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OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE 2018 visitbath.co.uk WELCOME TO MY HOME CITY Welcome to Bath, the city where I was born and raised, and where my love of cooking began. Growing up surrounded by the history, heritage and romance of this stylish Georgian city and the beautiful surrounding countryside was a privilege, and I am delighted to call it home. Mary Berry With plenty of events and get dressed up for the Jane enjoy an invigorating walk along festivals on the calendar, 2018 Austen Festival, whilst food the Bath Skyline and explore promises to be an especially lovers can tuck into The Great some nearby market towns. Treat exciting time to visit Bath. The Bath Feast. yourself to an afternoon tea at first ever Country Living Festival the Pump Room and if you are With 15 museums, the world- will transform the city into a looking for a spot of retail therapy, famous Roman Baths and iconic hub of creativity from 11th–13th Bath boasts a range of boutiques Georgian buildings such as The May. The Bath Festival, the city’s to rival any city, including one- Royal Crescent, The Circus and flagship festival of words, music off designer shops and quirky Pulteney Bridge, a midweek and literature, will celebrate independent retailers. break can be the best way to its 70th anniversary with an make the most of all that the city I love returning to Bath when I extended programme of vibrant and surrounding countryside can, and hope you find the city events from 11th–27th May. This have to offer. as enchanting as I do. year marks the centenary of the Representation of the People Ranked as the UK’s number- Best wishes, Act, giving visitors a special one ‘feel good’ city, this World reason to reflect on the Heritage Site is a place to suffragettes who made Eagle immerse yourself in culture. House in Bath their home. During Take a dip in the thermal mineral the autumn, literature fans can waters at Thermae Bath Spa, Information published is correct at time of going to press. Visit Bath accepts no liability for the information supplied by, or quality of product or service provided by the individual businesses, which appear in this publication. Proudly printed using green energy on 100% recyclable paper. Front Cover image: Thermae Bath Spa, Fez Parker. Mary Berry image: Georgia Glynn smith 1 IN THE CITY UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCES IN THE CITY We have chosen No.1 Royal Crescent The Roman Baths a picture-perfect Designed as luxurious This most ancient of Bath’s accommodation for visiting World Heritage wonders tells combination of aristocrats and royalty, this its story in 21st-century style Bath’s best views handsome townhouse has through interactive displays been impeccably restored to its and personal audio handsets. and top places to original glory. No.1 is the first The vast, cavernous complex, visit to help make stop along this world-famous including the mineral-rich façade, offering a fascinating Sacred Spring and classical your stay here insight into 18th-century life. Temple, spans out directly memorable and Last year marked 250 years beneath the Bath’s streets and since the foundation stone was squares. Try walking along the special, at any laid at No.1, and today visitors 2,000-year-old pavements by time of year. can step into this historic flickering torchlight. townhouse and experience a taste of Georgian splendour. Abbey Green Tucked away, a stone’s throw from the Bath Abbey and Roman Baths, is this small and perfectly formed escape into centuries past. Framed by the expansive, leafy canopy of a 200-year-old plane tree and surrounding cobbled stones, this is home to a host of characterful independent shops, cafés and courtyards, as well as the magical Bath Christmas Market during the festive season. Palladian Treasures Pulteney Bridge and the bridge at Prior Park Landscape Garden are two of Bath’s most prized Palladian possessions – romantic rarities in the modern world. Pulteney Bridge is an iconic sight (best photographed from Parade Gardens), and journeying to Prior Park brings The Royal Crescent its own rewards, not least some amazing views over the city. For more information, inspiration and ideas to make your trip to Bath unforgettable, take a peek at VisitBath.co.uk 2 IN THE CITY Thermae Bath Spa This award-winning day spa is a superb example of blending past, present and future. The wellbeing enriching pools are the only place in Britain where you can bathe in natural thermal waters, just as the Romans did 2,000 years ago (now with the welcome addition of bath robes and slippers!) This city-centre oasis also offers soothing spa treatments, and recently opened its new Wellness Suite, complete with ice chamber and infrared sauna. Thermae Bath Spa Bath Abbey Sally Lunn’s Historic Walk the Skyline A place of worship for more than Eating House & Museum For a unique and