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Attractions in Bath

• Thermae Bath Spa, Pump Room, Hot Bath Street BA1 1SJ
In the heart of the city the Thermae Bath Spa is an award-winning Natural
Spa where you can now bathe in Britain’s only naturally warm, mineral-rich
waters as the Celts and Romans did over 2,000 years ago! There are also
plenty of spa treatments on offer too. Spa treatments must be booked in
advance.
www.thermaebathspa.com 01225 331234

• The Roman Baths, Abbey Church Yard, Bath BA1 1LZ


Bath was founded upon natural hot springs, with the steaming water playing
a key role throughout its history. Lying in the heart of the city the Roman
Baths were constructed around 70 AD as a grand bathing and socializing
complex. It is now one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world.
Ask about visiting the Roman Baths by torchlight. Booking essential.
www.romanbaths.co.uk 01225 477785

• The Jane Austen Centre, 40 Gay Street, Queen Square BA1 2NT
Jane Austen set two of her six published novels, Northanger Abbey and
Persuasion, in Bath and made the city her home from 1801 to 1806.
The Jane Austen Centre is dedicated to celebrating Bath’s most famous
resident. The Centre offers a snapshot of what it would be like to live in the
Regency times – the fashion, food and society – everything that would have
inspired Austen’s timeless novels. A must for all Jane Austen fans, young or
old.
www.janeausten.co.uk 01225 443000

• Bath Abbey, Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LY


Magnificent stained-glass windows, columns of honey-gold stone and some
of the finest fan vaulting in the world, create an extraordinary experience of
light and space. However Bath Abbey also remains a living church with
services taking place throughout the entire week. Come and experience the
special atmosphere and rich history of this holy and uplifting place.
www.bathabbey.org 01225 42246

Attractions in the local area

Regional attractions within approximately an hour’s drive include:

• Stonehenge, Nr Amesbury, Wilts, SP4 7DE


The world heritage site of Stonehenge is arguably the most iconic prehistoric
monument in Europe. Built in the late Neolithic period around 2,500 BC the
site is shrouded in mystery – what was it built for? How did the Neolithic
people build such a wonder using simple tools and equipment? A visit is
highly recommended.
www.stonehenge.co.uk 0370 333 1181

• Longleat, Warminster, Wilts BA12 7NW


Nestled in 900 acres of Capability Brown landscaped gardens, is Longleat
Safari and Adventure Park. A trip to the UK’s first, and best, safari park is a
fantastic day out for the whole family. Longleat House, holds over 450 years
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of history in its walls. It is one of the finest Elizabethan stately homes in the
country with 15 spectacular rooms open for public viewing. Longleat
playground offers an adventure castle, Little Explorer’s Garden and the
Rockin’ Rhino ride. There is also a hedge maze with nearly 2 miles of paths
and dead ends.
www.longleat.co.uk 01985 844400

• Bradford on Avon
This exquisite, thriving market town is on the edge of the Cotswolds. The
ancient bridge spanning the River Avon in the centre of the town remains its
natural focus and the bridge still retains two of its original 13 th century
arches. The town has an independent spirit and an eclectic range of fantastic
restaurants, pubs, markets and local boutiques. It also sits next to the Kennet
and Avon canal and you can hire bikes or take a stroll to enjoy the beauty
and peace of the countryside here. On the way home, why not stop off at the
wonderful village of Freshford nestled by the river Frome ideal for long lazy
walks in the ancient woodland then a swift drink in the historic Freshford
Inn.
www.bradfordonavon.co.uk 01225 865797

• Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS


For gardeners and nature lovers, The National Arboretum is managed by the
Forestry Commission. Westonbirt Arboretum is located near the historic
market town of Tetbury in Gloucestershire, and is perhaps the most
important and widely known arboretum in the UK. Planted in the heyday of
Victorian plant hunting in the mid-19th century, today Westonbirt
Arboretum has one of the finest tree collections in the world, carefully laid
out within a Grade One listed historic landscape.
www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt 0300 067 4890

• Other nearby attractions include Wells, Glastonbury, Cheddar Gorge and


the Cotswolds

Events

Bath is fizzing with festivals and events 12 months of the year. We’ve only scratched
the surface here. Use the events search to find out what’s on and start planning your
trip now.

Bath Christmas Market -November / December


Soak up the sights, smells and festive ambience of Bath at Christmas.

