The Romans established Bath in the year 43 AD and this city,
awash with fabulous architecture, history and culture, has been
welcoming travellers ever since. Many of Bath's great buildings
date back from its renaissance in the 18th century when it again
became a fashionable spa town and played host to royalty and the
cream of aristocracy, who famously visited the city to 'take the
waters'. Today visitors can walk around the old Roman Baths, enjoy
the splendour of Bath Abbey or simply take in the breathtaking
Georgian architecture of this beautiful city, which somehow managed
to escape the ravages of industry and the Luftwaffe.
Jane Austen lived and based several of her books in Bath, and on
Gay Street, near her home, visitors can find the Jane Austen
Centre, which allows visitors to immerse themselves in her life and
times. For an authentic feel of life gone by, period decorations
and furniture have been reinstated at No. 1 Royal Crescent, so that
the house appears as it did in its days as a fine 18th-century
townhouse.
Bath is home to much older attractions than its Elizabethan
assets, including the famous ancient Roman baths, situated over
natural hot springs. Bath was a prosperous tourist destination as
early as its Roman occupation, when the baths were built, and
continued its reputation as a therapeutic health resort through the
medieval period.
Though architecturally Bath is something of a period piece, it
is also a very modern city. Its restaurants and pavement cafés are
packed full of local businessmen and artisans, and its cinemas,
pubs, and nightclubs keep its residents entertained each evening.
Bath's answer to Camden Market is Walcot Street, where a bohemian
street market takes place each weekend, its parks and gardens are
also popular for relaxing and enjoying pleasant weather.
The International Music Festival marks the beginning of summer
and adds to Bath's lively, festive atmosphere. Its Theatre Royal is
one of the country's leading provincial theatres, attracting big
names and pre-West End show runs.