Bath (UK) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Bath with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Bath (UK)

Bath is a city in the southwest of Great Britain, the capital of the county of Somerset. Known for its natural thermal waters and unique historical heritage (ancient baths and medieval Gothic abbey). Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the whole of Great Britain, boasting an ancient history, magnificent ancient and medieval sites, and wonderful Georgian architecture. The historic center's approximately 500 houses are of significant historical and architectural significance, and Bath itself is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Geography and climate

Bath is located on the rolling plains of the Avon Valley in southwestern England. The city is located in the picturesque Somerset countryside, 168 km from London. Bath has a temperate maritime climate characterized by cool summers and mild winters. In cold weather, southwestern winds predominate. The greatest amount of precipitation occurs from October to January.

Practical information

1. Population - more than 88 thousand people.
2. Area - 29 km 2.
3. English language.
4. Currency - pound sterling.
5. Time - UTC 0, UTC +1.
6. The UK is not a party to the Schengen agreement. A visa can be obtained by visiting accredited visa centers in person, which are located in Moscow, Novosibirsk, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don and Yekaterinburg.
7. The nearest international airport is located in Bristol and has regular flights from many major European cities including Amsterdam, Barcelona, ​​Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Paris and Prague. The huge Heathrow is two hours away.
8. Bath is easily accessible by train from London, Bristol, Cardiff and other major cities.
9. Bath is famous for its coffee, pastries and cheese.

Story

Bath was founded in 60 BC, when the Romans built baths and a temple in this place. Already in the Roman period, the city had the glory of a balneological resort and was called Aquae Sulis. In the 6th century, the settlement was captured by the West Saxons. In the 7th century, an abbey was founded in Bath, making it an important religious centre. In the 12th - 16th centuries the monastery was significantly rebuilt and expanded.

Bath's glory as a resort returned in the 16th century. During this period, the settlement received the status of a royal city. The discovery of thermal springs began to attract the aristocracy. Bath began to grow and build quickly. Wonderful mansions and buildings in the style of Georgian architecture were erected here. In the second half of the 18th century, the ruins of Roman baths were discovered in Bath. By the 19th century the town had developed into one of Britain's premier holiday resorts.

Attractions

Bath's historic center has classical Georgian architecture. Here you can see several hundred remarkable monumental buildings built from golden stone between the 18th and 19th centuries.

The best examples of Georgian architecture can be seen in the north-western part of the city. One of Bath's most interesting buildings is the Royal Crescent, a monumental semi-circular row of residential townhouses that appear as one unit.

The Roman baths date back to the 1st century BC and were built around the largest of the three hot springs. The Baths are some of the best examples of Roman architecture preserved in England.

The Abbey is one of the oldest Christian religious buildings in England, founded in the 7th century. Its most significant building is the magnificent cathedral from the late Middle Ages, which is a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture.

Pulteney Bridge is a magnificent arch bridge that is one of the symbols of Bath. This structure was built in 1774 and is the starting point for river excursions.

Sally Lunn's House is a museum and historic restaurant located in an ancient medieval house from the late 15th century. The restaurant is famous for its pastries, which are prepared according to a traditional secret recipe. The museum contains a fascinating exhibition depicting medieval Bath.

The Theater Royal is one of Bath's finest examples of Georgian architecture, built in 1805.

Prior Park is a landscaped garden that is considered one of the most picturesque places in Somerset. Located 3 km southeast of Bath and contains picturesque bridges, mansions, a Gothic temple and a lake.

Despite the fact that Bath is located just 12 miles from Bristol, it feels very different from its 'big' neighbour. The city is arranged more harmoniously and compactly. There is a friendlier atmosphere here: everything is at your service. The famous writer Jane Austen chose this glorious town as the setting for one of her novels. Here the famous artist Gainsborough established himself as an excellent portrait and landscape painter.

Elegant rows of houses arranged in a crescent shape, cozy old streets with elegant Georgian houses - all these charming buildings are literally dotted and replete with numerous memorial plaques in honor of their famous countrymen, dating back to the times of the city's greatest prosperity, when it was the most prestigious resort. Today, Bath continues to rank in the top ten most visited by tourists, and its famous Roman Baths are still the most visited paid attraction outside London. The city has managed to preserve that amazing atmosphere that is associated with great names.

Bath (translated as “bath”) owes its name to the hot springs - the only ones in the entire country, which were a place of special veneration on the part of the local Celtic tribes who once lived here, but only with the arrival of the Romans, who owned unique bathing technologies, they managed to turn the hot springs into luxurious and grandiose bath structures. The baths fell into disrepair with the departure of the Romans from Britain. However, the city managed to regain its former importance under the Saxons.

In the local abbey in 973, the coronation ceremony of the first king of all English lands, Edgar, took place. The new bath complex was built in the 16th century, the growth of which was facilitated by the visit of Queen Elizabeth I in 1574, the city itself reached the peak of prosperity and glory in the 18th century, at a time when the entire social life of the city was led by the legendary Nash, nicknamed Dandy. It was during that period that beautiful buildings and palaces were erected in the city, built in the ancient Greek and Roman pompous style from local Bath stone, which continues to be the main building material for finishing buildings in the city.

Islands of greenery between streets lined with ancient Georgian buildings give the modern city a sense of spaciousness, but this picture is greatly spoiled by the huge mass of vehicles that literally flood and spread through the central streets, depriving the city and its visitors of a pleasant feeling of open space. Drivers coming to the city by car are advised to use parking lots located around the city perimeter (Park-and-Ride) and enter the city by public transport. If you're coming from Bristol, you can ride on two wheels along a dedicated cycle route along the former railway line and along the banks of the River Avon.

You can also enjoy the rolling hills on short excursions to Claverton. Here, in a cozy building of a former estate, there is a museum of America, Dyrham Park, with its wonderful views of the surrounding area and perfectly preserved objects from the time of its construction. You can also visit the ancient village of Frome, which has not been touched by time and in which everything has been preserved in its original form.

Arrival and accommodation in Bath

The railway station and bus station are located on Manvers Street near the city centre. The tourist office is located just behind the abbey building in the courtyard (May-September Monday-Saturday 9.30-18.00, Sunday 10.00-16.00; October-May Monday-Saturday 9.30-17.00, Sunday 10.00-16.00). Here you will be offered a detailed list of hotels and boarding houses where you can stay.

The choice is very large. However, all available places fill up quickly, and the hotels themselves are small, so advance notice is highly recommended. You should be aware that most establishments have a minimum stay of two nights, which applies to weekends during the peak tourist season.

• Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts in Bath

1). Hotel Beimont– Huge rooms, although some have their own shower rooms. Housed in a building designed by John Wood, in close proximity to the so-called Assembly Rooms. Credit cards are not accepted. Location: 7 Belmont, Lansdown Road;

2). Hotel Cransleigh– About a mile west of the city center, housed in a Victorian building, some of the rooms have excellent views. There are rooms with four-poster beds, and you will be offered 7 breakfast options. You can get there by buses No. 17, No. 319 and No. 332 (No. 632 on Sundays). No smoking. Location: 159 Newbridge Hill;

3). Henry Guest House– An excellent choice for a family budget, located just around the corner from the abbey. Large rooms (no connecting rooms), hospitable hosts, however availability of rooms is always limited due to the central location. Credit cards are not accepted. Location: 6 Henry Street;

4). Hoily Villa Guesthouse– A neat and welcoming guesthouse, located near the Kennet and Avon Canal, with an elegant, flower-filled garden in front of the building. There are rooms with shared bathrooms and all amenities, including a three-room suite. Smoking is not allowed and credit cards are not accepted. Closes for 2 weeks in March and November. Location: 14 Pulteney Gardens;

5). Pension Koryu– Means “sunshine” in Japanese. This is the native language of the owner of the establishment, she will offer you brightly colored, clean, but small rooms. Shoes must be removed at the entrance. No smoking. Credit cards are not accepted. Location: 7 Pulteney Gardens;

6). Paradise House Guesthouse– The beautiful views that open up from there should brighten up your 10-minute climb to the top of the hill where this lovely Georgian villa is located. The lush and luxurious garden features a cricket pitch. An open fireplace lit in winter. All these are additional advantages of this establishment. No smoking. Location: 88 Holloway;

7). Tasburgh House Guesthouse“This country Victorian mansion, a mile east of the city centre, is a luxurious establishment and the views and location are simply wonderful. The grounds span 7 acres of gardens and meadows with access to the Kennet and Avon Canal. Here they prepare dishes that satisfy the most sophisticated gastronomic tastes, and picnics are organized. Location: Warminster Road.

• Hostels and campsites in Bath

1). Bath Backpackers Hostel– Australian owned and operated in the heart of the city. Admission is free around the clock, without restrictions. There is a kitchen with everything you need, a bar, a billiard room, and Internet access. No breakfasts. Bed price: £12, double rooms with bath. Location: 13 Pierrepoint Street;

2). Bath YHA Hostel– Italian-style stone mansion located a mile from the city center with gardens and panoramic views. Price for a dormitory bed is £11.50 and a double room with evening refreshments. Take bus number 18 or number 418 from the station. Location: Bathwick Hill;

3). Newton Mill Touring Center Camping– You can get to the campsite by bus number 5 to the Newton Mill stop. There is a laundry service, a restaurant (closed on weekdays in winter) and a shop. The price includes use of a hot shower. The Bath cycle route is nearby. Location: The closest campsite is located 3 miles west of the city center on Newton Street Loe;

4). White Hart Hostel– The most comfortable hostel in Bath. There is a kitchen, café and sun-filled courtyard. The bedrooms are mainly designed for 4 people (cost per bed - £12.50), there are rooms for two and rooms with two adjacent rooms. Location: Widcombe Hill;

5). YMCA Hostel– Central location, spacious premises and very reasonable prices. Excellent choice: the cost of a bed in a dormitory is £10-12, £20-24 for a single room, £32 for a connecting two-room room. Discounts are offered for weekly stays, and all prices include breakfast (but no kitchen). Location: International House, Broad Street.

Bath sights

While it's possible to explore the city on a day trip from Bristol, Bath deserves at least a two-day stay, especially if you want to explore the area around the city. There are many museums in Bath, but the greatest pleasure will come from wandering the streets of the city, where everywhere you will come across wonderful buildings, built from local golden-pale stone of magnificent architecture, and open spaces. If you're short on time, consider taking a walking tour of the city or taking a roofless tourist bus.

• Baths and Bath Abbey

The main place to start exploring the city is considered to be the pedestrian zone on the square in front of the abbey, which is actually two intersecting squares that are always very crowded: street musicians, tourists, sellers of various souvenirs. There are also two main attractions here: the abbey and the baths (Roman Baths). Although the cost of tickets to visit the Roman Baths is quite high (daily March-June, September and October 9.00-18.00; July-August 9.00-22.00; November-February 9.30-17.30, £7.50, ticket to view the baths with a visit to the Costume Museum ( Museum of Costume) It's worth staying here for 2-3 hours to see the well-thought-out and informative exhibition.

Everywhere there are special telephone handsets, by picking up which you will receive detailed information about the object being inspected. This also allows visitors to explore the abbey and bath complex at their own pace. The source of hot water still comes out of the ground, and the water temperature remains unchanged and is 46.5 degrees. The highlight of the tour of the bath complex is considered to be the open (originally covered) Great Bath - the water entering here releases a huge amount of steam, and around the pool there are columns, terraces and statues of famous Romans erected in the 19th century. Next is the Circular Bath with a pool where cold water flows. After taking hot baths, noble Romans who rested here cooled down here.

Next, you should explore another attraction, the so-called Norman King’s Bath, and the preserved part of the Temple of Minerva. Among the various coins, jewelry and sculptures exhibited here, mention should be made of a cast bronze and gilded sculpture in the form of the head of Minerva, especially revered by the Romans, and a statue in the form of a huge head of the Gorgon. The sculpture owes its creation to all sorts of Celtic legends and traditions, which inspired its author. At one time it was located in the pediment of the temple. Models of the buildings and structures that were part of the Bath complex give the most complete idea of ​​the scale of the complex itself and the degree of awe that crept into the soul of each of its visitors.

The inscriptions that have miraculously survived from those times, mostly curses or boasts, give you the opportunity to form your own opinion and attitude towards this ancient center of pleasure and entertainment. You can calmly take another look at these baths while in one of the neighboring pump rooms (Pump Room), which at one time was the center of social life of the resort society. These premises still breathe from that era and house a magnificent tea room and restaurant. Although on the site where the abbey stands today, a church was built back in the 7th century (daily 9.00-18.00; in winter until 16.00; donation amount - £ 2.50), the current appearance of Bath Abbey was formed only at the end of the 15th century century, when Bishop Oliver King ordered work to begin on the ruins of the former Norman temple, part of which was organically used in the construction of the new church.

It is said that the bishop was inspired to build the temple by a vision of angels descending and ascending the stairs to heaven. This image was captured in the current facade with its turrets surrounding the central window of the temple on both sides and looking like the steps of that staircase. On the front side of the western part of the church there is the so-called “signature of the founder” in the form of elaborate stone carvings in the shape of olive trees, above which rise crowns. So, in his time, the stone carver cleverly played on the name and surname of the bishop of the founder of the temple (in translation, the name Oliver means “giver of olives,” and the surname King translates as “king”).

Much of the building has undergone restoration after the destruction that took place under King Henry VIII. His daughter Queen Elizabeth played a decisive role in the restoration of the temple. The interior of the building is made in a restrained perpendicular style; the stunningly beautiful vaulted ceilings of the temple can be a source of pride; work was carried out here until the 19th century. Various tombstones and monuments cover the floors and walls, and traces of the grandiose building from the era of the Norman conquerors are clearly visible in the Norman chapel.

