Bath nestling in 7 hills between the Mendips and the Cotswolds, in South West England. The city is an masterpiece of Georgian architecture. Rightly so on every UK tourists ‘must see’ destination list. Designated a World Heritage Site. First settled by the Celts, whom legend had it discovered the hot springs’ medicinal qualities. Then occupied by the Romans, who promptly built their own temple and spa – Sulis Minerva.

By the 17th century Bath had become a fashionable resort, ‘taking of the waters’ being particularly popular. Many of Bath’s finest buildings were constructed in the next 150 years. Pulteney Bridge (1774), designed by Robert Adam is one such example. Downstream of the Bridge is a park, with a bandstand and superb flower displays in Summer.

Visiting Bath. royal-crescentWhy not take a cruise along the River Avon? Boats leave from the steps below Pulteney Bridge. Also completed in 1774, and well worth the walk uphill from the town centre, is the Royal Crescent, not in fact a semi circle but an ellipse. No 1 The Royal Crescent, has been restored in Georgian style.

The famous Pump Rooms were completed in 1790. Adjacent, in the Church Yard is Bath Abbey, with its imposing West Front. Dating from the 16th century, the Abbey was constructed to replace the ruinous Norman Cathedral. The Abbey contains some particularly fine stained glass, and superb fan vaulting. The Church Yard itself often attracts very talented street entertainers.

Roman Baths Bath not rediscovered until 1880. They leave a memorable impression on any one seeing them for the first time. See the sacred spring, the Roman temple and bathhouse and Georgian Pump Room- indulge yourself with something mouth watering from the Pump Room’s delicious menu. Did you know that Bath Spa water rises at 46 degree Celsius from one of the city’s three hot springs? Visit Thermae Bath Spa, bath in the warm mineral rich waters. Take a Spa treatment for ultimate relaxation.

Shopping. The city is a shoppers delight from a multitude of high street chain stores to designer labels to art galleries, gift and craft shops. Leading off Bath’s main shopping streets are numerous side alleys (known locally as passages) crammed with yet more shops and restaurants, a delight at any time of year. Down one such passage is Sally Lunns, home of the world famous bun of the same name (actually a type of bread). Treat yourself to an afternoon cream tea or an evening meal?

Bath Tour. Though a Bath visit is best done on foot, one may be tempted to take an ‘Official Bath Tour’ in an open topped double decker bus, complete with commentary by an informed guide – an ideal way of seeing Bath if time is limited, as is a guided walking tour. Pop into the tourist information centre, next to the Abbey, for lots more ideas of things to do and places to see. Why not visit the Jane Austen Centre and learn about Regency life?

Theatre Royal. Take in a show at the 200 year old Theatre Royal- one of the oldest working theatres in the country. Shows range from musicals to plays to pantomime.

Visit Glastonbury-with its myths, legends, abbey ruins -a place of pilgrimage. Or the Cotswolds. Villages of mellow stone, rolling hills, winding rivers and water meadows. Castle Combe and The Slaughters. Centuries old towns, like Stow on the Wold, Burford with its so antique shops.