As part of a summer trip intrepidly travelling around the United Kingdom I had come to Bath as I was enroute to experience the Summer Solstice sunrise at Stonehenge. Bath is located amongst the rolling Somerset countryside known as a historic Roman and Georgian spa town that was founded around natural hot springs. Bath is located on the banks of the Avon River, 100 miles west of London (90 minute by train) and only 15 miles southeast of Bristol with a population of approximately 90,000.
Bath is one of the few cities to be deemed a World Heritage Site on account of its incredibly beautiful Georgian architecture and one the world’s best preserved Roman bath complexes. Over 4 million visitors a year are drawn to the smorgasbord of attractions, idyllic streets and shops as it’s the perfect place for a day trip, to unwind or a romantic weekend. It is the only place in the United Kingdom where you can bath in pools of naturally heated water from deep within the Earth, and Bath has been attracting travellers and bathers for at least the last two thousand years.
It is best to arrive into Bath by public transport (Bath is well connected to London and Bristol by train and bus) as the majority of the cities attractions are within walking distance of the city center and public transport hubs meaning you won’t need to worry about expensive parking! While in Bath I stayed at the Bath YMCA which offers intrepid travellers comfortable accommodation for a great price as Bath can be expensive.
The majority of visitors come to Bath to witness it’s unique Georgian architecture, personified by the renowned buildings of the circular Circus (the 18th century oval of buildings that are separated into 3 equally sized sections) and The Royal Crescent which is an iconic semi elliptical crescent of houses completed in 1774. Of course travellers and tourist also come to explore the rediscovered Roman baths built by the Romans around 2000 years ago that are supplied by the only mineral hot spring in England. The Baths have been largely excavated and are now maintained with exhibits to educate visitors as to their former glory.
The following are also worth a visit during your visit; the Bath Abbey, Walcot Street, Sion Hill, Great Pulteney Street, the Pulteney Bridge and a walk along the Avon River and through Prior Park to see firsthand a rare example of a Palladian bridge.
