romanbaths.co.ukThe Circus - Originally known as The King’s Circus, this remarkable sight consists of three curved segments of Grade I listed townhouses, arranged in a circular shape. The striking attraction was designed by John Wood the Elder, an architect also responsible for the nearby Queen Square.
The Circus, BathPulteney Bridge & Wier - Pulteney Bridge, together with the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, is one of the world's most beautiful bridges. Like the Ponte Vecchio it is one of a handful of historic bridges in the world with shops built into it (pictured is the view from the river, left).
Pulteney Bridge & Wier, Bath
LOCAL VILLAGES
Even though Bath has so much to offer, it also sits on the edge of the Cotswolds so venturing out and exploring the area is perfect if you would like to see the quintessentially English countryside and quaint villages full of charming shops, scenery and a wealth of history to get lost in.
- Our top 5 LOCAL VILLAGES
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Lacock - Known for being the setting of Harry Potter, Lacock Abbey and village is quintessentially English also home to the first photographic film. The National Trust Abbey and museum can be explored and there are also some great pubs and eateries to experience after taking in some history.
Lacock, WiltshireCastle Combe - Voted one of the prettiest villages in England. Home to Castle Combe racing circuit and back drop to movies including Dr Doolittle and Steven Spielberg’s War Horse.
Castle Combe, WiltshireFrome - Voted one of the best places to live in Britain. Frome has a wealth of independent, artisan shops as well as frequent and very popular markets.
www.discoverfrome.co.ukCorsham - A civil parish town with a beautiful stately home, Corsham Court to explore.
www.corshamtown.co.ukBradford-on-Avon - Set perfectly in the Avon Valley, it is a rare combination of river, canal and architecture of true character. The Romans, Saxons, Normans, Georgians and Victorians have all left their mark - each creating a chapter in Bradford on Avon's remarkable story.
www.bradfordonavon.co.uk
FAMILIES
With activities for all ages, guaranteed to keep you entertained from meeting the animals at Bath City Farm to going back in time at the Avon Valley Railway.
- Our top 5 FAMILY activities
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Royal Victoria Park - Royal Victoria Park was opened in 1830 by Queen Victoria herself, when she was aged 11. Just a short walk from The Bath Priory, this beautiful 57 acre site is a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
Royal Victoria Park, BathLongleat Safari Park - Nestled in 900 acres of Capability Brown landscaped grounds, Longleat is home to the UK’s original Safari Park, and one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture.
www.longleat.co.ukBath City Farm - Family friendly city farm with loads of animals to meet and plenty to see and do. Play space for toddlers, seasonal kiosk, Nature Trail, an outdoor performance space, plus a Farm Shop.
www.bathcityfarm.org.ukAvon Valley Adventure Wildlife Park - An adventure and wildlife park focussing on British breeds and wildlife. With indoor and outdoor play areas, animal handling sessions, pony grooming, animal feeding, interaction and education talks and walks throughout the day.
www.avonvalley.co.ukAvon Valley Railway - This attraction takes young and old back to the trains of yesteryear. Your train will be pulled by a restored steam engine and you can enjoy food and drink in a restored carriage. Not forgetting special trips aboard Thomas the Tank Engine and Santa Steam Specials during the year.
www.avonvalleyrailway.org
WALKING
Surrounded by beautiful countryside and stately homes, Bath offers some of the most picturesque walks over the country. Whether it is to explore the city itself or enjoy the Bath skyline along six miles of national trust land.
- Our top 5 WALKS
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Bath Skyline Walk - Explore the Bath Skyline, famed for its wild flowers and elevated views. Along six miles of way-marked footpaths you will discover hidden valleys, rich in limestone, flowers and tranquil beech woodlands, interspersed with extensive views over Bath and out towards the Blackdown Hills.
nationaltrust.org.uk/bath-skylinePrior Park Gardens - Beautiful and intimate 18th century landscape garden created by Bath entrepreneur Ralph Allen. Sweeping valley with magnificent views over the city of Bath. Walk across the famous Palladian Bridge, one of four in the world. Explore the woodland paths.
nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-park-landscape-gardenDyrham Park - An historic herd of fallow deer roams freely in the 270 acres (110 hectares) of ancient parkland, full of magnificent trees and breath-taking view of the 17th century country house.
nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-parkWestonbirt Arboretum - A remarkable place for people to enjoy and learn about trees. 15,000 specimens from all over the globe offer the perfect setting to explore.
www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirtSulis Guides - Providing high quality, blue bade guides for a tailor-made tour to see the sights of Bath by foot.
www.sulisguides.com
