Bath is widely considered Britain’s most attractive small city. This city is famous for the archeological wonder from which it takes its name: its 2,000-year-old Roman baths. Here is a list of the impressive destinations in Bath that you must visit.
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Impressive Destinations in Bath
1. The Royal Crescent
In a city packed with world-class architecture, The Royal Crescent still stands out. A sweeping arc of Georgian townhouses made from warm, honey-colored stone and fronted by expansive green lawns, it was designed by John Wood the Younger to give well-off residents the feel of country living in the heart of the city. Mission accomplished.
2. Bath Abbey
The Gothic cathedral of the Bishop of Bath and Wells (aka, “the Bath Abbey”) was founded in 1499. According to legend, it was built after Bishop Oliver King experienced a vivid dream of angels climbing up and down ladders to and from heaven.
Interpreted as a sign to rebuild the church – the site had been used by Christians as a place of worship since AD 757 – the dream was intricately immortalized in stone on the building’s west side.
A good time to visit for those with flexible itineraries is during one of the frequent music concerts or public lectures (check the abbey’s website for dates and details). There’s also a guided tower tour program, which takes in the bell chamber, clock face, and roof.
3. The Circus
This historic row of Grade-One listed townhouses makes for a pleasant walk, showcasing the architectural skill of John Wood the Elder and forming a perfect circle, originally known as The King’s Circus. The building of the stunning landmark began in 1754. And the spot is believed to have been home to a number of famous people, including the artist Thomas Gainsborough and actor Nicholas Cage.
This is one of the most impressive destinations in Bath that you must visit when traveling.
4. Pulteney Bridge
One of the most recognizable pieces of architecture in Bath, Pulteney Bridge is one of only a handful of bridges still standing with buildings atop them. Completed in 1774 to connect central Bath to undeveloped land on the opposite side of the River Avon, it’s considered one of the most iconic such bridges in the world. It even played a starring role in the film version of Les Misérables).
Three arches support a variety of quaint little shops and restaurants, and the bridge opens onto Great Pulteney Street, with its beautiful Georgian-era homes. The bridge also acts as the departure point for a variety of fun river excursions.
5. Prior Park Landscape Garden
Get away from it all with a stroll through an immaculately designed eighteenth-century landscaped garden. Created by Bath entrepreneur Ralph Allen, it’s an oasis of calm just a stone’s throw from the busy city center. Explore lakes and winding wooded paths and cross the famous Palladian Bridge, one of only three bridges of its kind in the UK.
6. Holburne Museum
The mainstay of the Holburne Museum’s excellent collection of art includes paintings by Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Stubbs, along with 18th-century silver, Wedgwood porcelain, Renaissance bronzes, and early period furniture.
Housed in the former Sydney Hotel, the museum now includes a garden café overlooking lovely Sydney Gardens, famous as Britain’s only surviving 18th-century pleasure gardens.
A variety of events and educational programs are held frequently, including classical music performances and lectures. If you time it right, a fun thing to do is participate in the museum’s “late-night” programs, which allow you to explore its many exhibits after hours. A café and shop are located on the premises.
7. The Theatre Royal
For a fancy night out in Bath, head along to the Theatre Royal, which is home to three performance spaces and bursting with history. The Main House stage is host to big-name musicals and pantomimes, while the Ustinov Studio puts on more alternative work. There’s also the Egg, a children’s theatre.
8. Victoria Art Gallery
A must if you need your culture-fix in Bath is the Victoria Art Gallery. The building was opened as a gallery in 1900 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. It offers free entry so you can peruse its terrific collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative art. The Grade-Two listed building is home to more than 1,500 objets d’art and has paintings from the 17th century up to the present day.
In conclusion, these are some of the impressive destinations in Bath that you can’t miss during the trip.
