Sydney Place - Bath

Bath

Situated 97 miles (156 km) west of London and 13 miles (21 km) south-east of Bristol Bath is most famous for its status as a World Heritage site. Originally established in AD43 by the Romans as a spa town Bath is now one of the premier tourist centers in the UK.

Bath’s main tourist attraction is the original Roman Baths and Pump Rooms and more recently the Thermae Bath Spa which opened to the public on 7 August 2006, ending a 28-year period during which the waters remained unavailable for bathing.

The spa is largely sited in a new 'Glass Cube' building by Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, near the site of the ancient Royal Bath, which has been interlinked with historic Georgian spa buildings such as the nearby Hot and Cross Baths. The building is in a strongly contemporary style in contrast to its Georgian surroundings. The complex houses both traditional and modern spa facilities.

History lovers will be drawn to No1 Royal Crescent, a beautifully and accurately restored 18th Century house which gives a great taste of Georgian live. The Jane Austen museum is sure to please both history and literature lovers alike, whilst the Pulteney Bridge is another fabulous attraction. Much like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the bridge is not only architecturally beautiful, there are also shops built into the structure. Enthusiasts of architecture will find a walk through any of Bath’s streets fantastic, the majority of buildings in the town centre are wonderful examples of traditional 18th Century architecture including  The Assembly Rooms which were at the heart of fashionable Georgian society and still the perfect venue for entertainment. When completed in 1771, they were described as 'the most noble and elegant of any in the kingdom'. The Fashion Museum (Bath and North East Somerset Council) is on lower ground floor.

Theatre Royal Bath is host to several festivals each year, including the Bath Shakespeare Festival, the Bath International Puppet Festival and the Peter Hall Company Season. Many plays start at the Theatre Royal before their official opening in London. The Theatre Royal’s 200 year old building has been recently refurbished ensuring that it remains suitable for 21st century audiences.

Bath boasts a huge range of shops from small independent boutiques to the more recognizable high street chains, this combined with the plentiful bars and restaurants to cater for all tastes makes Bath one of the most desirable tourist locations in the UK.