Dive in to Bath’s splendour
PLACE
The glorious, honey-hued city of Bath lies in the valley of the River Avon in Somerset. This elegant Roman place has long attracted visitors who come to take the medicinal waters of the natural hot springs. It was awarded World Heritage Status in 1987.
SEE
Pulteney Bridge, designed in 1769 by Robert Adam. It was built in Palladian style like the Rialto in Venice and is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops across its full span on both sides. It has stupendous views of the Avon and city rooftops.
St Swithin’s Church has major connections to the novelist Jane Austen, Bath’s most famous former resident. It was here her parents were married and where her father is buried.
At the Roman Baths (romanbaths.co.uk), an audio-visual presentation gives you a sense of what the baths were like 2,000 years ago.
Statues of generals and emperors stand like sentinels to oversee your visit. Here you can see a temple to the goddess Sulis Minerva, built in 60-70AD, the focal point of worship in Aquae Sulis which later became Bath. The name roughly means “hot waters” but even on the warmest days don’t be tempted to jump into them as they have an unwelcoming green tinge.
DO
Go on a pub crawl with a difference with Around And About (batharoundandaboutbath. com) which organises off-the-beaten-track tours.
At the Quarryman’s Arms (01225 743569/ butcombe.com/pubs/the-quarrymans-arms), once a favourite watering hole of men who toiled below ground, we learned about the quarries that produced Bath stone and which were turned into secret bunkers by the government in case of nuclear attack.
RIVER CRUISE
You should try a leisurely river cruise along the Avon with Pulteney Cruisers (pulteneycruisers.com) which has been plying its trade in the centre of Bath for more than 50 years. An hour’s round trip to the pretty village of Bathampton passes under Pulteney Bridge. You’ll see plenty of boat lovers taking to the water and maybe even herons or kingfishers.
Situated in an elegant Georgian townhouse,
the Jane Austen Centre (janeausten.co.uk) is one of Bath’s most visited attractions and features a selection of original furniture and clothing.
EAT
From The Green Rocket (01225 420084/ thegreenrocket.co.uk) look out on to the abbey in the city centre as you enjoy lunch in this awardwinning vegetarian restaurant. Around £35 for two.
Acorn Restaurant (01225 446059/ acornrestaurant.co.uk) can be found behind a blue Georgian facade. The veggie dishes are innovative with items such as king oyster mushroom scallops with celeriac puree and Waldorf brunoise. Three courses, £38.95.
DRINK
The Crystal Palace pub (crystalpalacepub.co.uk) is set in a cobbled Georgian square a little away from the hustle and bustle. It’s said Lord Nelson once stayed here. There’s a covered terrace, a fine selection of beers and gins and a decent but unfussy menu. In nearby Corsham, The Flemish Weaver (01249 701929) offers an interesting alternative. It promises a decent pint in what could be the quirkiest pub in Somerset.
STAY
The Kennard (01225 310472) is a 12-room boutique guesthouse a short walk from the centre. There’s a little and rather lovely, almost secret, garden at the back. Doubles from £90 (two sharing), B&B.
Going upmarket, the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa (01225823333/royalcrescent.co.uk) offers doubles from £280 (two sharing), B&B. The hotel is the centrepiece of the Royal Crescent, described by the composer Haydn as a “building more magnificent than any I had seen”. Bath tourism: visitbath.co.uk