Bath, England Hotels and City Guide

Bath - Attractions

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The city of Bath is situated beside the Avon River in the south-west of England. It was founded by the Romans in 1 AD, who chose to settle beside the only hot springs in the country. For a few centuries they stayed and built extensive lead-lined baths, which are open to visitors today. By 400 AD Bath had been abandoned, remaining so for several hundred years. Rejuvenation began with the wool trade in the 15th century, and by the 18th century Bath was at the height of fashion. At this time, architects designed and built the many fine Georgian buildings that survive today. With an interesting selection of museums, galleries, musical events, restaurants and gracious parks, visitors to Bath can choose from the very best of past and present.

Bath Attractions

Royal Crescent
Bath

The Royal Crescent, widely considered to epitomise the grandeur of 18th-century Palladian architecture, was designed by John Wood the Younger and built between 1767 and 1774. No 1 Royal Crescent has been restored by the Bath Preservation Trust and can be viewed as an authentic example of 18th-century decor and style. Here, visitors can enjoy a glimpse into the former home of, among others, the Duke of York, son of George III.

Bath Abbey
Abbey Churchyard, Bath
Tel: +44 1225 422 462 | Fax: +44 1225 429 990

A Roman statue stands over Bath Abbey, built in 1499 by Bishop Oliver King. With a tower scaling 163 feet and stonework 'ladders to heaven' gracing both front turrets, the abbey is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The churchyard is surrounded by 18th-century buildings, with the Roman Baths Museum located in the Abbey Courtyard.

Bath Abbey Heritage Vaults
Bath Abbey, Abbey Churchyard, Bath
Tel: +44 1225 422 462 | Fax: +44 1225 429 990

The Bath Abbey Heritage Vaults opened in the abbey in 1994. The purpose of this museum is to offer the visitor an insight into the importance of religion in Bath's history.

The Circus
Bath

Along with the Royal Crescent, an example of Bath's exquisite architecture.

Roman Baths and Pump Room
Stall Street, Bath
Tel: +44 1225 477 785 | Fax: +44 1225 477 743

Built approximately 2000 years ago and unearthed by the Victorians, the Roman Baths are fed by a warm spring that yields 250,000 gallons of water each day. The museum holds a fascinating collection of objects dropped into the baths by pious Romans, including thousands of coins, metal cups and a fine bronze brooch. Today, visitors can have tea or coffee in the Pump Room or sample the spa water from the elegant pump fountain.

Queen Square
Bath

Built between 1729 and 1739, this square was the first example of Georgian architecture built in Bath. Designed by local architect John Wood the Elder, its style set the tone for many subsequent buildings in the city. The obelisk in the square was presented to the city by wealthy resident Beau Nash, in recognition of a gift he received from Prince Frederick, Prince of Wales. The fine architectural supremacy of the Circus and Royal Crescent can be easily reached from this landmark.

William Herschel Museum
19 New King Street, Bath
Tel: +44 1225 446 865

Brother and sister William and Caroline Herschel lived at 19 New King Street. Their 'lower middle class' household and life in the 18th century is well illustrated in this unique Georgian museum. Dedicated to the many achievements of the Herschels, the museum tells the story of the telescope maker who was the first to see the planet Uranus and the woman who discovered no less than eight comets.

The American Museum in Britain
Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath
Tel: +44 1225 460 503 | Fax: +44 1225 469 160

Several collections are arranged in a series of rooms designed to replicate houses in the United States. Cultural tradition is represented from the English Puritans to the Spanish colonists of New Mexico. Crafts in pewter, textiles, silver and glass are exhibited while special collections are devoted to the Native American Indian, the Shakers and the Pennsylvania Germans.

Sally Lunn's
4 North Parade Passage, Bath
Tel: +44 1225 461 634 | Fax: +44 1225 811 800

Sally Lunn's is a restaurant and museum situated in the oldest house in Bath. It is named after the 17th-century baker who first created the famous, buttery tea bun, synonymous with Bath afternoon tea. The recipe is still a secret but the buns are available fresh daily.

Beckford's Tower and Museum
Landsdown Road, near Lansdown Park & Ride car park, Bath
Tel: +44 1225 422 212 | Fax: +44 1225

William Beckford, an eccentric writer and art collector, was one of England's wealthiest and most well-travelled 18th-century gentlemen. He commissioned the building of his tower in 1827 to house his precious art collection and to serve as a retreat for himself. Today, a fascinating collection of objects, pictures and furniture is on view in the museum whilst a panoramic view of Bath and beyond can be seen from the belvedere, at the top of the tower's beautiful spiral staircase.

Holburne Museum of Art
Great Pulteney Street, Bath
Tel: +44 1225 466 669

Based on the private collection of wealthy former Bath resident Sir Thomas Holburne, the museum houses a collection of 17th- and 18th-century decorative and fine art. Furniture, silverware and paintings are on display, with some excellent examples of work by famous British artists Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough.

The Museum of Costume
Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath
Tel: +44 1225 477 789 | Fax: +44 1225 444 793

Clothing from around the world, dating from the 16th century to the present day, is on display in Bath's Museum of Costume. Situated in the basement of the Assembly Rooms in Bennett Street, the museum specialises in clothing and accessories from Bath's Georgian era and mounts regular exhibitions.

The Jane Austen Centre
40 Gay Street, Queen Square, Bath
Tel: +44 1225 443 000 | Fax: +44 1225 443 018

The Jane Austen Centre is a new, permanent exhibition that tells the story of Jane Austen's experiences in Bath and the effect that living in the city had on her writing.

Bath Aqua Glassblowing Studio
Walcot Street, Bath
Tel: +44 1225 428 146

Come and watch live glassblowing and view the beautiful stained glass windows and glass collection on display open Mondays to Saturday.

Hotels in Bath, England