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Visit Bath ~ Probably the Most Beautiful City in England

by Tsvete Popp
written by Tsvete Popp
Historic Pulteney Bridge over River Avon with a boat in Bath, England's lush landscape.

Many travellers claim that the city of Bath is the most beautiful and romantic town in Britain and after visiting it in the spring of 2017 I can fully understand why! Bath is a cosy town with very interesting Georgian architecture and sweeping green countryside. The town is located in the south-west of England in the County of Somerset, 98 miles from London and 15 miles from Bristol and has a population of approx. 100.000. The very early history of Bath dates back to AD 60–70 and has the status of a city since 1590.

 

People enjoying a sunny day outside The Huntsman in Bath, England's charming street.

The Huntsman

 

Do you know?
All visitors had to pay to use the baths. Back in the days, the Romans had hot (caldarium), warm and cold baths (frigidarium). Men and women used separate bathhouses, where public slaves were giving them some massage.

Bath Abbey in Bath, England, with statues and tourists in the foreground.

Bath Abbey View

 

Nowadays Bath is a famous base for a summer holiday in Britain and a popular weekend getaway for the people living in London and Bristol. Although Bath is a pretty small town it has a lot to offer! The beautiful town offers a good mix of world-class museums, natural thermal spas, traditional pubs, farmers market and unique shops with home-made products.

 

Gothic architecture of Bath Abbey against a blue sky in Bath, England.

The Abbey

 

Do you know?
The Saracen’s Head is one of the oldest pubs in Bath and was often visited by Charles Dickens in 1835.

 

Historic Roman Baths with tourists in sunny Bath, England.

The Museum

 

Many places in Britain have been placed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, but Bath is the only venue in the United Kingdom where the entire town is registered as a World Heritage site. This year (2017) the town marks 30 years since it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.

 

Pulteney Bridge's ornate architecture under a blue sky in Bath, England.

The Bridge on York Street

 

As already mentioned above, Bath has a very rich history. The town was founded by the Romans who indulged themselves in the natural hot springs and thermal spas. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth (15th century) the city merited for the first time its royal character.  Later in the history, the town became an important centre for the wool industry. During the 18th century and under the reigns of King George l, ll and III Bath developed into a hugely popular resort and an elegant town for royalty, aristocracy, businessmen and gamblers.

 

Historic Roman Baths with visitors in Bath, England, showcasing ancient architecture and pool.

The Great Bath

 

Do you know?
The City of Bath has its own form of currency called the Oliver! Oliver is kind of rewarding system that gives you coupons for volunteerism and community involvement. These coupons can be used at local businesses instead of cash.

Roman Baths with stone statues under a clear sky in Bath, England.

Everyone who visits Bath knows that the town is home to the author Jane Austen, who described the superficial lifestyle of Bath’s visitors during the 18th century in two of her books (Northanger Abbey and Persuasion). Jane Austin was living in Bath for 5 years (1801–1806). During this period her father died and Austen’s family lost not only the family fortune but also their social standing. Nowadays, there are still a lot of places in Bath (e.g. in Jane Austen Centre) dedicated to one of the most famous female authors of all time.

 

Bath Abbey towers over the historic Roman Baths complex in Bath, England.

The Abbey – View from the Roman Bath

 

The Roman Baths and Bath Abbey under blue skies in Bath, England.

Inside the Roman Bath

 

Do you know?
Bath was also the city that inspired Mary Shelley to finish her great work, Frankenstein.

 

Visitors at a historic site in Bath, England, with stone walls and carvings.

Inside the Roman Bath

 

Gothic architecture of Bath Abbey with blue sky in Bath, England.

The Abbey

 

The most famous place for all visitors of Bath is the Roman Baths complex which includes the remains of the Temple of Aquae Sulis, the Roman Baths, the Sacred Spring, and the museum of Roman artefacts. The Roman Baths complex has UNESCO World Heritage status and is one of the finest historic sites in Northern Europe.

 

Boat cruising down the River Avon in scenic Bath, England, with lush green trees lining the banks.

Avon River, Pulteney Bridge

 

The Roman Baths are a huge part of Bath’s history and nowadays one of the most impressive Roman remains in the world! Since then, the hot thermal water of Bath is highly rich in health-giving Minerals. The most fundamental part of the Roman Baths is the Sacred Spring which produces 1.170.000 litres of 46°C hot thermal water every single day! The main reason for that is the fact that Bath sits in the mouth of a dormant volcano.

 

Scenic view of Bath, England, with lush greenery, a river, and historic buildings.

River Avon

 

Historic Pulteney Bridge over River Avon with a boat in Bath, England's lush landscape.

Pulteney Bridge

 

Do you know?
The Pulteney Bridge in Bath (see the image above) is one of just four inhabited bridges in the World that have shops on both sides of its span? The other remaining bridges are Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Erfurt’s Krämerbrücke and Rialto Bridge in Venice (learn more here).

Enjoy the day!



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