~ Bath ~
The City of Bath has been my main home for all my life. Even though I live just outside of Bath it has always been the closest big city where I have spent a lot of time. I used to go to college there and work but now I do not visit the City so much and only go in for meals and rugby matches. Never the less it is still a fantastic place to visit. The Georgian City is beautifully structured has is set amongst the countryside. It has many places to visit and much to learn about the history of the town. Bath is one of the world’s greatest cities and is a huge tourist attraction to everyone around the globe. Even though I cannot understand why so many people come to the city I do think it is a great place with a lot of beautiful views.
Bath is a unique City and has so many features to form its beauty. It has been attracting visitors for over 2,000 years because of its historical features. The history of The Roman Baths, bath Abbey and the surrounding areas of the Royal Crescent have been popular sites for hundreds of years. These are amongst the finest buildings in Europe to be built. Bath is near many other interesting towns such as Weston Super Mare, Wells and Frome. It is easy to get to and there are many relaxing places to stay.
~ HISTORY ~
The City has been through many eras and this can be shown by the different buildings and features added over time. The first time Bath became known was in the Roman era which is why it is famous for the Roman Bath’s. There is a legend that Bath was founded in 860bc by a King Bladud. The Romans built the baths for cleansing and the hot springs came a healthy ways for the town to be clean. It was also a dedicated to the Goddess of healing. As the Roman towns became decreased Bath still had occupants in huts that were built around the Baths.
The Saxons also took over the City when the Romans decreased in popularity. They occupied the City for a while and this was the time were there was much lost from previous eras. In the middle ages the Abbey was rebuilt bigger and it became a religious place. The springs were still used where many people thought they could be cured of diseases from the water.
16th and 17th century were the times of Henry VIII who closed the Abbey and demolished many roman features of the City. After this there were many who tried to save Bath including Queen Elizabeth who cleaned it up and made new houses. Bath has suffered through many plaques and civil wars and it is a shame there is not more buildings that survived. Most of the newer buildings such as The Royal Crescent and The Circus were built in the 18th century as there were attempts to draw in rich visitors.
In the modern times Bath has now many features from every era saved, which is why it is unique. Population has gone over 70,000 people and it is a thriving shopping and attractive place. Even though many buildings were destroyed from WW2 it can still enjoy the new and old products of Bath. Many new buildings have been built to look Georgian to fit in with the towns hertitage.
~ SITES TO VISIT ~
The City has so many things to see and do you will be lucky to fit everything in. There are places of historical interest and just generally nice places to go and see.
I have chosen a couple out of the whole place which I would recommend you see if you only have a while here. These few places are for those who want to site see and find out some more about the history of buildings.
- The Roman Baths
The springs are an amazing place to visit and I have seen them over five times. BANES residents get in for free so it is a good place to waste a few hours for me.
This is the centre of Bath’s heritage and has so much history and character. The complex consists of the outside springs, ancient paving and statues, and the temple. Built over 2,000 years ago you learn a lot about the Romans and the hot springs. You can touch the hot water at one section and it just feels so warm and clean. There are auto guides to tell you everything you need to know and a children’s guide to help them learn and have fun.
OPENING TIMES
1 Sept – 31 Oct
Every day including bank holidays- 09:00 – 17:00
1 Nov – 31 Dec. 1 Jan – 28 Feb
Every day including bank holidays- 09:30 – 16:30
1 Mar – 30 June
09:00 – 17:00
1 July – 31 Aug
09:00 – 21:00
- Prices -
Adult- £11
Children- £7.20
Family (2 Adults & 4 Children) £32.00
Contact – 01225 477785
BA1 1LZ.
- The Bath Abbey
The Abbey is one of my favourite places to go in Bath. Built in the 15th century it is an outstanding image. Over the last few centuries it has been destroyed and parts rebuilt with over four different occupants. The present Abbey has been rebuilt from being demolished by Henry VIII. The building is beautifully made and is amazing to see at night when lit up. There are many services held at the Abbey at Christmas and New Year and you can guided tours every day of the week bar Sunday. It provides many spectacular views and you can even sit inside the clock face. There are many stories to be heard and many sights inside to be seen.
