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Attractions
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In Roman times, Bath was known as AQUAE SULIS and
was famous for it's natural hot spring. The
ROMAN BATHS AND TEMPLE to the goddess SULIS MINERVA,
in the centre of the City, are still an essential
place to visit as they were for the Romans between
the 1st and 4th centuries. Remarkably preserved the
spring rises at 46ºC [116°F] and the Great Bath is
still fed by a Roman lead conduit and is much as it
was many centuries ago. The main spring produces
over 250,000 gallons of bubbling water each day. |
The
adjoining PUMP ROOM, designed by Thomas Baldwin, is also
worth a visit particularly for that English tradition
"Afternoon Tea". The regular haunt of such Regency
dandies as Beau Brummel the Rooms are reminder of the
Georgian splendour of this fine City. Originally built in
1709 to enable visitors to sample the mineral water [still
available today] it was demolished and replaced by the
present building in 1796.
Bath enjoyed a
renaissance in the Georgian era due to it's well deserved popularity as
a health spa with the fashionable "set" of the day. The townhouses
crescents and squares constructed during that time in the distinctive
yellow/brown stone are a reminder of the popularity that Bath enjoyed
centuries ago. Of particular interest is the ROYAL CRESCENT, completed
in 1767 which is said to be one of the finest examples of Georgian
architecture in the United Kingdom. Consisting of 30 houses it was home
to the wealthy residents and visitors to Bath.
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NO
1 ROYAL CRESCENT, first leased to a Thomas Brock in
1769, has been restored to it's former Georgian
glory and is worth a visit. Unfortunately the
furniture and works of art are not for sale!!.
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PULTENEY BRIDGE, built by
Robert Adam in 1771 in the Florentine style is the only bridge in the
United Kingdom with shops on both side and represents a delightful
shopping experience. Regular boat trips run from near the bridge
offering a different perspective on the delights of Bath.
Other places to visit
include the AMERICAN MUSEUM IN BRITAIN at Claverton Manor. This is the
only museum in Europe devoted to American furniture, decorative arts and
quilts from the late 17th to the end of the 19th Centuries. The grounds
include a replica of George Washington's garden at Vermont, an arboretum
and various other features of early American life. Also worth a visit is
the JANE AUSTEN CENTRE celebrating the life and times of this famous
writer who spent part of her life in Bath and who wrote many of her
works here. Indeed Bath has a number of museums for the visitor.
Bath has a number of
magnificent public parks in or close to the centre including PARADE
GARDENS, ROYAL VICTORIA PARK, PRIOR PARK LANDSCAPE GARDEN and the
beautiful BOTANICAL GARDENS and enchanting GEORGIAN GARDEN.
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During your Tour you may have the opportunity to
explore the surrounding countryside. A particular
favourite of ours is STOURHEAD HOUSE AND GARDEN , a
fine Palladian mansion set in one of England's
finest 18th Century landscape gardens. |
Also worth
a look is DYRHAM PARK a magnificent William and Mary house
set in 265 acres of ancient deer park.
If we have
time we recommend a trip to WELLS, the smallest city in
England to explore the gothic cathedral and 13th Century
Bishops palace.
Antiques and
Collectables
Bath has numerous reputable Antique
shops offering a wide range of quality antiques and collectables for
sale. The Bath and Bradford on Avon Antique Dealers Association has more
than 70 members in Bath and the surrounding towns of Somerset and
Wiltshire providing plenty of choice for everyone. The Barlett Street
Antiques Centre in Bath has over 60 dealers and is worth a visit.
Bonhams, the major international art and
antique auctioneers have a saleroom in the City and there are a number
of other auctioneers in the area with regular antique and fine art sales
including Lawrences at Crewkerne Our guests normally have the
opportunity to visit at least one auction during the tour.
Nearby Shepton Mallet hosts the West
Countries premier antique and collectables fair with about 600 regular
exhibitors. The 1940 date lined fair advertises high quality furniture,
jewellery, glassware, silver, textiles, objets d'art and many other
items.
To make a
Reservation Click Here
Back to our Heart of
England Tour
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