About Bath

Number 1 The Royal Crescent

Step inside this grand building to view the luxurious interior of a late 18th century townhouse, beautifully furnished in the style of the day. Kitchen Museum and Gift Shop.The Royal Crescent is a crescent of 30 houses built between 1767 and 1775 by John Wood the Younger

Thermae Bath Spa

The spa is situated in a glass cube building near the site of the ancient Royal Baths, yet manages to fuse state of the art architecture with its historic surroundings. The Thermae Bath Spa has been integrated with the nearby Hot and Cross Baths, but also offers some brand new facilities. The open-air rooftop pool seems to be the most popular as it provides panoramic views of the city in relaxing surroundings.

The Circus

The Circus is a circle of 3 storey houses built around a central green. It was begun by John Wood the Elder in 1754, and completed by his son.

Bath Abbey

There has been an Abbey on this site since the 8th century, although the present building dates from the late 16th century. The West Front, with its carved angels ascending ladders to heaven, was inspired by the dream of Bishop Oliver King. Inside there are many interesting memorials and inspiring stained glass windows. The fan-vaulting is magnificent.

Roman Baths Museum

Explore the remains of "Aquae Sulis" - the Roman settlement which later became Bath. Objects found during excavations, including coins, mosaics and stone carvings are on display. Highlights include the Circular Bath, glittering with coins thrown into it by visitors, and the gilt-bronze head of the statue of Sulis Minerva. A computer animated reconstruction and wooden model show the site as it probably looked in Roman times. Free guided tours are available every hour, or use the free personal audioguide. Museum shop. Refreshments are available in the elegant setting of the Pump Room.

Sally lunns Museum

The cellars of the oldest house in Bath (1482) reveal its Roman and Medieval foundations, a 900 year old bakery, stalagmites and stalactites, and objects from recent excavations. Home of the delicious Sally Lunn Bun, made according to a unique and secret recipe.

Museum of Costume and the Assembly Rooms

This fine collection of original costumes and accessories brings to life the story of fashion over the last 400 years. A free state-of-the-art personal audio tour is available in 6 languages, or there are occasional guided tours. The museum is located at The Assembly Rooms, designed by John Wood the Younger in 1769-1771. The building is owned by the National Trust and contains the original set of nine Whitefriars crystal chandeliers and an original portrait of Captain Wade by Thomas Gainsborough

Beckfords Tower and Museum

Beckford's Tower was built in 1827 for William Beckford, one of the nation's most accomplished and interesting characters. He used the Tower as a retreat, to study, to house his precious art collection and rare books and to enjoy the commanding view from the Tower's Belvedere. The museum collection is a fascinating display of prints, pictures, architectural models, objects and furniture that illustrate William Beckford's life and interests both at Fonthill and Bath

Pulteney Bridge

Great Pulteney Street

Famous worldwide for its imposing architecture and Roman remains, Bath is a vibrant city with over 40 museums, good restaurants, quality shopping and theatres. The Roman Baths and magnificent Temple were built around the the natural hot spring which rises at 46°C and were at the centre of Roman life in Aquae Sulis between the first and fifth centuries. The remains are remarkably complete and include sculpture, coins, jewelry and the bronze head of the goddess Sulis Minerva. A visit to the Roman Baths would not be complete without a visit to taste the waters and enjoy a tea, coffee or snack in the 18th century Pump Room, centre of Georgian entertainment in it's day, which is situated just above the Temple

Bath's Georgian architecture is quite stunning.  The Royal Crescent, built in the late 1700s by John Wood the younger, has been designated a World Heritage Building and No. 1 Royal Crescent has been carefully restored by the Bath Preservation Trust to appear as it might have done when first built. The Circus was built slightly earlier and designed by John Wood's father and finished by John Wood himself.  Many famous people have lived in the Circus, including Gainsborough and Lord Clive of India.

One of the most famous landmarks in the city is Pulteney Bridge, one of only two bridges in Europe to support shops.  Built in 1770 by the eminent architect Robert Adam and modelled on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, here you will find small specialist shops and restaurants. Regular boat trips run from the east bank of the river, offering alternative (and very beautiful) views of Bath.

Bath's most eccentric landmark must be Beckford's Tower, an early 19th century folly in Lansdown with superb views over the city and across the River Severn to Wales. Built in 1827 and surrounded by a Victorian cemetery, the Tower is open to visitors and includes a museum in the two storey building at the base of the Tower. visitors to the Tower can climb the 156 steps up the beautiful spiral staircase to the luxuriously restored Belvedere and admire the panoramic views.

Situated on the edge of the Cotwolds, Bath is an ideal base from which to explore the picturesque villages of honey-coloured stone and the surrounding beautiful countryside.