What To See On A Tour of Bath
Should you have an opportunity to take a tour of Bath, you’ll be delighted at all this city has to offer. In Bath there are so many fascinating adventures, you’ll just have to decide on where to start. You can relax on a spa break, visit diverse museums, or marvel at the grand historic architecture. If you’d like, you can even take a trip back in time and walk in the same steps as Roman soldiers or British Kings. For something livelier, you could take in a live concert, see a comedy act at the theater, or get the best view of the city from high above in a hot air balloon.
To help you plan your tour of Bath, here are just a few must-see attractions:
The Roman Baths
Take a walk-through tour of this ancient site and see up-close where the natural hot waters still flow. The warm and mineral-rich springs were first popularized in 863 BC by British King Bladud. Legend has it that the healing waters in the springs cured his leprosy, and he founded the City of Bath as a tribute.
Later, when the Roman Empire occupied Britain, a temple was built over the spa waters and it became a grand Roman Bath House. The Roman Bath House was used as a place of rest and relaxation for Roman soldiers and soon became Europe’s leading health resort in the18th and 19th centuries.
Thermae Bath Spa
No tour of Bath is complete without the experience of soaking in Britain’s only natural thermal waters. You can select from a variety of spa treatments specifically designed to relax the body and soothe the mind. You can choose a full day spa break in Bath, or even enjoy a 2 or 4 hour session. You won’t want to miss the spectacular view of the country side from atop the Open-air Rooftop Pool.
Cheddar Gorge
Rising 450 feet, Britain’s largest gorge is a spectacular site to behold. You can traverse to the top for a panoramic view from Lookout Tower where you can see miles of country side. If you fancy yourself as a cave dweller, take a tour through Cox’s Cave and into the Crystal Quest where you will marvel at the natural mirror pools and calcite structures underground.
The Circus
Construction of the Circus in Bath took 14 years to complete. And in 1768, this novel design of architecture prompted plenty of commentary. John Wood the Elder took his inspiration from the Colosseum in Rome, and thought his design “theatrical”. When viewed from the air, it forms what is thought to be a Masonic symbol.
Pulteney Bridge
Known as one of the most romantic bridges in the world, Pulteney Bridge is definitely one of the most beautiful. The bridge crosses the River Avon and is only one of four bridges world-wide that has shops built along both sides. The film version of Les Misérables features this wonderful landmark.