Like many towns and cities in the UK, it has Roman origins, which are still clear to see today. The city originally started as a Roman spa, which then grew in to numerous baths (hence the city’s name), and temples.

Roman Baths, Bath, England, UK by Andrew Dunn

The city is still a cultural melting pot, with a plethora of museums, active baths and spas, theatres, pubs, bars and restaurants. There are also two universities located in the city which adds to the vibrant activity and nightlife of the area.

The varied and numerous attractions of Bath take visitors and tourists on a trip through the ages. Some of the more popular attractions include:

Roman Baths – You can still visit some of the original 2000 year old baths that the city was named after. The Roman Baths are Britain’s only hot spring, and thus are of great importance!

Thermae Bath Spa – This outdoor spa allows visitors to swim outdoors in naturally warm waters – this is a novel concept for such a cold country!

Prior Park Landscape Garden – This beautiful 18th century garden allows visitors to explore the luscious grounds and appreciate breath-taking views over the city.

The Botanical Gardens – This section of the 57 acre Royal Victoria Park is a must-see for flower lovers and budding botanists. Over 100 years old, this 9 acre garden features an incredibly impressive range of flowers and plants.

The Pump Room – The Pump Room (where warm bath water is drawn from the earth) has been the social hub of Bath for hundreds of years. It features the finest British cuisine and afternoon tea.

Tyntesfield – This maginificent Victorian country estate encapsulates historic aristocratic Britain. Located in Wraxall, the grounds overlook the stunning Yeo Valley.

Pubs – Bath is full of pubs, catering for all tastes and budgets. From high end gastro pubs, to quaint bars with log fires, there really is something for everyone.

Upper Town – This part of Bath is a shopper’s paradise; filled with quaint boutiques and independent stores, this one is for those who need a bit of retail therapy.

Theatre Royal – Built in 1805, this grand theatre is shows top quality shows year round, including opera, comedy, dance, and concerts; a perfect way to start a romantic evening.

Bath is an incredibly popular destination for both locals and travellers from further afield. There is so much to do that you are guaranteed not to be dissapointed if you visit this historic city.

If you’re planning to spend a long weekend in Bath, don’t forget to check the dates for the uk bank holidays 2013.

The post Great Activities to do in Bath, England, UK appeared first on Best of European Union.

The Hot Spring at Bath, UK by Alun Salt

Here are seven of the top reasons why a holiday in Bath may be right for you.

1) Two millennia of spa history

Bath contains the only natural hot springs in the UK and that has made it one of the world’s most famous spa destinations for over 2000 years. What’s more, the spa tradition is still going strong today. You can still bathe in the hot springs, a plethora of other spas and spa hotels offer options to suit every taste and budget.

2) Indulge your inner Elizabeth Bennett or Mr Darcy

Jane Austen lived in Bath for five years and set two of her best known novels there: Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. If regency elegance appeals to you, then there is no better time to visit Bath than September, when it hosts an annual Jane Austen festival. There are Austen-related entertainments all year round too: you can go on an audio tour, visit the Jane Austen Centre or simply walk round and enjoy the Regency buildings, which have been the setting for many a television adaptation of Miss Austen’s works.

3) Shop ’til you drop!

Bath is well known for its wide range of independent shops and boutiques, so you will be sure to find treasures that are unavailable elsewhere.

4) Taking refreshment

Visit the famous Pump Rooms to take afternoon tea in true regency style while enjoying the music of the excellent Pump Room Trio and the architecture of the neo-classical salon. Alternatively, try the Jane Austen Tea Rooms, Sally Lunn’s Refreshment House (where you can sample one of the famous Sally Lunn buns) or one of the other cafes and tearooms in the city centre. Many hotels in Bath also do excellent afternoon teas.

5) Boat trip

There is a delightful one hour boat trip that will take you round some of the best sights in Bath. For special occasions, you can even charter your own boat and party on the river.

Boat trip in Bath, UK by Andrea DG

6) Museums and art galleries

There are twenty or more museums and art galleries in and around Bath, so there should be something to suit everyone from fashion addicts (the Bath Fashion Museum) to high art aficionadi (the Victoria Art Gallery) to steam fanatics (the Somerset and Dorset Railway). Bath itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you can even think of the whole city as one big museum or art attraction.

7) Theatre

Visiting the theatre was one of Jane Austen’s favourite pastimes and it’s a tradition that still continues to this day. For families, there is the delightful Egg Theatre, and the prestigious Theatre Royal offers something for everyone. Alternatively, the Ustinov Theatre offers a more modern, cutting-edge range of works.

For more seasonal events, visiting Bath in August & September brings its own delights in the form of the many festivals, such as the Ilford Art Festival and the Bath Folk Festival. Stay at one of the numerous Hotels in Bath & take your time enjoying the city’s beautiful and diverse attractions.

The post Top Seven Reasons to Visit Bath | United Kingdom appeared first on Best of European Union.