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.

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Exmoor is the ideal place for explorers and wanderers with its sweeping valleys, heather-covered misty moorland, cliffs, caves, waterfalls and sparkling lakes. It has the highest precipitation levels in England, making it verdant and bursting with animal and plant life.

Exmoor National Park, England, UK by Thierry Gregorius

Bird watchers will be in their element with scores of species to look out for including raptors, buzzards, peregrines, and kingfishers. The area is also home to England’s largest herds of wild red deer and the unique race of Exmoor ponies. There are plenty of areas that are ideal for freshwater or seawater fishing, and some beautiful locations perfect for fly fishing. Among the most common fish to catch are wild brown trout, rainbow and grayling stocked trout and salmon.

The most common activity is, of course , tramping and trudging through the wilderness. Exmoor has more than six hundred miles of rights of way with coastal paths, open rugged moorland, valleys and river paths to choose from. Don’t be surprised to spend a whole day of exploring without meeting another soul. There are 55 kilometres of coastline trails to follow, including along the highest sea cliffs in England at Culbone Hill.

Some of the best horse-riding bridleways in the country are in Exmoor. There are more than four hundred miles of meticulously maintained trails. Cyclists and mountain bikers are also well served by the minimal traffic, array of trails, and spectacular countryside. There are also some challenging golf courses with dazzling views, such as the Minehead course which goes through both farm and beach land.

Explorers of all sorts should bring along plenty of water and a picnic. The area is also dotted with charming old pubs and is well known for the quality of food produced locally. Beef and lamb has a lovely unique flavour due to the animals grazing on the particular wild herbs and grasses in the upland areas. The dairy products are also distinctive, with lovely creamy ice creams, cheeses, and cream teas. Pheasant, rabbit, venison, fish, and seafood are all fresh and local as well. Beer enthusiasts will want to try some of the Exmoor ales such as Stag, Beast, Gold, or Fox, or the Exmas during Christmas season, and farmhouse ciders.

The Exmoor coastline near the Valley of the Rocks, UK by Exmoorwalker

Lovers of the great outdoors will be swept away by the skies over Exmoor on clear nights. It was the first European area designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve thanks to its unique combination of frequently clear skies and the absence of light pollution. The panorama of stars never fails to impress.

Exmoor has been occupied since the Mesolithic era. Its ancient history can be seen the sites such as the Neolithic hinge in Parracombe, the Iron Age fort known as Cow Castle, the Norman Castle in Parracombe, and the impressive Tarr Steps- huge stone slabs formed into a clapper bridge dating back to 1000 BC. Exmoor was established as a Royal Hunting Ground in the 13th century and was eventually made a National Park in 1954.

There are plenty of lovely villages and hamlets to explore, such as Dunster which has over 120 listed buildings and the Norman era Dunster Castle, or charming Porlock Weir with its five-mile long cliff walk. There are markets and independent shops aplenty. Families can keep busy with trips on the steam-powered trains, zoos, amusement parks, beaches, and pony spotting.

Exmoor is certainly one of the rarest, most beautiful and wild of regions to visit and there is an abundance of places to explore and enjoy for couples or families, which is why so many people holiday in this area year after year.

Author: Karen Orson has worked in the tourism and accommodation industry since she was a little girl. Playing on the Devon sands soon became frolicking in San Francisco, which gave rise to safaris across the Serengetti and then quickly returned to those English beaches again! Having travelled widely, Karen now works for Highcliffe House; a luxury guest house in North Devon.

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