• Circus Square and Royal Crescent in Bath

These days, everyone who comes to the city can wash and steam in the new bath complex called Thermae Bath Spa, which has turned into another city attraction. This modern health complex is a real work of art. It is located at the bottom of Bath Street, lined with elegant colonnades. From the courtyard of the abbey church, this street goes in a western direction (daily 7.00-22.00). The complex also operates on thermal waters, which are used in the municipal economy for space heating, and will offer a variety of services from massages to a dry steam pool in three different facilities of the complex. The Hot Bath with pool was designed by John Wood Jr. and also houses treatment rooms. The Cross Bath was built on the site where the Celts worshiped.

There is an outdoor cross-shaped swimming pool with thermal waters. At the center of the complex is the New Royal Bath, designed by Nicholas Grimshaw, which is a huge futuristic glass cube with a glossy tint with steam rooms and a rooftop pool, offering magnificent views of the city. No membership card is required to visit the bath complex, and you can freely buy tickets to visit the Cross Bath with swimming pool (£10 for 1.5 hours) and the New Royal Bath (£17 for 2 hours, £23 for 4 hours and £35 for the full day), and you can also buy tickets to attend various procedures and take advantage of other wellness services. Towels, terry capes and slippers can be rented; you must bring a swimsuit. The complex also has a visitor information center where you can get various information regarding the thermal waters and even taste the water from a small fountain.

The Theater Royal towers over the north end of Hot Bath Street, Westgate Street and Sawclose Street. It was opened to the public in 1805 and continues to be one of the most remarkable of all the surviving Georgian theater buildings in the country. Next door to the theater building is the house in which Richard Nash spent the last years of his life. Above the theater building, just to the side of Barton Street, is Queen Square, the first creation of the architect John Wood, who, together with his son, was involved in the design and construction of all buildings and structures outside the medieval part of the city , built by them in a neoclassical style based on ancient Greek and Roman monumental architecture, revived during the Renaissance in. Wood himself lived in house number 24. From there he had a wide panorama of the neoclassical façade of the northern terrace.

North of the square at 40 Gay Street is the Jane Austen Center (Monday-Saturday 10am-5.30pm, Sunday 10.30am-5.30pm, £4.45). A visit to it will help you tie together all the threads of her life and work. Of course, this will also allow you to get a general idea of ​​the place and role of the city in her life. The entire exhibition is decorated with various excerpts from her publications; various items of her toilet, furniture and household utensils are exhibited. However, it should be noted that many of the displays and stands have a superficial relationship to her life and work, so even fanatical fans of her talent may be somewhat disappointed. As for the writer herself, who was not truly in love with the city, she lived just down the street at number 25. During her visits to the city, she also stayed in other places.

West of Queen Square at No. 19 New King Street, there is another typical town house in which Sir William Herschel, a musician and astronomer, together with his sister Caroline, discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. You can quickly explore the small Herschel Museum, open here (mid-February - November Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 14.00-17.00; Saturday and Sunday 11.00-17.00). It features a small exhibition that includes household items, musical instruments, a replica of the telescope with which the planet was discovered, and much more. On the ground floor there is a small hall with a ceiling in the shape of a starry sky, where a short documentary film dedicated to the life and brilliant career of the brother and sister is shown.

If you walk up Gay Street from Queen Square, you will come to The Circus - another John Wood masterpiece, around which there are three three-story buildings in the shape of a crescent, with a frieze carved from stone, or as it is called called a curb that runs around the entire complex of buildings. John Wood Sr. died shortly after laying the foundation stone for the facility. The work was completed by his son. The famous artist Thomas Gainsborough lived at number 17 from 1760 to 1774. The complex of buildings around Circus Square is connected by Brock Street to the elegant crescent-shaped Royal Crescent, the most beautiful of the city's streets built in this architectural style. Its design was developed by John Wood Jr. in 1767. A majestic arcade of 30 buildings, which is favorably set off by a spacious lawn laid out on the hillside. It offers a stunning panorama of green hills and golden stripes of stone buildings looming in the distance.

The interior of No. 1, on the corner of Brock Street, has been completely restored to reflect as closely as possible its original Georgian decoration, which existed here in the late 18th century (mid-February - October Tuesday-Sunday 10.30 -17.00; November Tuesday-Sunday 10.30-16.00; entry closed half an hour before closing, £4). All Laura Ashley furnishings, drapery and wallpaper are either original or exact replicas. The employees of the small museum will tell you a lot of interesting things about each hall and room. From the bottom of the street, Royal Avenue begins, along which you can get to Royal Victoria Park, the largest green area in the city, which houses bird aviaries and botanical gardens.

• Assembly Rooms, Paragon and Milsom Street in Bath

The creation of the architect John Wood Jr., the building of the Noble Assembly with the Assembly Rooms and receptions, along with pump rooms, was the center of all social life in Bath. The building itself is located west of Circus Square on Bennett Street. A fire in 1942 completely destroyed it, but it has now been completely restored and houses the Museum of Costume (daily 10.00-17.00, £4.20 or £9.50 with visit to the ancient Roman bath complex). It presents a variety of clothing from the Stuart dynasty to the present day, including the latest designs by Japanese fashion designers.

From the building of the Noble Assembly there is Alfred Street, along which you will get to a place known as Paragon. Here, from a raised walkway, you can enter the Countess of Huntingdon's Georgian-Gothic chapel building. It houses the City Museum (mid-February-November Tuesday-Saturday 10.30-17.00, £4) with excellent exhibitions detailing construction and architecture, both focusing on specific details such as the style of making doors, windows, interior decorations and other interior details that you can see with your own eyes during your walks around the city.

Here you will have the opportunity to directly familiarize yourself with the general plan of the city using a model made on a scale of 1: 500. At the bottom of the Paragon, just to the side of George Street, runs Milsom Street - in present day the city's main shopping street, designed by John Wood Sr. as Bath's main pedestrian and transport thoroughfare in the Georgian era.

• River and Great Pulteney Street in Bath

The eastern part of the abbey, called the Grand Parade, overlooks the beautifully designed symmetrical State Gardens and the River Avon. At the top of Grand Parade is the Victoria Art Gallery (Tuesday-Friday 10am-5.30pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, free entry), with spacious exhibition spaces on the second floor where you can view works by local artists, including brushwork Gainsborough. As for the numerous portraits on display, you will be able to see with your own eyes the portrait of the famous Richard Nash, a trendsetter in fashion and etiquette; The rooms located on the ground floor are used for holding all kinds of temporary exhibitions.

The river brings added charm and charm to the cityscape, at this point it is abruptly interrupted by an elegant V-shaped dam, which is located just below Pulteney Bridge. There are various shops lined up on the bridge. It was designed in the 18th century by Scottish architect Robert Adam in the Italian style. It was planned to connect the city center with Great Pulteney Street, which was very wide and charming and would form the core of a large residential area on the west bank of the river. However, the construction work has encountered financial difficulties, so all the small side streets leading from it end abruptly after just a few yards.

