Spending your holidays in Bath allows you to experience one of the most beautiful and historic towns in the UK. In addition to the attractions of the town itself, Bath makes a convenient gateway to the southwest of England, as well as the Cotswolds, that most typically English of regions. Stonehenge is also within easy reach of Bath and makes for an easy and convenient day trip. For any visitor to this Somerset town, there are five attractions that should not be missed:
Hot Stuff
Many visitors come here to take the waters in Britain’s only hot spring, which has been flowing since the Romans settled in the area over 2,000 years ago. In addition to bathing in the water and enjoying its therapeutic and relaxing properties, you can visit a Roman temple and enjoy afternoon tea and scones in the beautiful 18th century pump room. Your visit will often be made more enjoyable by a concert of appropriate music and to beat the crowds, torchlit visits during evening hours are offered.
Culture Vultures
Bath boasts over a dozen museums in the city centre. The town’s most famous resident was the writer Jane Austen, who is forever associated with this part of England, and the Jane Austen Centre celebrates the life and times of the town’s beloved writer. Interactive exhibits, costumes from the period as well as an authentic period atmosphere are all to be found at the museum, located in the heart of Bath.
A visit to the world class Fashion Museum is a must for anyone interested in the subject. The museum showcases 400 years of clothing for both men and women, in a series of themed exhibits. Highlights include 150 life size figures in period dress, as well as the opportunity to try on a selection of corsets and crinolines. The museum has a regular programme of talks and events, as well as a series of changing exhibits – an exhibition exploring fashion and sports is showing throughout 2012.
There is a wide range of nightlife in Bath, and one of the best places to spend an evening is at the Theatre Royal, one of the best preserved dramatic venues in the UK. In addition to offering a regular schedule of West End shows, Sunday concerts and shows for children, the theatre is also home to Ustinov Studio, offering more cutting edge productions in an intimate atmosphere. Also to be found here is the historic Garricks Head pub, the ideal place for a drink before or after the show.
Treat Yourself
Bath is also one of the best towns in England for shopping. In addition to the usual High Street stores, the town has dozens of smaller speciality shops, many hidden away in narrow streets or passageways. In fact, bath has six distinct shopping areas, and whether you are looking for art and antiques, second hand books or fashion, the choice is excellent. Milsom Street was voted the best fashion shopping street in the country in 2010, while the trendy Artisan Quarter is the place to go for curios and crafts.
With so much to see and do, Bath is truly a great place to be. It doesn’t matter whether you come as a tourist, or you come in search of a rental property – as long as you come.
This is a guest post by Reside, Bath – experts in property management and lettings in Bath. For more information on buying or renting property in Bath, feel free to visit the Reside Bath website.
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