Bath

 

Situated at the extreme southern tip of the Cotswolds, the town of Bath is known known for its natural hot springs and fine Georgian architecture. It is thanks to both of these features that it has been designated a World Heritage Site. The two are inextricably linked, for ever since the Celts, who fist discovered the springs, it has been a spa town. The water continues to flow from the springs at the centre of the city today, having originally fallen as rain some 10,000 years ago.

 

ROMAN BATHS

The Romans surrounded the springs with a temple and baths complex, which developed into a town they called Aquae Sulis, after the Celtic deity. These Roman remains are amongst the most famous and important north of the Alps. You can explore the museum, which encompasses the Roman baths, as well as the ancient temple precinct, and gives a vivid idea of what life was like here during Roman times. The Georgian Pump Room provides access to street level, dominated by the magnificent Bath Abbey, noted for its fan-vaulting, tower and large stained-glass windows in the Perpendicular style.

 

GEORGIAN BATH

A stroll or minibus ride around Bath will include a close-up look at some of its fine architecture including Queen's Square, the Royal Crescent and the Circus. These and other works were the creation of the famous father and son team, John Wood the Elder and Younger. Learn about society in Bath at different stages of its Georgian development, from such movers and shakers as Beau Nash to the world of Jane Austen. Many came to Bath to work, including Mary Shelley who completed Frankenstein here.