It offers excellent views of the towering classical facade of the Holburne Museum, which is located at the end of the street (February - mid-December Tuesday-Saturday 10.00-17.00, Sunday 14.30-17.30). This three-storey building houses an impressive collection of various decorative ornaments and fine arts: furniture and furnishings, silverware and silverware, porcelain and paintings, including works by the famous artist Stubbs and the famous portrait of the Byham family by Gainsborough - the largest portrait ever produced. -under his hands. Behind the Holburne Museum, Sydney Gardens is a pleasant place where you can relax and get some fresh air.

At a time when the Holburne Museum was a perennially overcrowded first-class hotel, the gardens were used for various concerts and fireworks displays, which Jane Austen witnessed. Her family lived in 1801 at No. 4 Sydney Place, which is just opposite, so she often came here. In those days, tables were often set for hotel guests right in the gardens; breakfast, lunch and dinner were served here, and various entertainments were also held here. This is how the famous writer recalls this time in one of her letters: “Public breakfasts are held in Sydney Gardens every morning, so we are not in danger of dying from hunger.” Today the slopes are crossed by a railway line and the Kennet and Avon Canal. From here you can take a relaxing walk along the canal and after 1.5 miles you will arrive at the George Pub.

If you want to explore the river, the best way to do this is to rent a skiff, punt, or canoe. All this can be obtained from the Victorian Bath boat station, which is located at the end of Forester Road just behind the Holburne Museum (April-September £5 per person per hour). It is very easy to take a ride on the pleasure boats; you buy tickets from the ticket offices located at Pulteney Bridge and the dam. The dam itself is located next to the above-mentioned bridge. Canal boat tours operate from Sydney Marina, which is located near Bathwick Bridge. There is a wonderful walking path that runs along the canal for 2 miles, the canal itself goes east and goes to Reading.

Food and drink in Bath

The English city of Bath is famous for its excellent and refined cuisine, even though many restaurants in the city use absolutely immoderately, and sometimes simply overdo it, with elements of antique furnishings in their interiors. In the more modest end of the price scale there are also several decent and inexpensive establishments where you can eat well and tasty. In the city center there is a huge variety of coffee shops, eateries and pubs where you can also have lunch.

• Bath Restaurants

1). Bistro Bathtub– Located just around the corner from Argyle Street next to Pulteney Bridge. From the outside, this cozy place seems small, although in fact there are three rooms located on three levels. The menu is international and includes beef burgers and all sorts of newfangled vegetarian options. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Prices are inexpensive or moderate for all dishes. Location: 2 Grove Street;

2). Restaurant Retro– This is a calm establishment not far from the abbey, it’s nice to sit here during the day and drink a nice cup of cappuccino, and in the evening try delicious dishes from the international menu. And all this to the pleasant sounds of the piano. The restaurant has a takeaway department located next door to the restaurant entrance. There you can order and take away any dish from the menu. Prices are moderate. Location: 18 York Street;

3). Restaurant Demuths– The most favorite place for vegetarians and healthy food supporters. You will be offered here original and very tasty dishes, as well as environmentally friendly varieties of beer, wine and coffee, grown without the use of pesticides and other chemicals and produced without the use of artificial food additives. The interior is bright and modern. Smoking is prohibited inside the restaurant. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays it is recommended to reserve a table in advance. Prices range from moderate to quite high. Location: 2 North Parade Passage;

4). Eastern Eye Restaurant- Situated just off Milsom Street in an elegant old building, the design of which has been brought to practical perfection by the architect. At one time there was a bank here. The highlight of the building is its magnificent domed ceilings. The food served is also excellent. Service is fast. Prices are moderate. Location: 8 Quiet Street;

5). Firehouse Rotisserie Restaurant– Delicious dishes, large portions. Famous for its pizzas and grilled meat dishes. Always quite crowded. The interior is very attractive - all the walls of the establishment are decorated with wooden panels in soft tones. The tables are located on two floors. Pre-order is recommended. Closed on Sundays. Prices are very reasonable. Location: 2 John Street;

6). Bistro No. 5– The atmosphere is very cozy: candles on the tables, French posters on the walls. The establishment is located next to Pulteney Bridge. On Mondays and Tuesdays, you are allowed to bring your own alcoholic drinks (according to the laws of Australia and New Zealand, if the catering establishment does not have a license to sell alcohol or the license applies to certain days of the week, then visitors have the right to bring their own drinks). On Wednesday evenings, the so-called “fish day”, only fish dishes are prepared. The desserts prepared here on any day are simply amazing. No smoking. Prices are high. Location: 5 Argyle Street;

7). Pimpernel's Restaurant– You will be offered here dishes of English classic cuisine, wonderfully prepared using ingredients from Mediterranean cuisine. Thanks to this, the establishment is considered the best restaurant in the city. The restaurant's interior is simply luxurious. There is an excellent set menu consisting of meat and vegetarian dishes. No smoking. The prices are very high. Location: Royal Crescent Hotel, 16 Royal Crescent;

8). Popjoy's Restaurant– Although this restaurant is aimed mainly at tourists and visitors, it is considered a luxurious and sophisticated establishment. Located in the very center of the city next to the Royal Theater and housed in a house that once belonged to Richard Nash himself (named after his mistress). The cuisine is modern British with elements borrowed from more famous European cuisines and stunning desserts. There is a special pre-theater menu designed for people going to the theater for a performance. Closed on Sundays. Expensive. Location: Sawclose;

9). Restaurant Pump Room– If you don’t want to have a huge portion of fried eggs for brunch, you can enjoy a raisin muffin for your first breakfast in the morning. At lunch you will be offered a stunning selection of teas prepared using selected creams, and for lunch there is a wonderful menu of hot dishes. Meals take place in a pleasant atmosphere to the accompaniment of a pianist or classical trio. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the ancient Roman baths, and you can taste the local mineral water. Open during the day only, and also in the evenings during Bath Festival, August and the Christmas holidays. Prices are moderate. Location: Abbey Church Yard;

10). Tilley's Bistro– The atmosphere in this small French restaurant is informal. Small and inexpensive tasting portions. After taking a “sample” of the dishes, you can order those that suit your taste. A good and inexpensive set menu for lunch, as well as a wonderful separate menu for vegetarians and adherents of a healthy lifestyle. Closed on Sundays. Prices are moderate. Location: 3 North Parade Passage;

11). Walrus and Carpenter Restaurant– A popular place near the Royal Theatre. They serve wonderful steaks, hamburgers and poultry dishes here. A full vegetarian menu is also at your service. You can taste all this in small booths. Prices are very reasonable. Location: 28 Barton Street.

