Destination: Bath
Enjoy a world of dazzling buildings and a historical hose-down
So; ‘Bath’ or ‘Barth’? Short ‘a’ or long ‘ar’ – how you pronounce ‘Bath’ is the definitive north/ south giveaway, even more so than red or brown sauce. The short ‘a’ (as in ‘cat’) came first in the English language – the longer ‘arr’ was a trend started by fashionable London types in the 1600s. So while Bath is geographically a southern city, and locals may prefer ‘Barth’, it was ‘Bath’ historically.
Historically, you say? Bath is swimming in history – literally. The Romans founded public baths and a temple here around 60AD; the town was a key part of the wool industry in the Middle Ages; and it thrived as a retreat for the well-off in Georgian times. This year marks three decades since it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What have the Romans done for us? Sanitation, the aqueduct, the roads… and there’s plenty more to discover at the Roman Baths museum. But to experience a dip or sip of the legendary spa water yourself, head to Thermae Bath Spa, where you can relax in an open-air rooftop pool filled with the UK’S only naturally warmed spring waters.
What else is there to do? The whole city is well set up for tourism, so there’s plenty of museums, shops, bars, restaurants, gardens and more. But on a sunny day, it’s a stunning place to just wander round, soaking in the Georgian architecture and the golden sparkle of the Bath-stone buildings. Bath Abbey and the stunning Royal Crescent are iconic highlights.
Is it all dull straight Roman roads? Not at all – there are twisty country routes to be enjoyed in every direction. Head north and you’ll be in the bottom of the Cotswolds. Head east past Melksham and you’re in the North Wessex Downs. Or head south-west into the Mendip Hills and meander along the B3135 through the spectacular Cheddar Gorge. But if you happen to like straight lines, you can follow the scenic Fosse Way (A429 / B4455) north from Cirencester almost as far as Leicester. Any other local highlights? If you’re coming from the north, ensure you stop at Gloucester services on the M5. Really. No Starbucks, no Mcdonald’s and no tired truckers pumping pound coins into slot machines – instead there’s a fabulous farm shop with local food. It’s a shining jewel in Britain’s carbon-copy motorway service network.