Things to do in Bath

Bath and its attractions have drawn visitors for centuries. Rarely can you find so much to see and do in such a small geographical area as in the centre of Bath. World-class museums including the Roman Baths and the internationally renowned Museum of Costume are so numerous that little gems such as the Book Binding Museum are easily overlooked. An important site of historical and cultural origins, the centre is home to Bath Abbey, site of 1,600 years of religious activity.

Guildhall

Designed in 1776 by Thomas Baldwin and said to be one of the finest Adam style interiors in the country, the Guildhall is a very impressive 18th century civic building. It is still in use as the Town Hall, housing council departments and an indoor market below. The Banqueting Room in the Guildhall is a masterpiece of neo-classical decoration, enhanced by a set of three giant chandeliers made in 1778 by William Parker and a collection of portraits. Originally used by wealthy traders who were prohibited from using the Assembly Rooms by the aristocracy, the Banqueting Room is still a sumptuous venue for dinners, dances, meetings and concerts. Phone: +44 1225 477 000.

Baths crescents

Georgian architecture at its best can be seen at Baths handful of crescent-shaped residential streets, offering superb views over the city. The Royal Crescent is the most famous, but Camden Crescent offers the best views, while Cavendish Crescent is the most petite. Lansdown Crescent and Widcombe Crescent are also fine examples.

Beckfords Tower

Beckfords Tower is a striking feature of the Bath skyline with a panoramic view. William Beckford was a scholar, an eccentric and a very wealthy man who could afford to indulge his enthusiasms. In 1827, he had this 154 foot tower built to use as a banqueting house, library and study for his collection of rare books and art, and as a retreat. The tower is a Grade I listed building, and visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the Belvedere at the top to admire the panoramic view over the city and beyond. The first floor of the building houses a museum of prints, architectural models, furniture and objects that illustrate Beckfords life and interests. Phone: +44 1225 460 705.

Bath Abbey

Though the present building was founded in 1499, Bath Abbey is built on a site of religious importance that dates back to the 4th century. Once the great church of a monastery, the Abbey is known for its magnificent fan vaulted ceilings and it boasts of an excellent example of perpendicular architecture. Be sure to allow time to study the incredible stained glass windows at the east end, which depict 56 scenes from the life of Christ. Phone: +44 1225 422 462.

Friends Meeting House

Quakers have only met in this graceful Georgian building since 1866, although there are records of Quakers in Bath from the mid-17th century onwards. No rituals, sacraments, hymns or set form of worship are performed here; just a bare room where the congregation of 40 or so sit in a circle and occasionally speak when moved to. After an hour the service ends, everyone shakes hands and tea or coffee is served. Visitors are welcomed, but not obtrusively so. Phone: +44 1225 46 5643.

Botanical Gardens at Victoria Park

With over nine acres of beautiful plant life, the Botanical Gardens can be found on the north side of Victoria Park. Formed in 1887 and housing a huge array of plants, the gardens include what is believed to be the largest collection of plants on limestone in the West Country, a scented walk, old shrub roses and a fine herbaceous border, along with many unusual examples of trees and shrubs. Within the garden is a replica of a Roman temple that was originally part of the citys exhibit at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in 1924. Phone: +44 1225 477 101.

Royal crescent

John Wood the Younger's masterpiece, often called the finest crescent in Europe was built between 1767 and 1775, and has housed many famous residents including the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York and the first and second sons of George III. It consists of 114 Ionic columns supporting a continuous cornice over 200 yards long. Originally divided into 30 choice mansions, today the middle buildings form the elegant and sumptuous Royal Crescent Hotel. Number 1 is a museum where you can visit one of the houses which has been redecorated to resemble what it would have been like at the end of the 18th century. Phone: +44 1225 428 126.

Roman Baths

Built by the Romans around 2,000 years ago and later rediscovered by the Victorians, the Roman Baths are the must-see tourist attraction in Bath. The baths are fuelled by Englands only mineral hot springs, producing over a million liters of hot water each day. Wander the rooms that make up the baths including the large open-air Great Bath; see Roman, medieval and Georgian architecture and learn about the history of Bath Spa. Phone: +44 1225 477 785.

Museums

Baths city centre shrine to the original Bath bun is Sally Lunns Refreshment House and Museum. The oldest house in Bath is a simple but enjoyable museum housed in cellars, and access is free if guests take refreshments.

The Building of Bath Museum in the Countess of Huntingdons Chapel on the Paragon is one of the most fascinating museums in the city. It gives an excellent potted history of the development of the Georgian city, illustrated with cut-away wooden models which give insight into the construction and structure of Georgian houses and their furnishings. The museum also houses a unique collection of 18th century builders tools.

The Holburne Museum of Arts displays the treasures collected by Sir William Holburne which include superb English and continental silver, porcelain, maiolica, glass and Renaissance bronzes. The Picture Gallery contains works by Turner, Guardi, Stubbs and others, plus portraits of Bath society by Thomas Gainsborough.