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The golden city of Bath has been welcoming visitors for over 2,000 years! Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Bath is home to some of the most impressive architectural sights, providing a range of unique things to do when visiting the city!
At the heart of the city, next to Bath’s iconic Abbey, is the Roman Baths, an iconic landmark delving into the history of the great Roman temple of Sulius Minerva and original bathing complex, set on Britain’s only hot spring! Still flowing with natural hot water today, walk around the steaming Great Bath, surrounded by ancient statues, ruins and overlooking the iconic Bath stone city.
Head inside to learn more about the temple of Minerva, where Roman worshippers gathered, and explore the fascinating museum which shows insight into those who lived and worked there. Costumed characters bring the site to life with stories of past inhabitants including Roman ladies, slaves, stonemasons and travelling merchants.
Did you know that Mary Shelley wrote most of her novel, Frankenstein, whilst living in Bath? Now home to an award-winning multi-sensory museum extending over 4 floors, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein allows visitors to learn more about the author’s unconventional tragic life and the lasting legacy of her world-famous creation. Bursting with artefacts, history, and special effects, there are plenty things to do including watching a screening of the first ever Frankenstein film or taking part in a themed escape room with all your friends!
One of Bath’s most iconic landmarks is Royal Crescent. Look beyond the famous Palladian façade as you step inside No.1, the first house to be built in the Crescent, originally providing luxury accommodation for the aristocratic visitors. See what life was like for the wealthy as you explore one of the finest achievements of 18th Century urban architecture, with exquisite Georgian design in each room featuring authentic furniture and paintings.
Continue a celebration of Regency times as you step inside the city’s museum dedicated to Jane Austen, Bath’s most famous resident. Offering a snapshot into how life was living in this magnificent city during Regency times, and the impact this had on Austen’s life and writing. Immerse yourself in the authentic period atmosphere as costumed guides share insight into the much-loved author.
Don’t forget to pay a visit to the themed Tea Rooms on the 2nd floor. Enjoy home-made treats and tea as you capture fantastic rooftop views over the city.
Taking place at the beginning of Autumn each year is the Jane Austen Festival! Featuring a host of events across the week, this festival provides plenty of immersive Regency-themed experiences including dancing, fencing, croquet and many more! Often a highlight of the festival is the Grand Regency Costumed Promenade. Here, you can walk alongside 500 Jane Austen fans as you stroll past the many landmarks of Bath including Holburne Museum and Pulteney Bridge.
Located in the centre of the Georgian city is Pulteney Bridge. Overlooking the River Avon and famous Weir, a horseshoe of tiered water, the surrounding parkland provides the perfect location for an afternoon stroll. With trees and shrubbery highlighting each season, Pulteney Bridge has become one of the most popular locations for an Instagram post! With shops built across the full span of the bridge, it provides an unusual yet breath-taking landmark for visitors to enjoy.
See Bath from a different angle when joining Original Wild this year! Offering high-quality adventure experiences, join family, friends, or colleagues as you set off along the River Avon, exploring Bath by paddleboard or kayak!
Open each year from November to mid-December is the city’s famous Christmas Market! See the picturesque streets transform into a magical festive experience as over 200 twinkling chalets and a variety of food and beverage stalls light up the historic streets. From jewellers, homemade crafts, delicious treats, homeware and more, Bath Christmas Market provides the perfect location to start your festive shopping!
Bath Christmas Market is always passionate about supporting small businesses and giving a platform for emerging artisans to showcase their talents. This year, the Market is bringing back its Christmas Carts on Green Street for those that want to try their hand at the Christmas Market for the first time!
Not ready to return to present day? Join Bath Curious Strolls on a charismatic tour through the bustling city and tranquil parks, as you hear stories from costumed guides, sharing insight into the fashionable gentry and low life of former times. Suitable for all ages, these walks usually take up to 2 hours and period costume is recommended!
Enjoy a private tour of the World Heritage City with Bath Insider Tours. Led by local guide, Daniel, discover more of the historic city as you follow through cobbled paths, exploring iconic attractions and bustling streets, all of which provide Bath with such character!
Bath offers a vast selection of eateries across the city and with Savouring Bath, you can discover more of these top foodie destinations! Taste your way through the 18th Century streets and alleyways as you sample produce from some of the city’s best artisan food and drink producers. Experience a range of dishes from ancient pubs, farmers markets, artisanal coffee stops, breweries and more!
Why not extend your journey along the Great West Way by booking a place to stay in Bath…
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