• Pubs and cafes in Bath

1). Pub The Bath Thar– This establishment is intended for people of non-traditional orientation, although the interior is designed quite traditionally, without any special emphasis or standing out from the crowd, as is often customary. It's quite lively here, but not noisy. The situation is not stressful. Among the visitors there are many ordinary couples who come here for the night cabaret and club parties that end well after midnight. Location: 19-20 Saint James's Parade.;

2). Pub The Bel– An excellent pub with a lively and pleasant atmosphere. Garden serving a variety of beers, live music three times a week (Monday and Wednesday evenings, Sunday afternoons). Billiards available. Location: 103 Walcot Street;

3). Establishment Coeur de Lion– This tavern is located in the very center of the city on a shopping street paved with stone slabs. This is the smallest drinking establishment in Bath, where tourists love to sit. You will have to wait in a long line to order the very decent dishes they prepare for lunch. There are also a few tables outside. Location Northumberland Place, off High Street:;

4). Doolally's Cafe– A nice and friendly place where you can have lunch after a cup of coffee or lunch elsewhere. A full lunch, tea with various spices, and mocha coffee are the hallmark of this cafe. From Thursday to Saturday evenings there are performances by various musicians and bands, so on these days it is very crowded. Location: 51 Walcot Street;

5). The George Pub– Popular canalside pub, located 20 minutes walk from the city center. The quality of the food is good. Location: Mill Lane, Bathampton;

6). Bar Na-Na and Canteen– Drinks, snacks and full hot and cold meals in this modern establishment with a cozy dining room. You can also ask for a table on the terrace. Excellent place that serves wonderful breakfasts. Location: Beehive Yard, Walcot Street;

7). Hat and Feather establishment– A diner-type establishment for locals. There is a foosball table and a billiards table. Various musical groups constantly perform here, and the rest of the time there are DJs. The evenings are full of visitors. During the day it is quiet and not crowded. Location: 14 London Street, at the end of Walcot Street;

8). Pub Jazz– They offer very hearty breakfasts and other snacks. During the day and in the evenings there is an excellent choice of first-class dishes. The latest press is always available. There are also tables outside. Open Monday-Saturday from 8.00 to 21.00, Sunday from 10.30 to 16.00. Location: 1 Kingsmead Square;

9). Old Green Tree Pub– The interior is made of wood panels, low ceilings, like in old establishments. Here you will be offered real ales (a type of light beer), this is a real paradise for beer connoisseurs, a very popular place. It is from here that the tour of all the local pubs begins (the event starts at 20.00 Monday-Wednesday and Sunday). Location: Green Street;

10). The Porter Pub– They serve excellent beer and a variety of vegetarian snacks and dishes. The setting is reminiscent of a family bomb shelter at the height of the Cold War. There are also tables outside. The basement bar has a pool table and foosball table, and features live music in the evenings (Monday-Thursday) and DJs on Friday and Saturday. On Sundays there are performances by comedy artists. Location: Miles Buildings, George Street;

11). The Salamander Pub– The setting and relaxed atmosphere of a real pub, serving excellent ales and good food. The walls are covered with wooden panels. Cold and hot dishes are served in the bar or you can go up to the restaurant on the second floor. You can only eat thoroughly from Tuesday to Saturday. There is a special non-smoking area inside the pub. Location: 3 John Street.

Nightlife and entertainment in Bath

The best and most advanced club in the city center is considered to be Moles on George Street - an establishment where live music is played during half the week, and DJs perform their entertainment and dance programs on the remaining days. Other establishments: the Babylon club on Kingston Road is considered a popular youth establishment, where crowds of teenagers, mostly students, gather in its spacious premises. Under the Pulteney Bridge is Fez Club in the town of Paragon, stylized as a Moroccan establishment. They play funk, trance and old-school music here; club Po Na Na on North Parade, also decorated in Arabic style a la Morocco. The visitors are student youth.

The city's best gay venue is the Bath Tar Bar on St James's Parade (open Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 2am). It is located on three floors, including the so-called recreation area. If you'd like to hear a variety of performers perform live, we recommend heading to the Moles Club or the wine bar next door to the Moles Club called the Porter, or visiting the Porter Butt Pub on the Road. Roots, punk and ska bands perform here.

Theatergoers and ballet lovers may want to know what's on at the Theater Royal on Sawclose. On the stage of the theater there are mainly experimental productions of the famous Ustinov studio. If you find yourself in Bath early in the summer, be sure to check the dates for the Bath International Music Festival. It features outstanding performers of classical music, jazz, folk music and blues. Also, as part of the official festival program, many other interesting events are held: plus fireworks, literary evenings, various exhibitions and fairs where you can purchase works of art and crafts.

All information regarding concerts held in the city, tours of famous musical groups and other events can be gleaned from a local magazine called Venue (£1.20). Similar information can be obtained from a brochure called This Month in Bath, which is available free of charge through the tourist office.

• Bath festivals

Throughout the year, the city hosts all kinds of spoken word festivals, performances by rock and jazz bands, and other events that take place in a simply luxurious environment. If you come to the city during one of these events, you will immediately notice that the leisurely and measured rhythm of life in the city will speed up a little, and the city itself will liven up a little. However, you should take into account that during such periods certain problems arise with accommodation in the city. It is recommended to book hotel rooms in advance.

The best festivals include the following events: Bath International Music Festival, held from mid-May to June. These are mainly performances by jazz groups and performers, classical music, blues and folk music performed by various foreign groups; Bath Fringe Festival - arts festival: various theater and musical groups perform, literary readings are held; finally the Bath Literary Festival itself, held over 10 days in February-March. The city also hosts an international guitar music festival in July-August, a Jane Austen festival at the end of September, and finally a film festival in October.

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Baht

Founded by the Romans in the 1st century as "Aquae Sulis", the city Baht named after the thermal mineral springs seeping through the limestone from a depth of 4800 meters. On the site of the Roman bath complex today there is a world-class museum peering into the life of the city 2,000 years ago. Bath showed its full potential under the Gregorian Society, when it became fashionable to “take baths.” Around the same time, such ceremonial architectural ensembles of the city as the Royal Crescent and the Circus, built from Bath's signature stone, were formed. Mined throughout the city, this oolitic limestone is integral to Bath's character and has a rich honey-gold tone.

How to get there

Bristol International Airport is located 20 miles from Bath and has regular flights from many major European cities. From the airport you can get to Bath by public transport, by bus to Bristol Temple Meads station and from there by train. The trip will take approximately one hour. There is also a bus service between Bristol Airport and Bath city centre.

Southampton Airport is less than 2 hours from Bath by train. Cardiff Airport, Exeter Airport and Bournemouth Airport are also served by budget airlines and are within a few hours' drive of the city. Heathrow Airport is approximately two hours away via the M4 (westbound). There is also an express bus service from Bath airport and train station.

Gatwick Airport is approximately three hours away via the M23 (northbound), M25 (clockwise) and M4 (westbound). Bath Spa train station is located in the city centre. Intercity and regional trains operate regularly from Bristol, Reading, Cardiff, Salisbury, Southampton, Weymouth and Swindon. Bath bus station is close to the railway station.

Bath attractions guide

The Roman bath complex was rebuilt many times over the centuries, and now you can visit the museum and be swept through the many layers of history. The complex's current above-ground buildings mainly date from the 19th century, and the terrace contains statues of the emperors and rulers of Roman Britain. This first-class museum takes you below street level to the Roman Sacred Spring, the Temple of Minerva and the Roman Bath, and shows you many wonderful finds.

