As
part of a web site on London, these pages are written from the perspective
of visitors to London wanting to spend a day or more outside of the
capital.
The aim here is to complement guide books by providing you with some
of the practical knowledge and logistics of making a successful visit
to Bath.
What's the attraction of Bath?
The key attraction to visitors to Bath originates from two periods.
The natural resource of a spring from the waters of the surrounding
Cotswold Hills was a great attraction to the Romans when they invaded
England about 2,000 years ago. The resulting Roman
Baths are probably the biggest single attraction for visitors
to Bath.
Today this has been supplemented by a modern spa just recently opened.
The other
key period was nearly 200 years ago in the 18th Century in Georgian
times, |
Sally Lunn's House
(Oldest Building In Bath) |
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Bath was transformed from just another town deriving its existence
from the wool trade into a fashionable place for high society. In
those days if you were anyone, Bath had a season where you'd come
and mingle with your peers. Fun, frivolity and matchmaking perhaps
in Georgian times.
Richard 'Beau' Nash is credited with triggering this radical change
but it was John Wood, an architect who was largely responsible for
transforming Bath in a single style called the 'Palladian' style using
locally quarried honey coloured stone.
It is this work and buildings that provides the elegant Bath environment
that attracts so many to Bath today.
The Royal Crescent, The Circus, Queen Square and the Assembly Rooms
are all famous for this style and are all well worth a visit.
Jane Austen lived and wrote in Bath and many of her books describe
Bath and the Georgian Society. Surprisingly little has changed and
you can still follow her footsteps described in her books. |
Getting
To Bath And Orientation
If you arrive by bus or train the respective termini are on the southern
fringe of the city centre, just 5 minutes walk from the Roman Baths
etc.
If you arriving by car the largest central car park is a similar distance
to the north west of the centre, near the Royal Crescent. It is quite
routine for these car parks to be full quite early and the approaches
to Bath are notorious for their delays through congestion. There are
several Park and Ride schemes that are worthwhile on all the main
approaches and are well signposted.
The first thing the visitor might do is to get hold of a street map.
The tourist office do not hand out free maps, they sell one which
can also be bought from machines all over the centre of Bath.
The official tourist office itself is on the river (eastern) side
of the Roman Baths by the Abbey. |
The
tour groups from London start arriving about lunch time, if you're
going to visit the Roman Baths it might be best to do it first before
they arrive. Full details
of Roman Baths and Pump Room
Much of the city centre is pedestrianised around the Roman Baths.
In this area there are many medieval style alleys also. Bath is an
affluent area, more than half of the shops are independently owned,
many with upmarket pricing and goods. |
Jollys
Department Store Bath |
Many
of the chain stores are around and south (towards the station) of
the Roman Baths. Milsom Street, north of the Baths is the heart of
the fashionable shops including Jollys, the worlds oldest department
store (now part of the House of Fraser chain).
Walcot Street by the river here is full of independent shops, if you
are a dedicated shopper this will keep you amused for a long time.
The problem with finding something to eat is to make a decision, there
is so much choice for all budgets. As it is the West Country, Cornish
pasties are common offerings with a couple of dedicated shops. If
you want a budget sit down meal, the restaurant in the BHS store close
to the Roman Baths is a good benchmark, though lacking in atmosphere
of the many more expensive options all around. |
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Bath
Hop On, Hop Off Bus
There is a hop on, hop off bus that does a circuit of all the
places and more you'll want to visit in Bath.
Commentary is in a choice of 7 languages. Frequencies are high, every
10 minutes at peak times and even in the depth of winter every 30
minutes.
Main starting point is behind Bath Abbey, by the riverside.
It should emphasised that all the places can easily be visited by
walking. |
Day
Tours To Bath From London
Every day, a stream of coaches visit Bath many on day tours
from London. In terms of cost these tours are little different than
if you travel to Bath independently by rail. Most however only spend
2 or 3 hours in Bath, visiting other places like Stonehenge, Lacock
or Windsor during the day.
More Details of Bath Tours
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Bath
Hotel Accommodation
There is a great variety of hotel accommodation right in the
city centre. Bath is certainly a great place to spend 2 or 3 days.
Hotels range from Bed and Breakfasts through to chain hotels like
Holiday Inn and Hilton to historic independent hotels with character.
More Details Of Bath City
Centre Hotels ... |
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