Bath, UK

Bath is a city situated on the River Avon in South West England. As a World Heritage Site, the town is steeped in history, and was particularly popular in the 18th Century as a spa town. The city is most well known for such landmarks as the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and its elegant crescents of Georgian architecture. A big tourist attraction, Bath is also one of our favourite cities in the UK.

Bath is easily accessible by various modes of transport. It is about a two hour drive from London, although it can sometimes be difficult to find parking in the centre of town. There is a train station in the centre of Bath, with frequent services to and from other parts of the country, including London. The closest airport is Bristol International Airport, which is about 20 miles away - one therefore needs to get the Flyer bus from the airport, which goes to Bristol Meads train station, and from there catch a train to Bath. If money isn't an issue, then an easier method is simply to get a taxi from the airport.

As with many other towns and cities we've travelled to, Bath is compact and its main attractions can be explored on foot, although there are tourist buses in operation. As is usually the case when we travel to smaller places, we never really have a specific itinerary in mind, but rather walk about the town in an aimless fashion, going down streets and passageways that might otherwise be missed if we stuck to the usual tourist routes. This is precisely what we did in Bath, appreciating the Georgian architecture surrounding us (the Royal Crescent being a fine example of this), looking in shops, stopping in bars, and, of course, not missing out on any of the sights that Bath is famous for (although we might have had a roundabout way of getting there).

Bath has naturally occurring hot springs, and was first documented as being a Roman Spa, although it is suggested that the Celts first inhabited the area. The Roman Baths are the definite 'must-see' of any trip to Bath, where one can view not only the baths themselves, which are the best preserved in the world, but also ancient artifacts found on the site. Above the Roman Baths, on ground level, is where the Pump Room is located. This grand chamber, opened almost two centuries ago, is where the wealthy and elite would converge to drink the natural mineral water. It is still possible to do so today, however it is more common to find wealthy tourists drinking tea! Another historical landmark that is impossible to miss is Bath Abbey, a great Gothic church built from 1499, although the site it is on had an even earlier, ancient history. It is still an active church, and its extensive interior can be viewed by the visitor.

During the 18th Century, Bath was quite the social hub for the elite, and an important place to be seen if climbing the societal ladder. The Bath Assembly Rooms was the place to see, and to be seen. It was host to balls and other public events, and it is these elegant Georgian rooms that are another tourist attraction in Bath, and where the Bath Museum of Costume is situated. A famous novelist who lived in Bath was Jane Austen, and two of her novels are set in Bath, making mention of the Assembly Rooms. If you are a fan of Jane Austen's works, then it is advisable to visit the Jane Austen Centre, which celebrates her writing, and particularly focuses on Bath, and her experiences of living in the town during the early 19th Century. There is also an annual Jane Austen Festival that takes place in the summer.

On our last trip to Bath, we stayed in a luxury B&B called Oldfields, booked through Laterooms. Situated on a hill, with panoramic views over Bath, it is about a ten to fifteen minute walk into the centre of town. With friendly and welcoming staff, the B&B is Victorian in style, and the rooms themselves are clean and spacious with all the amenities one needs, and more - we even had a jacuzzi bath. Unfortunately we missed the breakfast, due to sleeping late, but from other reviews it seems to be worth the effort of getting up early. I think that is the one criticism I have of Bed and Breakfast establishments in the UK - can't they serve breakfast till a later hour? People are on holiday after all and maybe want to sleep in a little, especially if local pubs and clubs have been experienced the night before. Speaking of which, Bath has a variety of such venues to suit all tastes. There is also a wide range of restaurants, cafes and traditional tea rooms to choose from (just in case you missed your breakfast). One of the most popular tea rooms in Bath is Sally Lunn's Refreshment House and Museum, located in the oldest house in Bath (circa 1483) and also famous for the Sally Lunn Bun, which I have yet to taste.

I'm sure it won't be long before we return to Bath again - it holds some very special memories for us, as it is the place where we got married. I personally think it was a rather good choice, being one of the most picturesque and elegant towns in the UK, surrounded by the spectacular Somerset and Wiltshire countryside which is definitely worth exploring as part of any trip to Bath.