About 12,000 Roman coins were found here, as well as all kinds of household items, the skeleton of a Roman man and the bronze head of the goddess Minerva. Lead and tin tablets with curses scratched into them were also found in the waters. About 130 of these tablets were pulled out of the water, many of them praying to the goddess Minerva to punish people who stole someone's personal belongings from the bathhouse.

The Gothic architectural ensemble of Bath Abbey was built in the late Middle Ages and then carefully restored in the 1860s by Sir George Gilbert Scott. The most captivating and impressive part of the building is the fan vault of the abbey. At first, this detail was present only in the choir; it was created in the 15th century by master masons Robert and William Vertue. But when George Gilbert Scott carried out restoration work in the 19th century, he added fan vaults to the nave, in accordance with the wishes of the 15th century Bishop of Bath and Oliver King of Wells. On the west facade of the abbey there are 2 carved staircases dating from 1520, along which angels climbed. One of them is Jacob's Ladder, which is believed to have been inspired by Oliver King's dream.

The Royal Crescent, overlooking the Avon Valley, is a semi-circular terrace of 30 drab Georgian houses. It was designed by John Wood and built from 1767 to 1774. The ensemble is considered one of the greatest examples of architecture in Britain, its façade has remained virtually unchanged for the last 250 years. The windows of the first and second floors are framed vertically by Ionic pilasters, and the entire terrace is topped with a balustrade. Some of the famous former residents of the Royal Crescent are leading abolitionist William Wilberforce, who stayed in Number 2, and writer Christopher Anstey, who lived in Number 4 for 35 years until his death in 1805. Building No. 1 at the eastern end of the Royal Crescent is the cornerstone of the development and is considered the pinnacle of Palladian architecture in Bath. In the 20th century, this house was separated from the complex, creating two separate properties. The buildings were reconnected in 2000, with restoration in 2012-13 returning the house to how it looked when Jane Austen was in Bath. In those days, No. 1 was a luxurious place for aristocrats who participated in the social life of the city during the season and took medicinal baths. Each room is decorated in Georgian style, with original carpets, portraits, furniture, wallpaper and fabrics.

Another masterpiece of 18th century architecture is the Circus. It is a few steps east of the Royal Crescent and is ahead of its neighbor. This oval building was built by John Wood in 1768. A curious fact about the Circus is that the creator designed it to be almost the same diameter as Stonehenge as he believed that Bath was a center of Druid activity during the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. According to one rumor, the Circus is supposed to represent the Sun and the Royal Crescent the Moon, and you can now identify the secret symbols of acorns and snakes in the stonework of the houses in the Circus. Wood Sr. died within a few months of laying the foundation stone for the project, and his son John Wood Jr. took over construction of the Circus.

Royal Victoria Park, next to the Royal Crescent, was opened in 1830 by 11-year-old Princess Victoria, seven years before she became queen. The 57-acre gently sloping area is lined with fruit trees, a cherry alley and a huge Botanical Garden. To the north is a large hollow on the site of a former limestone quarry that was planted with exotic trees like North American conifers in the 1840s. Victoria never returned to Bath afterwards. The story goes that she harbored a grudge against the city after she was told that a local resident had made a derogatory comment about the thickness of her ankles.

You can walk or take the bus to this wonderful estate located around the Palladian mansion. This house was built by entrepreneur and postal reformer Ralph Allen in 1830. The grounds of the mansion run down the valley and are now managed by the National Trust. The mansion's gardens were laid out in the English landscape style by the poet Alexander Pope. You can stroll down the hill, through ancient forest, until you reach the delightful Palladian Bridge, one of only four of its kind in the world. The Palladian Pulteney Bridge, which crosses the Avon, was built by Scottish architect Robert Adam in 1774. The monument attracts attention with rows of shops along a 45-metre span and is one of the most photographed monuments in Bath city centre. The bridge is named after Frances Pulteney, wife of William Pulteney, who financed this and many other projects throughout the city, and was rumored to be the richest person in Britain at the time.

The southern facade is the most striking part of the building, built in Bath's signature limestone. It is centered on a temple bay with Doric pilasters. In response to floods, the bridge was reconstructed several times during the 19th century, but was returned to its original layout in the 20th century after being designated an "ancient monument" in the 1930s.

The Stately Rooms of 1769 houses a museum where you can see changes in clothing fashions from the late 16th century to the present day. The collection was started in the 20th century by fashion historian Doris Langley and has since grown to over 100,000 pieces. The museum has an army of mannequins dressed in everything from Georgian finery to looks that changed 20th-century fashion. Designers featured include Mary Quant, John Galliano, Giorgio Armani and Donatella Versace, to name a few. Young people and adults can also dress up in Georgian finery (tailcoats with high collars, hats and corsets) and have their photo taken in front of the Royal Crescent.

The former Sydney Hotel in the East End of Great Pulteney Street is the exquisite location for Bath's first public art museum. This magnificent neoclassical building was completed in 1799 and has housed a museum since 1882. The Bath Museum collection is filled with objects from Georgian culture. The art collection features works from the golden age of British painting by Thomas Gainsborough, Johan Zoffani and Francesco Guardi, as well as sculpture, porcelain and a variety of other decorative objects. The museum's most beautiful space is the former ballroom, decorated with portraits, silver and porcelain under a resplendent chandelier. A multi-million pound modern extension was opened in 2011 with additional galleries and a café overlooking the gardens.

After crossing Pulteney Bridge, Great Pulteney Street is a large street that will take you northeast towards the Holburne Museum and Sydney Gardens. Like Pulteney Bridge, the street was commissioned by Sir William Pulteney and named after him. The designer was Thomas Baldwin, who created a number of streets for Bath, as well as monuments such as Guildhall and the Grand Pump Room. What will strike you about Great Pulteney Street (1789) is its proportions: 300 meters long and 30 meters wide. At the far end you will see the portico of the Sydney Hotel and the continuous rows of townhouses. Thomas Baldwin was also responsible for the street leading east to the Roman Bath complex.

Bath Street was built in 1791 and is one of the most prominent streets in the city. It is framed by two-story houses with mansard roofs and Ionic colonnades. If you look up, you can see a row of windows with pediments above decorative friezes and brackets. The entire street scene seems to have been frozen in time for the past 230 years, and at the western edge of the street is the Cross Bath, also designed by Baldwin, which serves as a deep open-air bath, replenished with 46°C water from an underground spring.

The American Museum in the UK, open from March to October, belongs to the Claverton estate, heading the Limpley Stoke valley and the Kennet and Avon Canal. To burn off a few calories, you can get there from Bath city center by climbing the elegant Bathwick Hill. Founded by two antiques collectors in 1961, the museum contains the most comprehensive Americana collection outside the country. John Judkin, one of the founders, was a Quaker, so there are no weapons in the collection and there is no military theme at all, on the contrary, furniture and decorative arts from 1690 to 1860 are collected. The textile room displays 50 quilts and bedspreads from the collection, and outside there is an arboretum with North American trees and a reproduction of George Washington's garden at Mount Vernon.

