Must-Visit Attractions In Bath, England
Overview
If you are looking for historic and vibrant cities then England would not fail to amaze you. One such city is Bath, a cultural and visual mecca, brimming with museums, attractions and amusements.
Table of Contents
Whenever people think of a visit to England, the first city that comes to their mind invariably, is London. But there is so much more to explore in this country that if you are looking for historic and vibrant cities then England would not fail to amaze you. One such city is Bath, a cultural and visual mecca, brimming with museums, attractions and amusements. Although it’s not easy to choose a few among the many attractions in this city, this post will try to highlight the must-visit attractions in Bath, England.
Bath is famous for its Roman Baths. The Romans built the first public baths around the only natural hot springs in Britain, in the settlement they named Aquae Sulis. You can still bathe in the famed hot springs today and visit the original baths. However, there’s much more to this town than mere hot water. Whether you are a fan of Jane Austen or you like visiting architectural buildings, you are going to love this beautiful city.
About Bath
Widely considered Britain’s most attractive small city, Bath is famous for its archaeological wonder. It takes its name from its 2,000-year-old Roman baths. Nestled in the Avon Valley between the Cotswolds and the Mendip Hills in the beautiful county of Somerset, the City of Bath is also well known for its perfectly preserved honey-coloured Georgian houses.
Bath is also famous for its many top-rated festivals and events, including the Bath Christmas Market, one of the largest festive shopping opportunities in the UK and the Bath International Music Festival.
Here is a list of must-visit attractions in Bath, England:
1. The Roman Baths
This is a must-visit attraction in Bath. The Roman baths are based around Britain’s only hot spring. The Romans built a magnificent bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water today. While the ancient Romans are credited for having established Bath’s ancient hot springs as a place of relaxation and rejuvenation, legend has it their healing powers were discovered some 500 years earlier by a British king.
The ruins and extensive treasures from the spring are beautifully preserved and presented, allowing visitors to see the water’s source and walk where Romans walked on the ancient stone pavements around the simmering pool.
Address: Stall Street, Bath, BA1 1LZ
2. Bath Abbey Tower
This is one of the most visited attractions in the South West, this beautiful place of worship has been welcoming pilgrims and visitors for hundreds of years. The Gothic cathedral of the Bishop of Bath and Wells (aka, “the Bath Abbey”) was founded in 1499. Bath Abbey stands in the centre of the city and is the last of the great medieval churches of England.
Whether visiting to explore the stunning interior of the Abbey, or to enjoy the choral music, Bath Abbey is a unique attraction worth experiencing first-hand.
Address: 12 Kingston Buildings Bath Somerset BA1 1LT
3. The Circus
Built in the eighteenth century and designed by John Wood the elder, The Circus is yet another example of the city’s striking Georgian architecture complete with finely detailed Bath stone carvings. It is an astonishing creation. The Circus is also one of the key reasons Bath was awarded the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Address: The Circus, Bath, BA1 2
4. Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent is one of the city’s best-known landmarks and is among the greatest examples of Georgian architecture to be found in the UK. Designed by John Wood the younger, the Grade I listed building was built between 1767 and 1775. Of the 30 houses found in the crescent, one is now the Royal Crescent Hotel, while another is open to the public.
Address: Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LS
5. Thermae Bath Spa
Located in the heart of the World Heritage Site, Thermae is an award-winning Natural Spa. Thermae Bath Spa is a combination of the historic spa and a contemporary building. You can enjoy bathing in the thermal waters of the Minerva Bath and open-air rooftop pool. Best way to refresh your senses in the Wellness Suite and choose from over 50 spa treatments and packages.
Address: Hot Bath Street, Bath, BA1 1SJ
6. Jane Austen Centre
This is a must-see attraction for literary fans. The Jane Austen Centre tells the story of one of Bath’s most famous residents and the effect that living and working in the city had on her writing. Packed full of fascinating exhibitions and displays, ‘live’ guides, costumes and exclusive films, a trip to the Jane Austen Centre is guaranteed to excite literary fanatics and history lovers alike.
Address: 40 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2NT
7. Pulteney Bridge
One of the most recognizable pieces of architecture in Bath, Pulteney Bridge is one of only a handful of bridges still standing with buildings atop them.
Spanning the River Avon, Pulteney Bridge, is often described as one of the UK’s most beautiful bridges. Much like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Pulteney is one of only four bridges in the world to be lined with shops on both sides. Designed by Robert Adam and completed in 1773 the bridge was constructed to create a new town at Bathwick, just across the river from Bath.
Address: Bridge Street, Bath, Avon, BA2 4AT
Conclusion
If you are visiting England then do not forget to add this charming city to your travel itinerary. Bath was granted World Heritage Site status in 1987, one of only a handful of such locations in the UK. Along with visiting famous attractions just ensure you get the most out of your visit by taking a stroll on the Bath Skyline Walk, a six-mile network of footpaths that take in the best views of the city.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
See Also
- How to Spend a Delightful Day at Stourhead Garden, England
- Discovering the Beauty and History of England's Lake District: 5 Must-Experience Gems
- London Itinerary: How to Spend A Day In London