the best things to see and do in Bath 1

the best things to see and do
in Bath

roman baths, Bath, somerset - are they worth visiting?

Travel writer Simon Heptinstall has lived around Bath for 15 years. He's the best guide to tell you what's worth visiting... and what isn't. Follow his three-page selection of the best bits of Bath.

Roman Baths

See how ancient Romans turned a hot spring into a leisure complex bigger and better than anything today’s top luxury hotels can offer.

The scale of these ancient leisure baths is impressive - but the pools, passages and chambers make more sense using the free hand-held audio commentary sets.

The Baths are one of the UK’s top historic attractions so arrive early to avoid crowds that can turn the baths into a frustrating scrum reminiscent of Bath’s famous rugby team. And warn kids not to expect to be able to jump in. The murky green water should put them off anyway.

Instead jump in the fabulous modern Thermae Bath Spa just 100 yards away. Britain's only naturally heated spa uses the same hot spring water that still bubbles up under the town. Best bit is lounging in the open-air rooftop hot pool after dark surrounded by floodlit historic buildings.

More information:
The old:
Bath Roman Baths
The new:
Thermae Spa Bath

Bath Roman Baths - don't expect to have a swim

Bath Abbey

The elegant church tower next to the Baths is a good landmark if you get lost wandering Bath’s confusing little streets, alleyways and corridors... and it’s worth looking inside too.

Now the west front has been cleaned up you can spot carved angels climbing up ladders to heaven plus some pretty deformed-looking statues. They never recovered from Cromwell’s soldiers’ musket target practise.

The Abbey is also the site of the coronation of Edgar, the first king of united England. Outside, the Abbey yard is a good place to sit at a horrible over-priced tourist cafe and watch top quality buskers.
Bath Abbey official site.

Pulteney Bridge

Walk behind the Abbey to find why everyone feels forced to photograph the River Avon spilling over the terraced curved weir with Pulteney Bridge behind. It's such a romantic spot - especially after dark. On cold nights the river steams mysteriously due to hot spring waters bubbling up from far underground.

Bath's 250-year-old Georgian Bridge is still lined with shops. Of course, it's just as touristy as the Ponte Vecchio in Florence but Pulteney's river and surroundings are better... and it leads to the impressive architecture beyond.

See page two of the best things
to see and do in Bath.

Bath Abbey is just nest to the Roman Baths

Bath Abbey is a good landmark if you get
lost (above). Pulteney
Bridge is most romantic after dark (below).

Photos (and more information): visitbath.co.uk

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