The townhouse that houses the Herschel Astronomy Museum on New King Street was once home to the brother and sister of William and Caroline Herschel, who were leading British astronomers in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Herschels lived here from 1777 to 1784 (William left in 1782), and in 1781 William discovered Uranus using a 7-inch telescope he built with his own hands in a workshop. The museum opened in 1981, exactly two centuries after its opening. The museum contains original family items, such as William Herschel's dining table, and a workshop where you will find his lathe and a touch screen indicating the role of each tool. Bath lies in a valley surrounded by high limestone slopes that rise to a maximum of 238 meters.

You can hike the Bath Skyline, a six-mile loop trail that runs along the ridge above the town. Prior Park is on the south-west corner of the range and from there you can hike through sparse valleys, beech forests and wildflower meadows. There are places with Roman history and the remains of long-abandoned quarries. On a sunny day, you can have a picnic here and admire the city from above.

Currency

GBP

Food

Bath has long been a favorite tourist destination thanks to its stunning Georgian architecture and thermal baths. After a long day of sightseeing, guests can enjoy delicious meals at the city's best restaurants. Situated in Bath city center and surrounded by all sorts of competing eateries, the Jazz Café more than holds its own against the chain restaurants around it. This is a good place for breakfast, lunch or light dinner. The restaurant's menu is regular, consisting of traditional dishes and often supplemented by a rotation of inventive specials. The cozy interior space combined with rows of tables outside means diners can be assured of comfort whatever the weather.

Peking Restaurant is the oldest Chinese restaurant in the city. The restaurant serves a variety of Chinese regional cuisines such as Cantonese, Szechuan and Beijing, as well as a variety of seafood specialties and Peking duck, which guests can order around the clock. If you haven't tried Nepali cuisine yet, there is no better place to start than Yak Yeti Yak. This quiet family restaurant is tucked out of sight in a basement a stone's throw from the Bath Spa station. One of the best options for newbies is the set menu, which comes in vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Sotto Sotto boasts a traditional menu with a dash of modernism and is located close to the historic Roman Baths. Menu highlights include vitello alla sorrentina, tender veal topped with eggplant, Parma ham and mozzarella in white wine and tomato sauce. Thai Basil's unassuming exterior hides a luxurious interior dining space filled with Thai art and decorations. Guests can choose to eat from a wide range of individual dishes with good value for money. The wide range of dishes on offer makes this an ideal choice for those looking to take the next step in exploring the country's extremely diverse cuisine.

Bath is remarkable for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and charm, and the Bathwick Boatman Restaurant showcases this in a stunning riverside location. The venue has a pleasant country style, with an outdoor terrace overlooking the river bank and is ideal for a variety of formal or informal events, from weddings to quiet lunches. Tagine Zhor is more than a simple restaurant, it is filled with Moroccan culture. Guests can enjoy a variety of authentic hot and cold dishes, as well as outdoor shisha and traditional tobacco. Tagine Zhor is proud of its rich and often surprising national cuisine. Next to the picturesque Bath's Parade Gardens is Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen, a restaurant serving vegan and vegetarian dishes made from organic products. Only local ingredients are used here, the dishes are prepared with skill and love. Even long-time lovers of vegetarian cuisine are sure to find something new on the menu .

Where to stay

Bath is one of the most elegant cities in Britain. There's an incredible amount of culture here, from grand Georgian architecture to world-class museums, as well as fantastic places to eat and drink. The city is also home to fantastic boutique hotels, as well as hotels of various levels.

(English Bath [ˈbɑːθ], lat. Aquae Sulis, Aquae Calidae, Bathonia) is a city in England, the seat of the bishop and the main city of Somerset County, on the River Avon. Since antiquity it has been famous for its healing springs as a balneological resort (in fact, the name itself is translated from English as “bathhouse”). Monuments of the Classical era are included in the World Heritage List. The birthplace of Bath buns. Population: 84 thousand inhabitants.

1. The Roman Baths in Bath is a museum and historical complex that includes a sacred spring, a Roman temple, a bath building and a museum. The baths themselves are located below ground level, the houses above them were built in the 19th century.

2. On the fence of the Roman baths in Bath are sculptures of the commanders who visited here.

3. The Roman baths in Bath are the only ones in the world that still have water. In the beginning, men and women swam in this pool together, sometimes without clothes. Later, the growing influence of Christianity divided the bathing of people of different sexes.

4. Synthesis of different ancient Roman gods - Neptune and Sulis Minerva.

5. Remains of (possibly) a trader from Syria.

6. During the Roman times of Bath, only wealthy people could afford to eat honey, hence the problems with teeth.

7. Before the influence of Christianity, the Romans cremated their dead and then began burying them. Wooden coffins were sometimes placed inside stone ones. Over time, the wooden ones rotted, but the stone ones remained intact.

8. The museum displays numerous archaeological finds.

9. Head of a sculpture of the goddess Minerva.

10. Roman system of draining water in thermal baths.

11. In ancient times, the figurines in Bath were painted in bright colors, but have survived to this day in pale colors.

12. This fence was built much later than the baths (thermal baths) themselves.

13. The average temperature of the hot springs in Bath is 46 degrees Celsius. During the time of the Romans, this pool was covered and the water in it was always clear, but now it blooms because of the sun. Another interesting fact from those times: when people took baths, they smeared themselves with oils, then scraped them off themselves. So, the oil removed from the bodies of famous and respected men was sold in small bottles to women of simple origin. Celebrity culture, however;)

14. There is also one cold bath - with cool water. Everyone throws coins there for good luck.

15. Now it is a city for recreation and tourism.

16. In Bath, all the buildings are the same color (with shades). This is due to the color of the stone from which the buildings were built, and now you can build from anything, but that’s the only color.

17. In general, Bath is not too similar to a typical English town, rather a mixture of a Roman, Celtic and English city.

18. When Queen Victoria visited Bath as a young woman, her dress was criticized by a journalist in the local newspaper. Since then, Victoria has disliked Bath and even, passing by it on the train from Bristol, ordered the curtains to be drawn so as not to see the city where her feminine pride was hurt.

19. In this park, during the time of Bath’s fame as a city of secular entertainment, men and women constantly walked in the hope of meeting a successful “other half,” preferably from a higher class.

20. Jane Austen’s father also sent him here for a walk, beautifully dressing up his daughter - as history has shown, it’s useless :)

21. We took a ride on two excursion buses - around the city center and along its perimeter and outskirts. Here, even if only one person comes for a planned excursion, it will still take place. And the workers carry out this excursion with joy, without stress from the “obligation”. The two of us were taken for a ride. On the first bus, the guide herself told us everything, sitting next to us. And in the second, they turned on an audio guide in Russian - through headphones, which the driver and guide left us as a souvenir, saying goodbye with a smile, “That rendezvous” :)

22. There are many cozy restaurants and cafes in the city center.

23. The oldest house in Bath is the Sally Lunn House bakery. The famous buns of the same name are baked there. A very homely establishment, we recommend it.

