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Bath is situated twelve miles from Bristol, although Bath has a very different feel from its neighbour. The city's elegant crescents and Georgian buildings are studded with plaques naming Bath's eminent inhabitants from its heyday as a spa resort.
This comfortably sized city is packed with places to visit. Bath's rich diversity of museums, galleries, gardens and attractions - including the Roman Baths and 15th-century Bath Abbey - are all within easy distance of each other.
Bath Attractions
Royal Crescent
Royal Crescent, Bath
The Royal Crescent, widely considered to epitomise the grandeur of 18th - century Palladian architecture, was designed by John Wood the Younger and built between 1767 and 1774. No 1 Royal Crescent has been restored by the Bath Preservation Trust and can be viewed as an authentic example of 18th-century decor and style. Here, visitors can enjoy a glimpse into the former home of, among others, the Duke of York, son of George III.
Bath Abbey
Abbey Church Yard, Bath
A Roman statue stands over Bath Abbey built in 1499 by Bishop Oliver King. With a tower scaling 163 feet and stonework "ladders to heaven" gracing both front turrets, the Abbey is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The churchyard is surrounded by 18th- century buildings with the Roman Baths Museum located in the Abbey Courtyard.
The Circus
Along with the Royal Crescent, an example of Bath's exquisite architecture.
Roman Baths Museum and Pump Room
Stall Street, Bath
Built approximately 2000 years ago and unearthed by the Victorians, the Roman Baths are fed by a warm spring that yields 250,000 gallons of water each day. The museum holds a fascinating collection of objects dropped into the baths by pious Romans including thousands of coins, metal cups, and a fine bronze brooch. Today visitors can have tea or coffee in the Pump Room or sample the spa water from the elegant pump fountain.
Abbey Heritage Vaults
13 Kingston Buildings, Bath BA1 1LT
The Bath Abbey Heritage Vaults opened in the Abbey in 1994. The purpose of this museum is to offer the visitor an insight into the importance of religion in Bath's history.
Queens Square
Queens Square, Bath
Built between 1729 and 1739 this square was the first example of Georgian architecture built in Bath. Designed by local architect John Wood the Elder, its style set the tone for many subsequent buildings in the city. The obelisk in the square was presented to the city by wealthy resident Beau Nash, in recognition of a gift he received from Prince Frederick, Prince of Wales. The fine architectural supremacy of the Circus and Royal Crescent can be easily reached from this landmark.
William Herschel Museum
Herschel Museum, 19 New King Street, Bath, BA1 2BL
Brother and sister, William and Catherine Herschel lived at 19 New King Street. Their 'lower middle class' household and life in the 18th century is well illustrated in this unique Georgian museum. Dedicated to the many achievements of the Herschels, the museum tells the story of the telescope maker who first saw Uranus and the woman who discovered no less than eight comets.
The American Museum in Britain
Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath BA2 7BD
Several collections are arranged in a series of rooms designed to replicate houses in the United States. Cultural tradition is represented from the English Puritans to the Spanish colonists of New Mexico. Crafts in pewter, textiles, silver and glass are exhibited while special collections are devoted to the Native American Indian, the Shakers and the Pennsylvania Germans.
Sally Lunn's
4 North Parade Passage, Bath, BA1 1NX
Sally Lunn's is a restaurant and museum situated in the oldest house in Bath. It is named after the 17th-century baker who first created the famous buttery tea bun, synonymous with Bath afternoon tea. The recipe is still a secret but the buns are available fresh daily.
Beckford's Tower and Museum
Near Landsdown Cemetery, Bath
William Beckford, an eccentric writer and art collector was one of England's wealthiest and well travelled 18th-century gentlemen. He commissioned the building of his tower in 1827 to house his precious art collection and to serve as a retreat for himself. Today, a fascinating collection of objects, pictures and furniture are on view in the museum whilst a panoramic view of Bath and beyond can be seen from the Belvedere, at the top of the tower's beautiful spiral staircase.
Holburne Museum
Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB
Based on the private collection of wealthy, former Bath resident Sir Thomas Holburne, the museum houses a collection of 17th and 18th century decorative and fine art. Furniture, silverware and paintings are on display with some excellent examples of work by famous British artists, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough.
The Museum of Costume
The Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath
Clothing from around the world dating from the 16th century to modern day is on display in Bath's Museum of Costume. Situated in the basement of the Assembly Rooms in Bennett Street, the museum specialises in clothing and accessories from Bath's Georgian era.
The Jane Austen Centre
40 Gay Street, Queens Square, Bath, BA1 2NT
The Jane Austen Centre is a new permanent exhibition which tells the story of Jane Austen's experiences in Bath and the effect that living in the city had on her writing.
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