Hotels and Travel

Destination - Bath

Bath,  is a unique city; its hot springs, Roman Baths, splendid Abbey and Georgian stone crescents have attracted visitors for centuries. Set in rolling Somerset countryside, just over 100 miles west of London, it is a beautiful and unforgettable place to visit.On the banks of the River Avon and surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, visitors to Bath can enjoy some of the most famous architectural masterpieces in Europe.

Bath and the surrounding area is brimming with things to see and do. Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Bath presents some of the finest architectural sights in Europe such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pulteney Bridge alongside a diverse collection of museums and attractions. The compact city centre offers irresistible shopping and there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the surrounding areaBath is built in the mouth an extinct volcano

It’s a spa city with hot springs beneath the city

It was a Roman city with the original Roman baths and remains

The healing powers of the hot spring water attracted successive royal visitors during the late 16th and 17th centuries, and by the beginning of the 18th century it had become a fashionable place to visit.

To make the most of Bath, there are guided walking tours, open top bus tours, balloon flights, river and canal trips

The modern city of Bath has excellent shopping facilities, hotels, imaginative street entertainment, award winning parks and top class theatre and festivals bring colour, style and life to this beautiful city.

There is an outstanding collection of museums, galleries and attractions in Bath and beyond. Discover Bath's heritage at the world famous Roman Baths, Bathe in Britain's only natural thermal waters at Thermae Bath Spa or visit the 15th century Bath Abbey. From art and history, to fashion and Jane Austen, there really is something for everyone.

Bath has been home to historic writers, such as Jane Austin, artists such as Gainsborough, architects and designers John Wood and Goodridge, inventors, John Oliver, and has also been used for many Hollywood film sets , the last was Vanity fair.

Hotels in Bath and the surrounding area offer health, beauty and relaxation spa break packages, along with complementary therapies and holistic treatments. Some of these hotels include the Bath Spa Hotel, and the Bath Priory Hotel and Spa.

Two thousand years ago, with most of the world at their feet, the Romans recognised the unique qualities of Bath and settled here. They chose well. Set in a sheltered valley, surrounded like Rome by seven wooded hills and nourished by Britain's only natural hot springs, it is a natural haven. Today you can visit the Roman Baths to explore the extensive ruins and treasures of the magnificant temple.

Bath is also well known for it's ghostly residents and provides guided ghost tours around the city and visits many of their haunts, the best known are the Man in the Black Hat seen around the Assembly Rooms and the jasmine-scented Grey Lady of the Theatre Royal.

Beckford's Tower, a19th century folly in Lansdown has superb views over the city. Built in 1827 and surrounded by a Victorian cemetery, the Tower is open to visitors and includes a museum.There are 156 steps to climb the beautiful spiral staircase to the restored Belvedere and admire the panoramic views.

Bath offers a unique shopping experience with a fabulous selection of small independent shops, stylish boutiques with exclusive designer brands and familiar big name stores. The city centre is compact and a delight to explore on foot with grand Georgian streets and small picturesque passageways

Eating and Drinking

There is a great range of cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants in Bath, you will find restaurants to suit all tastes with flavours from around the world. There is a fantastic mix of established national chains, a vibrant independent restaurant sector and a superb selection of award winning restaurants in Bath, offering the perfect choice whatever the occasion.

The diversity of eateries is outstanding with numerous types of cuisine, served with west country organic and fresh products sourced from our wonderful Somerset farmers and growers nearby. Bath is also lucky enough to have many of the finest Chefs in the country at your service.

You can enjoy the magnificent views of this Georgian city whilst savouring the delights of excellent food and wines, impeccably served and enjoy your meal in beautiful surroundings

Bath is the original home of farmers markets and host to a number of food related events. Don't miss the Taste of Bath Festival (3rd - 6th July 2008 TBC), a celebration of the finest food and drink from the South West.

When it comes to live music Bath has something for everyone. Jazz, blues, dance, rock... there are venues dotted across the city looking to keep your toes tapping and your head banging.Whether you're looking for a cosy night out full of soulful sounds or to drown your sorrows in the midst of a few thousand like-minded eardrums you can be assured of a great night out.

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