At the southern edge of the Cotswolds, is a city most famous for its hot spring baths. It is situated 160 km (100 miles) west of Central London and 21 km (13 miles) southeast of Bristol.
Bath is founded around the only naturally-occurring hot springs in the United Kingdom. It was first documented as a Roman spa, although tradition suggests that it was founded earlier. The waters from its spring were believed to be a cure for many afflictions. From Elizabethan to Georgian times it was a resort city for the wealthy. As a result of its popularity during the latter period, the city contains many fine examples of Georgian architecture, most notably the Royal Crescent. The city has a population of over 80,000 and is a World Heritage Site.
During the 18th century, Bath was an extremely fashionable cultural hub, attracting the aristocracy and gentry from all over the country. This gave the city the finance and incentive to undertake large cultural developments. It was during this time that Bath’s Theatre Royal was first built, as well as architectural triumphs such as Lansdown Crescent, the Royal Crescent, The Circus and Pulteney Bridge.
The city is home to the Victoria Art Gallery, the Museum of East Asian Art, and The Holburne Museum of Art, as well as numerous museums, among them The Bath Postal Museum, The Museum of Costume, The Jane Austen Centre, the William Herschel Museum and the Roman Baths.
There are numerous art galleries and antique shops in Bath. Bath is one of the most important centres of the antiques trade outside London.
As the name suggests this is a city built on keeping itself clean. For over two thousand years people have come to Bath to take the natural hot spring waters famed for their medicinal properties.
Bath Tourist Information
Tel: 0906 7112000
Bath Tourist Information Booking Line
Tel: 0870 4201278
www.visitbath.co.uk
Nearby attractions are listed below. For more information on attractions and activities click here.
