Bath
For two thousand years people have been drawn
by the hot springs, stunning architecture, and cultural
life of this attractive historical centre, and Bath
remains one of Britain's most popular destinations.
Bath first came to prominence under the conquering
Romans, who transformed the small Celtic village into
a flourishing spa resort and religious centre that
would become famous throughout the Empire. It was
of course the impressive Roman Baths complex
that gave the settlement it's name, and the baths
are still the centrepiece of the city today. This
impressive subterranean complex - which includes the
remains of indoor swimming pools, saunas, massage
rooms, and artefacts from the sacred temple is open
throughout the year, and is a 'must-see' for visitors
to Bath.
Back at street level, the 18th century Pump Room
affords the opportunity to sample the waters from
the Roman spring in the opulent surroundings of the
restaurant, complete with string quartet. The famous
"waters" have long been valued for their curative
powers, and have drawn pilgrims and the sick from
Roman times up to the peak of their popularity during
the Middle Ages.
Overlooking the nearby Roman Baths is the imposing
Abbey Church (pictured left). This Gothic structure
was built mainly in the 15th century, and the interior
walls and floor of the Abbey are a patchwork of elaborate
memorials to generations past, and provide an interesting
diversion from Bath's busy streets.
Despite the popular drawcard of the hot springs,
Bath fell into decline until the eighteenth century,
when the town became the favourite holiday destination
for the Royal Court and the 'upper classes' of Georgian
society.
The Royal Crescent and the elegant arches of Pulteney
Bridge (home to a number of small shops and a
cafe overlooking the River Avon) showcase the architecture
of this period, but the legacy of royal favour is
a prominent feature throughout the town - golden-stoned
terraces of elegant town houses, parks and gardens,
and numerous museums.
The sights of Bath are easily explored on foot, with
most places of interest within a mile or so of the
town centre. Bath is also an excellent place to shop
- small lanes of boutique shops intersect with
the main streets and their more familiar stores, often
housed in long Georgian Terraces. In summer, numerous
street performers provide free entertainment throughout
the day.
When the sights and shops all become too much, there
are plenty of old pubs to quench the thirst
in as well - in the centre The Grapes is a small seventeenth
century inn offering cheap pub food, and the Crystal
Palace's large conservatory and beer garden is only
fifty metres from the Baths.
For those wanting to go further afield, Bath is an
excellent base for exploring the nearby port of Bristol
and the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds.
Regular tours also operate from Bath for the Neolithic
stone circle Stonehenge, and most tours also
visit the even more ancient stone circle at the village
of Avebury.
Bath - Fact File
Getting There - There are trains for Bath
every thirty minutes or so, departing from London
Paddington. Journey time is 1 hour 20 minutes - for
information call 0345 484950. Travelling by car, Bath
is a straight forward journey on either the A4 or
M4 motorways; journey time should be under two hours.
Tourist Information - Located in Abbey Church
Yard (the square adjacent to the Baths and Abbey),
the Tourism Office has an extensive range of free
information and also offers an accommodation service.
Accommodation - Bath is a popular destination
year-round, and accommodation should be booked in
advance if possible. There are a number of centrally
located B&B's and hotels - often in Georgian buildings
- but these can get full fast, so it is often worthwhile
to try for a room a bit further afield.
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