rewarding 1,200 years, the Abbey provides Dating all the way back to 1482, morning’s activity, try the Bath a thriving church community. Sally Lunn’s is one of the oldest Skyline Walk – the National With its breathtaking stained- houses in Bath and serves one of Trust’s most downloaded walk. glass windows, majestic stone the most famous local delicacies, Promising spectacular views, columns and spectacular the Sally Lunn bun. Here you this invigorating and hugely vaulted ceilings, this is an can view the excavations that popular walk is accessible for uplifting place to absorb the show how the site has refreshed all fitness levels, so don your architecture, learn about its travellers since Roman times and walking shoes and make sure past, listen to the choral music the actual kitchen used by the to bring a camera! or simply enjoy a peaceful legendary Huguenot baker over moment of contemplation. 300 years ago. Take a Tower Tour to experience the vast panorama of Bath’s Georgian heritage and pinpoint the city’s many landmarks. The American Museum in Britain Sally Lunn’s Founded in 1961 to bring American history and culture to the people of Britain and LIVE LIKE A LOCAL Europe, the American Museum is still the only museum of Sydney Gardens Americana outside of the USA. Dating back to the turn of the The museum takes you on a 18th century, Sydney Gardens historic journey through an was once the place to see and be incredible collection of folk and seen, with Jane Austen among decorative arts, showcasing its earliest devotees. Ornate iron the diverse and complex nature bridges connect green spaces of American traditions. Keep over a railway track and canal, an eye out for exciting events and with a stunning replica of and enthralling exhibitions Bath Skyline Walk view the Temple of Minerva, Sydney happening throughout the year. Gardens is scenic at every turn. 3 IN THE CITY When,s your next American adventure? Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD Tel: 01225 460503 americanmuseum.org 4 IN THE CITY Bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Bath’s natural thermal Spa, relax in the new Wellness Suite and enjoy a choice of over 40 spa treatments & packages. Open daily from 09.00 – 21. 3 0 (pools & Wellness Suite close at 21.00) 01225 33 1234 www.ThermaeBathSpa.com BATH ABBEY Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LY +44 (0)1225 422462 | [email protected] www.bathabbey.org There is nowhere else quite like Bath Abbey. Magnificent stained glass windows, columns of honey-gold stone and some of the finest fan-vaulting in the world, create a wonderful experience of light and space. But there is more to it than that – Bath Abbey is a church where people have prayed for centuries and continue to worship today, with regular services throughout the week. With a rich history spanning centuries of change, there is plenty to see and discover. Whether it is to admire the wonderful architecture, to enjoy exceptional music in a beautiful setting or to join in prayer, come and experience the Abbey’s special atmosphere for yourselves. Our popular Tower Tours offer a chance to go behind the scenes and enjoy stunning views of Bath. Entry by donation Open: Monday 9.30am–5.30pm; Tuesday to Saturday 9am–5.30pm; Sunday 1pm–2.30pm and 4.30pm–6pm 5 BEYOND BATH UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCES BEYOND BATH With so much to discover in Bradford-on-Avon Set perfectly in the dramatic the surrounding Avon Valley, Bradford-on-Avon is countryside, Bath a rare combination of river, canal and characterful architecture provides an ideal – from tiny weavers’ cottages base to explore the and ancient alleyways to grand clothiers’ houses. There’s a great Clifton Suspension Bridge best of the West choice of places to eat and Country, from striking drink, including canalside pubs, award-winning restaurants, Bristol landscapes to quaint and cafés offering local produce. Take a short journey to Bath’s villages, dramatic vibrant, urban and diverse valleys to grand neighbour Bristol. Experience fascinating maritime heritage gardens, historical such as the SS Great Britain, the marvels and safari waterfront with its eclectic mix of bars and restaurants, iconic adventures. So plan home-grown street art including to stay another day Bradford-on-Avon the works of Banksy, and the lovely Georgian neighbourhood and experience the Longleat of Clifton and its historic very best of Bath Suspension Bridge. Set within 900 acres of and beyond. ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped grounds, Longleat is home to Wells the UK’s original Safari Park, Set in the medieval heart one of the best examples of of England’s smallest city, Elizabethan architecture, Wells Cathedral is the earliest and an abundance of exciting English Cathedral to be built attractions that allow you to in the Gothic style and has get up close and personal with an international reputation.