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Bath, Somerset -

Picturesque Bath nestles in bucolic splendor in the county of Somerset. Known for and named after its Roman-built baths, the city is a favorite well-being destination. But while the waters remain a huge draw for tourists, there's plenty of other sites and attractions for the visitor to soak in.

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Pulteney Bridge -

Historic Pulteney Bridge crosses the River Avon. Designed by Robert Adam and completed in 1774, it is one of only four bridges in the world with shops across the full span on both sides. In the foreground is the horseshoe Pulteney Weir, which dates back to the Middle Ages and was built to prevent the river from flooding the city.

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Bath Abbey -

Dominating the city's skyline is Bath Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, this huge church once served as a Benedictine monastery. Celebrated for its magnificent stained-glass windows, columns of honey-gold stone, and some of the finest fan vaulting in the world, the abbey will delight anyone interested in architecture. It also serves as a place to pause and reflect, and perhaps light a candle.

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The Circus -

Exemplifying Bath's Georgian architecture is The Circus, a historic street of townhouses that forms a large circle. The name comes from the Latin 'circus,' meaning a ring, oval, or circle, and the design is a forerunner of the modern roundabout, or traffic circle.

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Royal Crescent -

The Royal Crescent dates back to 1774 and is one of the great examples of Georgian architecture in the United Kingdom. A row of 30 terraced houses includes No 1 Royal Crescent, headquarters of the Bath Preservation Trust and a "historic House" museum.

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No 1 Royal Crescent -

To get an idea of how the other half lived in Bath in the late 18th century, join a tour through this historic house museum. Visitors are greeted by an opulent interior furnished with period decor and a good deal of gilt and crystal.

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Sally Lunn's Eating House -

Feeling peckish? Pop into Sally Lunn's Eating House and digest a bit of history over one of their famous buns—a teacake baked to a secret recipe and served warm, sliced, and smothered in butter.

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Sally Lunn's kitchen museum -

Sally Lunn's is one of the oldest houses in Bath, dating back to 1680. To get a real sense of the place, make sure you visit the basement kitchen museum where Sally herself created her now legendary delicacy. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

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Roman baths -

Built within the Roman urban settlement known as Aquae Sulis, the Roman Baths are synonymous with the city. Preserved in four main features—the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House, and a museum—the complex, which dates back to 60–70 CE, was in use until the end of Roman rule in Britain.

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Roman Baths complex -

Allow a good hour to absorb the many facets of this ancient facility. Pictured is the caldarium: the floor has been removed to reveal the empty space which the hot air flowed through to heat the floor. The museum displays artifacts from the Roman period, including objects that were thrown into the Sacred Spring.

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Thermae Bath Spa -

While the Roman Baths are longer used for swimming, bathers do have a modern-day equivalent, the Thermae Bath Spa. This fabulous oasis of well-being has two natural thermal baths, an open-air rooftop pool and an indoor pool, a large Wellness Suite with two aromatic steam rooms, an ice chamber, infrared sauna, and the dreamy Celestial Relaxation Room.

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Rooftop therapy -

Thermae Bath Spa is Britain's only natural thermal spa, and is a hugely popular attraction, not least for its funky open-air heated rooftop pool.

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Grand Pump Room -

Set adjacent to the Roman Baths, the Grand Pump Room is so named for the water that is pumped into the room from the baths' hot springs. Visitors can indulge in a glass of spring water here, suitably enriched with healthful and re-energizing minerals. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

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Teatime at the Pump Room -

The building also houses an elegantly styled tearoom where refreshments can be had. Interestingly, music in the restaurant is provided by the Pump Room Trio—the longest established resident ensemble in Europe—or by a pianist. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-ND 2.0)

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River Avon -

Bath sits in the Avon Valley near the southern edge of the Cotswolds. The lower reaches of the River Avon flow through the city and add scenic perspective to the surrounding countryside. The waterway also provides a wealth of watersports opportunities. The river is pictured here, overlooked by the former Empire Hotel.

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Theatre Royal -

Built in 1805, Bath's Theatre Royal has staged plays and performances starring some of the greatest actors and celebrities of the day, names that include Sarah Bernhardt, John Gielgud, and Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. Check what's on and try and catch a show during your stay.

