Bath

Despite the fact that Bath isn’t that big, there’s plenty to see and do. In fact, fitting all of Bath’s offerings into a single day trip would probably be impossible. Instead, wander around the city and take in the breathtaking sights at a more leisurely pace, making sure to look out for the big-hitters (the Royal Crescent and the Roman Baths are a must-see) as well as other picturesque locations such as the lush Prior Park. Since you’ll be spending all day on your feet, don’t forget to refuel at one of Bath’s best foodie spots, and if you start to get tired (or short on time) take it a little easier by grabbing a ticket for the hop-on-hop-off tour buses.

If you think Bath looks pretty in pictures, you should see it from the sky! Weather permitting, those with a head for heights can get a unique perspective of the city on a hot air balloon ride. Blimps take off at dusk or dawn, when the city is at its most atmospheric. You can even enjoy the beautiful Somerset countryside with a cheeky bit of bubbly while taking in Bath’s many landmarks from a totally different point of view.

Forget the blockbuster productions, this fringe theatre located in an old church hall in Larkhall is the place for a show with real charm and intimacy. Rondo is just a short jaunt from the city centre. Here you’ll find independent productions, as well as touring shows, plus performances from the resident community theatre group Rondo Theatre Company, which has been going since 1953. On top of that, there’s regular shows from comedians, circus acts and much more – this really is a great little venue

Julius Caesar famously thought that Britannia wasn’t worth fighting for, but his successor Claudius certainly did. If it wasn’t for Claudius’s army conquering the south of England in 47 AD, we wouldn’t have had roads, sewage systems and London – not as early as we did, anyway. We also wouldn’t have had the Bath spas. It was the Romans who unearthed the hot springs here and built some astounding structures within which to house them. The omcredobly well preserved Roman Baths in the centre of town are a sparkling example of the legacy left all those years ago.

After the Romans had their way and were long consigned to history, it was the Georgians that took a real liking to this spa town during the eighteenth century and built much of the city you see today. It was the Georgians that liberally used the famous yellow Bath limestone to construct elaborate and ornate buildings here, including Circus (a circle of large townhouses), the Assembly Rooms (where you’ll find the Fashion Museum) and the Pump Rooms. A shouldn’t-miss highlight is Royal Crescent, a curved row of 30 Georgian terraces, adorned with 114 Ionic columns and Palladian mouldings, with a ha-ha wall outside