Bath Eating

• Menu Gordon Jones, 2 Wellsway, Bath, BA2 3AQ, 01225 480871


Highly sought after for outstanding food. There is no menu, you get a
selection of dishes dreamt up by the chef. Most gourmets say this restaurant
offers ‘the best food in Bath’. Booking essential.

• Sotto Sotto, 10 North Parade, Bath, BA2 4AL, 01225 330236


The restaurant of the moment. Simple well-cooked Italian. Booking essential.

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• The White Hart, Widcombe Hill, Bath, BA2 6AA, 01225 338053
Really good food. Very pretty pub garden just a couple of minutes walk to
the heart of Bath.

• The Salamander, 3 John St, Bath, BA1 2JL, 01225 428889


Excellent restaurant hidden away upstairs from the cosy Bath Ales pub
downstairs, a local secret.

Cheap Eats in Bath

• ChaiWalla, 42 Monmouth Street off Kingsmead Sq., BA1 2AN, 07926


041588
Veggie Indian street food. Delicious.

• Bills, 7-8 Cheap Street, BA1 1NE, 01225 424262


Fun, warm and welcoming local atmosphere.

• Framptons, The Empire, Grand Parade, BA2 4DF, 01225 313680


An independent café, bar and kitchen working with local suppliers.

Country Pubs Eating

• Seven Stars Pub, Winsley, BA15 2LQ, 01225 722204


Fantastic British grub. Highly recommended for a Sunday roast. Beautiful
setting.

• The Wheelright Arms, Monkton Combe, BA2 7HB, 01225 722287


Pretty pub, excellent food, good beer. Ideally placed in the heart of walking
country.

• The Fox and Badger, Wellow, BA2 8QG, 01225 832293


Set in the heart of this beautiful village this incredibly popular pub cooks up
amazing British pub grub and offers a good choice of wines too. There is
some wonderful walking in Wellow, with plenty of trails to follow.

• The Wheatsheaf, Combe Hay, BA2 7EG, 01225 833504


One of the loveliest pub gardens with ping pong table for the energetic. Very
good food.

• The Longs Arms, Upper South Wraxall, BA15 2SB, 01225 864450
Fantastic food for true gourmets with a pretty walled beer garden.

• The Packhorse, South Stoke, BA2 7DU, 01225 830300


Lovely community funded pub, recently refurbished.

• The George Inn, Norton St Philip, BA2 7LH, 01373 834224


A Grade one listed building full of character, this great pub serving an
extensive menu is situated in an idyllic setting with beautiful views.

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• The Inn at Freshford, The Hill, Freshford, BA2 7WG, 01225 722250
Enjoy gastropub fare and local real ales in a 1500s, honey-stone inn with
open fires, plus a beer garden. Recommended!

Country Cafes Eating

• Hartley Farm Shop, Winsley, BA15 2JB, 01225 864948


Fantastic shop selling food from local producers including an excellent
butcher and a café serving hearty breakfasts and lunches, through to yummy
cake. Great coffee.

• The Angelfish, Brassknocker Hill, BA2 7JD, 01225 723483


Set on the towpath by the canal (bike hire possible from here too). Yummy
homemade cakes and simple lunches.

• Prior Park Garden Centre, Prior Park Road, BA2 4NF, 01225 427175
Lovely garden centre with friendly family café upstairs.

• The Glove Factory Brook Lane, Holt, BA14 6RL, 01225 784080
A fifteen minute drive out of the city, but well worth it for sumptuous
lunches and wonderful coffee and cakes. Wander around the charming formal
water gardens and lawns of The Courts Gardens just across the road – a
delightful example of an English Country Garden.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-courts-garden

Bradford on Avon Eating

• The Bunch of Grapes, 14 Silver Street, BA15 1JY, 01225 938088


Excellent French bistro food. Booking essential.

• The Weaving Shed, 3 Bridge Yard, Kingston Mills, BA15 1EJ, 01225
866519
Set on the banks of the Avon, the menu offers seasonal, locally sourced food,
light, airy restaurant.

• Thai Barn, 9-10 St Margaret’s Street, BA15 1DA, 01225 866 443
By reputation, one of the finest restaurants in the West Country specialising
in Royal Thai cuisine.