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Prior Park Landscape Garden -

Bath has some glorious parks and green spaces to explore. But for a truly serene diversion, head out to nearby Prior Park and its landscaped garden. Features include a Palladian architecture bridge set over a beautiful lake. Bliss! (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Beckford's Tower -

Beckford's Tower is an architectural folly completed in 1827 for William Beckford. Rising up from the ground as part of a museum complex located just outside the city, the tower stands 47 m (154 ft) and affords visitors fine panoramic views of the surrounding  countryside. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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Who was William Beckford? -

Novelist, art collector, and sometime politician, William Beckford (1760–1844) was one of Bath's most flamboyant and controversial residents. He is remembered as the author of the Gothic novel 'Vathek' (1786) and the builder of the now lost Fonthill Abbey and Landsdown Tower, also known as "Beckford's Tower." His tomb is situated in front of the tower.

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Holbourne Museum -

Bath is blessed with several excellent museums, including the Museum of Bath Architecture, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, and the Victoria Art Gallery. If you only have time to browse one, however, opt for the Holbourne Museum.

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Holbourne Museum collection -

The museum is built around the remarkable collection of fine and decorative art amassed in the 19th century by Sir William Holbourne. Paintings include works by Gainsborough, Zoffany, and Turner.

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Jane Austen Centre -

Another "don't miss" cultural attraction is the Jane Austen Centre. The celebrated English novelist, writer of classics such as 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Emma,' lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806 and set two of her six published novels, 'Northanger Abbey' and 'Persuasion,' in the city. The Centre houses a permanent exhibition that tells the story of her Bath experience. Pictured is a guide in period costume outside the premises waiting to greet visitors while standing next to a waxwork figure of the novelist.

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Bath Assembly Rooms -

Designed by John Wood, the Younger in 1769, the Assembly Rooms contain a ballroom, tea room (pictured), card room, and the Octagon Room. Each room is illuminated with Whitefriars crystal chandeliers and decorated with fine art. Jane Austen's novels set in Bath both mention the Assembly Rooms. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Eating and drinking -

Sightseeing can work up a thirst... and an appetite! Fortunately, Bath is more than happy to cater to hungry and thirsty visitors, and has a wealth of excellent restaurants and delightful pubs to choose from. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

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The Huntsman -

The welcoming Huntsman bar and restaurant is set behind a grand Georgian facade and lures foodies and fans of real ale through its doors. Expect to be served British classics, light lunches, and delectable nibbles among other delicious menu options. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Café du Globe -

As the name suggests, this inviting eatery offers a menu of international cuisine, anything from Thai and Italian dishes to Mexican and Moroccan favorites. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

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The Star Inn -

They've been pulling pints here since 1759, and no wonder. This historic dark wood paneled inn is the brewery tap of Bath's only brewery, Abbey Ales, and is listed on the National Inventory of Heritage Pubs. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

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The Saracens Head -

Even older than the Star Inn is this noted pub, which dates back to 1713—Bath's oldest brew house! Previously a coaching inn, The Saracens Head numbered Charles Dickens as one of its regulars. The Victorian author frequented the Saracens Head when he was working in Bath in 1835. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Bath Bun -

While Sally Lunn's is the best-known place to enjoy a Sally Lunn bun, look out for other equally charming tea houses serving up the Bath bun, often topped with candied fruit peel, currants, raisins, or sultanas.

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Bath at bedtime -

Enclosed by rolling countryside, Bath is especially appreciated from one of the many viewpoints overlooking the city. Arrive at dusk when the lights go on and be treated to a truly romantic, picture perfect view.

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How to get to Bath -

Bath is situated just 18 km (11 mi) from Bristol and 156 km (97 mi) west of London. Excellent rail links serve both destinations, a point not lost by British Railways back in the day when promoting rail travel to Bath. This poster illustrates Pulteney Bridge and part of the Roman Baths. In the 18th century, Bath was the most fashionable resort in England, and even today pulls in one million overnight visitors and 3.8 million day-trippers annually. Enjoy your trip!

See also: Vintage travel posters and luggage labels from yesteryear.

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