OPENING TIMES
1 April – 31 Oct
Mon – Sat – 09:00- 18:00
1 Nov – 31 March
Mon – Sat- 09:00 14:30
- Prices -
£5
- You can find many upcoming events held at the Abbey by following the link-
http://visitbath.co.uk/site/things-to-do/bath-abbey-p24001Other places include- The Royal Crescent, Grand Parade Gardens, Pultney Bridge and canal.
~ SHOPPING ~
Bath is a good place to do some shopping and has a great range of shops to suit all. Currently the Southgate shopping centre is being rebuilt and will be opened early next year which will be better for shoppers. The centre is easily found and the shops are all in the same location. Discover all the different areas of shopping. I don’t really shop much in bath as I never have the money too anymore but it does have some great sales and a Christmas market in December, which is lovely. You can find a gift for pretty much everyone. I don’t visit the market much as there are always too many people about. I don’t like shopping really so get really annoyed with all the people who get in your way and stand about right in front of you.
Bath is not that big compared to other towns like London but it is still easily just as annoying.
A negative of this great place is that as many tourists and visitors like to come here the parking at the moment is quite bad. As The Southgate is being rebuilt a car park has been lost but will be twice the size when the site has finished. The prices for parking are quite high so you may need to plan in advanced to get there early. There are not a lot of places for free parking and as there are many residents living in the centre spaces are limited. However there are park and ride services around the town and local bus services. The train station is also in the heart of Bath so you could travel down by train.
~ Nightlife ~
To be honest the only times I am in bath now is the evenings. Sometimes I will go out for meals in the vast variety of restaurants, but most of the time it’s going there for a night out. There are loads of different pubs and clubs for all kinds of people. There are some really nice pubs and I tend to stick to a few that I know well. There is some trouble around in Bath and even though there are many things said in the paper I have never had any trouble where I have visited. If you stay in a big group and go to your familiar places its fine. The weekends are extremely busy, like any other city, most places get full quickly. Pubs include chain places such as Weatherspoons, Slug and Lettuce and All Bar one, but there are some nice places to go if you just want to go to a few pubs. It can be quite expensive depending on where you go so expect dear prices.
Other than just going out to get drunk there are other things you can do at night time in Bath. It has a theatre and cinemas so you can enjoy your night a different way. The cinemas have always got a wide range of films to watch and it is surrounded by restaurants so you can make a night of it. The theatres offer a selection of performances which can attract any aged person. As well as this Bath has a great comedy club this has different stand up comedians though out the week. I have not been here yet as it is fairly new but I have spoken to people who say it is really good so I will go there soon. There are many different ways to enjoy at night out in Bath.
~ TOURS ~
Like many other big cities or historical towns, bath offers a tour on buses around all of the fantastic views and buildings. This is a great idea if you have never been here before and I enjoyed my trip in the summer sat on an open top bus. These bus tours are very regular and take 45 minutes. The tickets are about ten pounds for an adult whom I think is quite expensive. Other than buses, Bath offers walking tours for those who to get out and about, or boat trips along the canal. The boat trips are really nice and for a price you can enjoy a trip down the River Avon. There are about six different boats, but they are all situated along the canal and cannot be missed.
There are many stories and secrets of Bath to be heard and I would defiantly recommend the boat trips.
~ RUGBY ~
You cannot visit Bath properly until you have enjoyed one of the City’s favourite games- Rugby. The Rec is Bath’s home ground and when there is a home game on the whole town is buzzing. There is a brilliant atmosphere when games are on and all the pubs are full with laughter. The Rec is the heart of Bath and is my favourite place. Bath has several Rugby shops surrounding the grounds which are always great to look in.
http://www.Bathrugby.com
~ INTERESTING FACTS ~
- The first King of England was crowned in Bath.
- You can purchase a Bath Visitor card which you received discount on a range of attractions and shops. ~ THE GOOD ~
- Beautiful sights and attractions
- Plenty to see and do
- Nice places to stay
- Bath Rugby
- Variety of shops
- Historical interests and stories
~ THE BAD ~
- Parking!!!!!
- Number of shoppers
I hope you will come and visit Bath if you haven’t already, I would recommend a trip so you can see and explore the City of history. It has great shops, nice places to eat and lovely hotels. It is at it's best in the summertime when you can enjoy boat trips and just sit in the crescent or Parade Gardens. Thank you for reading.
~ WEBSITES ~
www.visitbath.co.uk
www.bath.co.uk
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bath,_SomersetBlackmagicstar4. OCT 09. x x
~ Bath ~ 