Or if you simply want to relax and eat in, you can order a pre-prepared
gourmet meal:

• Ma Cuisine www.macuisine.co.uk 01225 312959


For a taste of France delivered straight to your door

• Cavendish Cooks www.cavendishcooks.co.uk 01225 312805


Fine dining ready meals delivered to your table

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Theatres, comedy clubs & cinemas

• Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET, 01225 448844


Booking essential.

• Main house: A year-round programme of the best theatre, comedy, opera,


dance and pantomime.

• Ustinov Studio: Themed seasons of world and UK premieres, plus the best in
small-scale touring theatre

• The Egg: A centre for creativity, innovation and young people at the heart of
the Theatre Royal Bath

• The Mission Theatre, 32 Corn Street, Bath, BA1 1UF, 01225 428600
Alternative, small scale productions

• Komedia, 22-23 Westgate St, Bath BA1 1EP, 01225 489070


Atmospheric club venue staging live comedy and music gigs, with a cinema,
café-diner and gallery

• Odeon Cinema, Kingsmead Complex, James St W, Bath, BA1 2BX, 0333


006 7777

• Little Theatre Cinema, Bath, St Michaels Place, Bath BA1 1SG, 0871
902 5735

• Westway Cinema, Cork St, Frome BA11 1BL, 01373 471612

• Odeon Trowbridge, St Stephen’s Pl, Trowbridge BA14 8TQ, 0333 014


4501

Art galleries & museums

Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge St, Bath, BA2 4AT, 01225 477233

A free public gallery which houses Bath and North East Somerset's collection of
paintings, sculpture and decorative arts

The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney St, Bath, BA2 4DB, 01225 388569

The city's first public art gallery, the Grade I listed building, is home to fine and
decorative arts built around the collection of Sir William Holburne

Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath, BA1 2QH, 01225
477789
Learning about contemporary and historic fashion has never been so much fun!

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No 1 Royal Crescent, 1 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LR, 01225 428126
The house was built to the designs of John Wood the Younger in 1767-1774 as the
first house in the Royal Crescent, and has been decorated and furnished just as it
might have been then

The American Museum, Claverton Manor, Bath, BA2 7BD, 01225 460503
Situated in a glorious Georgian manor house within 120 acres of wonderful grounds
and stunning scenery, the American Museum in Britain is home to the finest
collection of Americana outside of the United States

The Museum of Bath Architecture, The Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, The


Paragon, The Vineyards, Bath, BA1 5NA, 01225 333895
The rich architectural history of Bath and its transformation from a provincial town
into a world famous Georgian city is portrayed in a variety of ways, for all to enjoy.
Also on view is the large architectural model of Bath

Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King St, Bath, BA1 2BL, 01225
446865
The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is dedicated to the many achievements of the
Herschels, who were distinguished astronomers as well as talented musicians. It
was from this house, using a telescope of his own design that William discovered the
planet Uranus in 1781
Beckford’s Tower and Museum, Lansdown Rd, Bath, BA1 9BH, 01225 460705
Beckford’s Tower was designed by Henry Edmund Goodridge in 1825 and
completed in 1827 for William Beckford (1760-1844), one of the nation’s most
accomplished and interesting characters. The 120-foot neo-classical Tower, which
enjoys uninterrupted views of the countryside, was constructed as a study retreat
and to house Beckford’s precious collection of art and rare books

Parks & walks

Alice Park, Gloucester Road, BA1 6EW


Wonderful 8 acre park with free tennis courts and ping pong table, excellent
playground and really good café

Alexandra Park, Shakespeare Avenue, BA2 4RQ


A small park but wonderful for a walk if you are in the Bear Flats area of Bath and
offers an incredible view down over the city

Victoria Park, Marlborough Lane, Bath, BA1 2NQ


Opened in 1830 by 11-year-old Princess Victoria, this was the first park to carry her
name and contains an obelisk dedicated to her. It is very beautiful, has a small but
well maintained botanic garden, the best playground in Bath, crazy golf, tennis and a
wonderful bandstand where jazz is played on most Sunday afternoons during the
summer! Also a par-9 golf course across the road

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Bath also offers amazing walking and the famous Cotswold Way starts in Bath.
We suggest buying a map or checking online for walks local to you, however
here are two recommendations:

