Ten things to do in Bath

When I first came to Bath, it was love at first sight.  Who would not be charmed by its beautiful Georgian buildings, charming shops as well as its quaint little street?

What are the ten things, I recommend you to do?  From the Annexe, I advise you to take the Park and Ride in Lansdown.  You will arrive in Milsom street, one of the shopping street of this wonderful town.

Annexe Yew Tree Cottage- Bath signs

Firstly go up the slope then pass the Antique Market in Bartlett Street.  You will reach The Assembly Rooms.  If you are a fan of Jane Austen, you would have read about her characters dancing away in this beautiful building.  Admire the wonderful chandeliers in the magnificent ballroom.  Shut your eyes and imagine meeting Mr Darcy for a dance!.   You can then go downstairs below the ballroom where you will find the Museum of Costumes.

The Circus

Leave the Assembly rooms turn towards the Circus.  Admire the stunning building designed by the prominent architect John Wood, the Elder, it was begun in 1754 and completed in 1768.  Such a perfection!

The Annexe Yew Tree Cottage- The Royal Crescent Bath

The Royal Crescent

The next stop is the Royal Crescent.  On your way, have a look at Margaret’s Buildings.  They are  full of charming shops and little restaurants .The Royal Crescent was built between 1767 and 1775 to the design of John Wood the Younger, it forms a semi-ellipse of thirty Grade I listed houses arranged around a great Lawn.   What a gem the Royal Crescent is!  No. 1 Royal Crescent is the first building at the eastern end of the Royal Crescent.  It is magnificent restored Georgian House.  The interior has authentic fittings as a result you can therefore easily imagine your life in the 18th century.

Annexe Yew Tree Cottage- Bath - The Royal Crescent

Victoria Park

 Princess Victoria opened Victoria Park in 1830  , it was the first park named after her.  You will find an obelisk dedicated to her. One beautiful feature of Victoria Park are the botanical gardens.  You will admire a wide collection of trees, shrubs and flowers.  If you fancy it, you can experience a hot air balloon ride over Bath, as they usually launch from Royal Victoria Park or you can just watched them being launched.

Jane Austen Centre

As you walk back towards town through the park, you will pass The Jane Austen Centre in Gay Street.  It is a small museum reminiscing the life and times of  Jane Austen.  In addition there is also a Regency tearoom                                                                                             Annexe Yew Tree Cottage- Bath- Jane Austen Centre

The Roman Baths

Go through town.  You may be tempted to step in the numerous shops along your way but aim for the The Roman Baths, at the heart of the City World Heritage Site  They consist of the remarkably preserved ancient temple and Bath. Above all, the thermal hot springs can be seen in the site.

Annexe Yew Tree Cottage Bath

The Abbey

Just across the Roman Bath, you can see the Abbey a very imposing building.  It is worth a visit and you can only be impressed by the amazing stained glass windows for instance.

Annexe Yew Tree Cottage

Pulteney Bridge

Next stop is Pulteney Bridge.   Pulteney Bridge crosses the river Avon.  It was finished by 1774 , it is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops across its full span on both sides.  The weir below is quite spectacular

The Annexe Yew Tree Cottage -The Weir and Pulteney Bridge
Yew Tree Cottage- Bath- The Weir and Pulteney Bridge

The Holburne Museum

Finally,  carry down the avenue to Sydney Garden where you will find the Holburne Museum with its fascinating collection of art.  There often some very good exhibitions.

I hope that you have enjoyed your visit of this great city.  There are many more things to visit but this will be another post!

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