Royal Crescent, 3 minutes' walk from our flat

Roman Baths, 15 minutes' walk

Bath Abbey and Pump Rooms

Bath City

Bath is a unique city; an unforgettable place to visit. There's so many amazing delights to savour, all within a compact area that’s easy to explore on foot.

Below are links to other, more detailed sites that you may find helpful when planning your visit. Click on any coloured text to go to the relevant website.

Several websites contain a wealth of information about Bath and beyond, including things to do, transport, guided tours, museums, events etc.Three of the best are www.visitbath.co.uk www.bath.co.uk www.cityofbath.co.uk.

See the Venue website for reviews of places to eat and drink, pubs, bars, clubs, galleries & shops.

Bath is world famous for its Georgian architecture and the two most famous Georgian facades are those of The Royal Crescent and The Circus, both of which are within a five minute walk of Portland Place. You can visit the museum in No 1 The Royal Crescent or enjoy being pampered with coffee, afternoon tea, lunch or dinner at The Royal Crescent Hotel.

From the apartment, the walk to the city centre takes about 12 to 15 minutes and a one-way taxi journey costs about £4. Here, you'll find the amazing Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and The Pump Room where you can ‘take the waters’ or enjoy some more conventional refreshments in the restaurant/café.

Britain’s only and original, natural thermal spa is also located in the city centre. Thermae Bath Spa has recently reopened after complete redevelopment. Here you can relax and enjoy swimming in the naturally heated waters and take advantage of a choice of many special treatments. There is also the Springs Café & Restaurant with views over Bath's elegant Georgian Colonnade it offers meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day. The menu has been created by award winning chef Martin Blunos.

Bathonians are justifiable proud of The Theatre Royal which is one of the oldest working theatres in the country. Their website gives details of current and future performances and contact details for the box office.

Bath has excellent shopping, art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, pubs and bars. Picturesque backstreets and courtyards contain unique, independent shops selling everything from antiques to posh frocks. Walcot Street is the artisan area containing excellent cafes and food shops as well as an architectural reclamation centre and Walcot Upholstery - a must if you're looking for quality period furniture.

Stonehenge

Castle Combe

Autumn colours at Westonbirt Arboretum

Beyond Bath

Bath is surrounded by the picturesque countryside and the beautiful villages of Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. You'll find information about the best places to visit and organised tours from the Visit Bath website.

The great and ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world and it's an interesting trip through the lovely Wiltshire countryside. Coach tours leave the city twice daily and you could combine it with a visit to the picturesque medieval villages of Castle Combe or Lacock. There are may other equally lovely towns and villages in the Cotswolds providing many alternatives for day trips. Other ancient monuments in the area include Avebury Stone Circle and Glastonbury

Dyrham Park, is a National Trust owned William and Mary mansion nestling in an ancient deer park. It's just a short drive from the city. Use the link to investigate other National Trust properties in the area.

One excellent destination whatever the time of year is Westonbirt Arboretum where you can stroll and picnic amongst majestic trees, ornamental shrubs and wonderful wild flowers. The bluebells and primroses are breathtaking in the spring and the stunning autumn colours of the acer glades are world famous. Many special events take place here, including evening concerts and theatre in the open air.

Photos of Westonbirt Arboretum copyright David Harding.