Bath Skyline walk


Walk through history from an Iron Age hill fort to 18th-century follies and stroll
through hidden valleys, woodlands and patchworks of small meadows, all rich in
wildlife. This walk burns as much energy as playing 90 minutes of football,
according to research! Highly recommended before a late lunch in Bath
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bath-skyline will help you with the routes you can take

Walking (or cycling!) along the Kennet & Avon Canal


Walking or cycling along the towpaths, through ancient villages and through Bath
City itself is one of the most popular local pass-times. If you wish to kick off in
Bradford on Avon get in touch with Towpath Trail Hire on 01225 867187, or if you
wish to kick off from Bath visit Green Park Bike Station at
www.greenparkbikestation.info to find out more. Where the canal comes into the
City near Sydney Gardens is a particularly picturesque stretch and you can walk
along it to Widcombe through some very pleasant residential neighbourhoods

Markets & Shopping

As well as the seasonal Bath Christmas Market, there are also regular markets:

• Bath Guildhall Market, 33 High St, Bath, BA2 4AW


For the traditional, go to the Guildhall Market on the High Street, a hub of
suppliers selling flowers, cheese, ironmongery, silver, haberdashery, second
hand books and leather items for over seven centuries. A great place to
browse indoors and pick up a bargain, open daily

• Bath Farmers Market, Green Park Station, Bath, BA1 1JB


Fresh produce from local farmers, highly recommended, Saturday mornings
only 9.30am – 1.30pm

• Walcot Antique & Flea Market, Walcot St, Bath, BA1 5BG
A popular antique & flea market every Saturday, brimming with rare and
unusual items

Please visit this link for markets in the surrounding towns:


https://www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/whats-on/markets

Shopping

Bath’s compact, visitor-friendly city centre is packed with retailers large and small,
from one of-a-kind independent boutiques to major high street names. Whatever
you’re looking for – antiques, arts and crafts, books, fashion, foodie emporiums,
jewellery, vintage clothing and quirky one-offs you won’t find anywhere else – Bath
has it all.

Just across the road from the bus and train stations, South Gate may be your first
port of call. This lively retail complex, our newest shopping centre, is home to big
brands like Debenhams, Urban Outfitters, H&M, Topshop and many more.

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Surrounding Bath Abbey in the heart of the city is a maze of intriguing alleyways
and picturesque passages lined with stores selling confectionery, glassware, fashion
and accessories. There’s more history in the Upper Town along George

Street and the top of Milsom Street, a miniature antiques quarter full of eclectic
independent shops. Take your pick from historic maps, first-edition books, antique
textiles and vintage jewellery.

Bath’s Georgian past and modern present architecture blend together in the streets
around Milsom Place, an area epitomising our shopping scene. You’ll find stores like
Cath Kidston alongside inviting boutiques packed with quirky goodies. There’s also
Jolly’s, the UK’s oldest department store, home to a huge collection of stylish fashion
brands. Or, for something a bit different, head to Walcot Street and London Road.
Known as the Artisan Quarter, this area is packed with vibrant, proudly independent
shops offering vintage clothing, art, antiques, designer homeware and bespoke
furniture.

Horse-riding:
• Wellow Trekking Centre, Little Horse Croft Farm, Ford Rd, Wellow,
Bath BA2 8QF, 01225 834376

Hot air ballooning


• Bath Balloon Flights, 01225 466 888
Bath Balloon flights take off from Royal Victoria Park for beautiful -
panoramic views of the Roman city. Please note: flights must be pre-booked
and are dependent the weather.

Taxis, chauffeurs & tours

Taxis
• V Cars 01225 4666666
• Abbey Taxis 01225 444444

Chauffeur
• Chauffeur Travel Bath, 01225 463404, enquiries@chauffeurtravel.co.uk
http://www.chauffeurtravel.co.uk/

Interesting Tours:

• Ghost Walks of Bath, 01225 350 512, bathghosts@yahoo.co.uk


Take a walk into the unknown with one of our professional guides. No need
to book, unless you are a party of 10 or more. By popular demand now on
Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year, meet at 8pm
outside the Garricks Head pub next to the Theatre Royal

• Bath City Boat Trips, 07974 560 197, www.bathcityboattrips.net/


Enjoy a full commentary on the historic sights of Bath. Frequent departures
are available all day long (subject to conditions). On returning to the city
centre, experience the thrill of sailing directly in to the ‘V’ of the famous
Pulteney Weir. The boat trip lasts approximately an hour.

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