Bath is a city in the county of Somerset, situated 97 miles west of London and it’s easily reached from the capital city as it’s only around 90 minutes by train from London Paddington. Originally a spa town in the Roman era, it’s now a World Heritage Site due to its cultural and historical importance: the Roman remains and Bath’s spectacular Georgian architecture are the reasons for this award.

The Roman Baths at Bath, England, UK by Stewart Robotham / License: Creative Commons

Getting around Bath

The city centre is easily navigable on foot, however, for a first visit you may want to take advantage of the tour buses that circulate amongst the main attracts.

What to see in Bath

One of the most famous sites of Bath, and one of the best examples of Georgian architectural design in the UK, is The Royal Crescent, a curved street of 30 terraced houses dating from the second half of the eighteenth century and a major influence on architecture. It’s been seen on the big screen in the 1998 film “The Duchess” starring Keira Knightley amongst others. It’s not the only crescent in the city – better views are to be had from the slightly less grand Camden Crescent.

The Roman Baths have recently undergone a huge renovation project and feature England’s only hot springs. A must-do is to have a taste of the minerally water while you’re there and if you visit on a summer evening, you’ll be able to experience the beautifully atmospheric site when it’s lit by torchlight.

There is one famous author who is of course a looming presence in Bath, Jane Austen and there’s a whole “Experience” dedicated to her at The Jane Austen Centre. Here you can take tea (don’t leave the city without having a cream tea) and discover how her experience of the city influenced her writing. There’s even a Jane Austen Festival in September.

The Hershel Museum of Astronomy is situated in a beautifully preserved Georgian townhouse and celebrates the work of William Herschel, he who discovered the planet Uranus. Not to be missed if you’re at all interested in the history of science and astronomy.

Bath Abbey, England, UK by Clay Shonkwiler

Where to Stay

For a real treat, stay in The Royal Crescent itself with its beautifully presented Georgian interiors plus modern facilities. A more reasonably priced boutique option in a central location in the city is stylish The Halcyon.

Where to Eat

Beautiful little tapas dishes and more substantial evening and lunchtime meals are available at the Same Same but Different cafe – I’m not getting my words confused there, that’s actually the name. For excellent pub grub overlooking the Bath countryside, the Hare & Hounds inn caters for those after just a sandwich and soup, or a three course slap-up meal.

Why Bath?

History is alive and well and living in Bath: you can smell it on the air as well as see it in the streets. If you’re a fan of ultra-modern cities, this one isn’t for you. But if you’ve an appreciation of the past, an interest in architecture and a hankering to walk in the steps of Roman spa-goers, then Bath’s the place to be.

Picturesque City of Bath, England, UK by Karen Roe

Julie loves writing about her travels through short guides on places she visited. She also writes for Fortina Spa Resort, one of the top hotels in Malta specializing in state of the art spa & welness treatments.

The post A Trip To Bath | England, UK appeared first on Best of European Union.

Or of course if you are not from the UK, why not pay us a visit? We have a lot more to offer than just the Olympics you know!

I love a sunny beach of course, but I also like a little culture and I love to explore, so this blog post is going to be about just that; exploring England and seeing what there is to be seen if you take the time.

Canterbury

Home to the oldest Cathedral in the UK in which Thomas Becket (the archbishop of Canterbury at the time and one of the most powerful men in the country) was murdered. Canterbury is also the setting of the Canterbury Tales by George Orwell and a world heritage site too.

Canterbury Cathedral, UK by David Spender

The Salisbury Plain

This is perhaps the most inspiring site in Britain and one of the most iconic in the world – I do of course refer to none other than Stonehenge. It dates back to prehistory and no one is quite sure how it was built, but what is certain is that it took many many hours and is a testament to what our ancestors were capable of.

Hastings

There was quite a well-known battle here in 1066 where rival armies fought for power over England. This city has been hugely significant in the UK’s history and there are even some nice beaches if the weather serves you well.

Blenheim Palace

Not heard of this one? It’s where Winston Churchill was born, but it has more history to it, dating back as far as the battle of Blenheim 1704. For the keen traveler though, the palace in itself is worth exploring and as it sits in 2000 acres of land there are plenty of opportunities for a walk.

Blenheim Palace, UK by Roger Wollstadt

Winchester Cathedral

This is the longest gothic cathedral in Europe and is a breathtaking piece of architecture, particularly when you consider that it is over fifteen hundred years old (built in 642AD). Oh and for book lovers, Jane Austen is buried here too.

Summary

All of these places just give you a sample of what south England has to offer the historic traveler. Hopefully I have wetted your appetite to explore some more.

This post was brought to you by Ricky from BristolAirportParking.

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