24. Lilliputian courtyard.

25. The main parish church of Bath Abbey.

26. Bath Abbey.

27. Cosmetics store "Roman Baths".

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30. Solar-powered city trash bin - why does he need them?

31. Glamorous graters.

32. A wonderful evening in a cozy place.

33. Jane Austen’s main center is located in Bath, although she did not like this city, preferring a calm and measured life to social events and balls. It is also the setting of two of Jane Austen's novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.

P.S. You can drink free hot spring water in Bath during the Baths Tour.

P.P.S. The Roman baths today are only a tourist site. But in 2006, a new, modern spa center opened at Bathtsky Thermal Springs. It's called Thermae Bath Spa. The spa's rooftop pool offers stunning views of the entire city. A third of the water comes there from these ancient sources.

Bath is a small charming town 1.5 hours from London that is well worth a visit. Identical stone houses in the Georgian style (which we like to simply call English) both decorate and give the city the spirit of antiquity. The atmosphere is so dense and tangible that you can touch it with your hands.

Since ancient times, Bath has been famous for its healing balneological springs (the very name of the city is translated from English as “bath”). The most famous attraction is the Roman baths, over 2000 years old. There are still hot mineral springs here, which are not found anywhere else in the world, and water from them is served in the restaurant at the museum.

We will tell you how to live an interesting day in this wonderful city.
We definitely recommend walking the route - the journey from the station to the city center will take no more than ten minutes.

It's surprising, but there is no storage room in the station building. If you are passing through Bath, we recommend that you do not leave your luggage at the Storage Luggage Center, which is recommended in the information center. The place is a nice homely cafe where you can have an inexpensive breakfast with fresh pastries and ask the owners about the latest city news. Leaving your bag for one day will cost you £3.

3GBP - 1 bag\suitcase\backpack for the day

Now the real name is the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, but in the city and in all guidebooks it is called Bath Abbey, which is confusing - after all, there is no abbey here now.
The secret is simple: there once was an abbey here, and not just any abbey, but one of the oldest in the country. After all, for many years Bath was a royal resort and the summer center of social life in Britain. There are many historical names and events associated with the abbey, but during the Reformation it was closed, the lands were sold and the buildings abandoned. Later, the monastery church was turned into a parish church, but other buildings did not survive.
The church has many ancient burials and a majestic organ. The basement is occupied by a small museum, which displays objects dedicated to the history and relics of the cathedral. Be sure to pay attention to the wonderful stained glass windows that cover 80% of the walls - the cathedral glows from the inside like a fairy-tale lantern.

A famous element of the church’s exterior decoration is the “Stairs of Angels”: two Jacob’s ladders carved from stone, along which angels ascend to heaven, are located on the western wall.

On the front side of the western part of the church there is the so-called “signature of the founder” in the form of elaborate stone carvings in the shape of olive trees, above which rise crowns. So, in his time, a stone carver cleverly played on the name and surname of the bishop of the founder of the church (in translation, the name Oliver means “giver of olives”, and the surname King means “king”).

The unsurpassed beauty of the bridge became famous throughout Britain. Pulteney Bridge is named after the wife of a local aristocrat who owned land isolated by water opposite the main part of the city.

Two Italian bridges were taken as a model - the Old Bridge in Florence and the Rialto Bridge in Venice. On both sides of the bridge there were a number of premises used primarily for shops.

What makes it unique:

While walking along the bridge, stop by the shops and drink tea with milk in one of the shops on the northern part of the bridge.

Circus Square consists of three three-story buildings in the shape of a crescent, built into an architectural complex in the image and likeness of the Roman Colosseum in 1768.

Walk around this architectural crescent, take a closer look at the facades - they are decorated with colonnades - and on the friezes you can see carved and decorative elements, including those with Masonic symbols.

The square is located in the very center of Bath, from which the city streets radiate.

Every city needs to open a place like Sam's Kitchen. This restaurant serves as a permanent meeting place for lovers of local products and rural delicacies. It’s homely and cozy here, and the dishes are, not even worth mentioning, “finger lickin’ good.”

Sam's Kitchen is open for lunch on weekdays only, but on Friday nights there is live music and Spanish appetizers. There are no separate tables - instead there is one long family table, which gives this place incredible warmth and family comfort. When you gobble up lunch on both cheeks, you get the feeling that you have come to visit your uncle. When everything prepared is eaten, the restaurant closes.

In a large family, don't click your beak!

The pedestrian zone in the square in front of the abbey consists of two squares that merge into each other. This is a point of strength to rest after lunch and gain strength for a trip to the Roman baths, or maybe rest after and admire the cathedral again in a cafe or on a bench, listening to street musicians and watching locals and tourists.

A most curious landmark that gave the city its name and life.

The first baths were built here by the Celts. They noticed the healing properties of the hot spring gushing from the ground and considered the place miraculous, so they built a sanctuary here. The Romans who came to Britain also considered the place sacred and dedicated it to the goddess Athena. The Romans built baths here. Construction began in 60 BC. and lasted 300 years.

The original Roman building collapsed over time, but new baths were constantly being built around a spring gushing out of the ground. Bath's main heyday came in the 18th and 19th centuries with the advent of fashion for water treatment. The baths then became the central point of the city's social life. All bohemia came to the city in their chariots to take healing baths. The Roman Baths are included in the List of National Heritage of the United Kingdom.

The structures are still filled with hot spring water, but you cannot drink or swim in the water here, and it is better not to touch the water with your hands. It flows into the reservoirs through ancient lead Roman pipes. It turned out to be technically impossible to change the pipes and purify the water without destroying the building.

The museum is interesting and makes you wonder how creative the Romans were. Along with your ticket, you are given an audio guide, with which you can leisurely walk for 1-2 (or even more) hours. By presenting your ticket at the shop at the exit of the museum, you will receive a bottle of purified medicinal water.

Let him who enters here leave his weariness behind

The peace and tranquility that you will experience when visiting this spa is impossible to describe. Just imagine, after a long day of walking (or even not a day, but a week) dipping your tired feet into the warm healing waters of Bath.

What's included in the Bath Spa: a herbal steam room, four thermal jacuzzis and a rooftop pool with stunning views of the English countryside and Bath Abbey. The audience is appropriate - entirely high society.
Slippers, towels and bathrobes are provided with the ticket, but do not forget to take a swimsuit, masks and creams from your luggage. They will come in handy!

Every music connoisseur can't help but dream of visiting this club one day. Although Moles looks a little shabby and tiny, so many talented people have performed on the club’s stage that the energy there is off the charts: The Cure, The Residents, The Smiths, Radiohead, Oasis, Blur, Pulp and this is an incomplete list.

Moles opened in 1978, serving as a vegetarian café during the day and hosting young bands and DJs as the sun went down. Fans of British music and fans of Britpop will love this place.

Now the club also has a recording studio where young musicians record their first tracks. The ranks of natives include Elbow and Cocteau Twins. And the famous band King Crimson recorded a live album “Live at Moles Club, Bath” in the Moles club in 1981.

Admission: free during the day for the concert 3-10 GBP