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 Gothic Abbey in city centre |
13 Kingston Buildings Bath, North East Somerset BA1 1LT United Kingdom +44 1225 42 2462 http://www.bathabbey.org |
Though the present building was founded in 1499, Bath Abbey is built on a site of religious importance dating back to the 4th century. Once the great church of a monastery, the Abbey is known for its magnificent fan vaulted ceilings and it boasts of an excellent example of perpendicular architecture. Be sure to allow time to study the incredible stained glass windows at the East End, which depict 56 scenes in the life of Christ. Admission is free, but donations of around GBP2 are requested. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Featuring colonnade built in 1789 |
Between Bath St and Bilbury Lane Bath, North East Somerset BA1 1EE United Kingdom |
The notable feature here is the colonnade built in 1789 as a covered link between the main Pump Room and Roman Baths, and the Cross Bath, which is fed by one of the city's hot springs. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Cross Bath was the bath favored by 'people of quality and rank.' Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Antonio Acuña |
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Striking feature of the Bath skyline, with panoramic views |
Lansdown Road Bath, North East Somerset BA1 9BH United Kingdom +44 1225 46 0705 |
William Beckford was a scholar, an eccentric, and a very wealthy man who could afford to indulge his enthusiasms. In 1827 he had this 154 foot Tower built to use as a banqueting house, library and study for his collection of rare books and art and as a retreat. The Tower is a Grade I listed building, and visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the Belvedere at the top to admire the panoramic view over the city and beyond. The first floor of the building below houses the museum of prints, architectural models, furniture and objects that illustrate Beckford's life and interests. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John W. Schulze |
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The best Capability Brown gardens, just as he designed them |
Off the A4 Betwwen Chippenham and Calne Bath, Wiltshire SN11 0LZ United Kingdom +44 1249 81 2102 http://www.bowood-estate.co.uk |
Starting with over 2000 acres of grounds landscaped by Capability Brown in the 1760s, these gardens include a fine serpentine lake graced with a Doric Temple to which a highly picturesque rocky valley was added toward the end of the 18th century. This new addition also incorporates a cascade and a hermit's cave. Close to the house, the grand 19th century Italianate terraces are planted with roses and many other flowering and scented plants. Brown planted an arboretum of rare trees in the Pleasure Grounds, and here also is the pinetum, begun in the 19th century. Directions: Take the A4 out of Bath toward Chippenham, Bowood is off the A4 between Chippenham and Calne, some 16 miles from Bath. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A perfect Georgian house and the best Capability Brown gardens |
The Estate Office Bowood Bath, Wiltshire SN11 0LZ United Kingdom +44 1249 81 2102 http://www.bowood-estate.co.uk |
Bowood is a perfectly proportioned Georgian building, however, there used to be the Big House and the Little House, which in 1770 were joined together by an enormous drawing room. By the end of WWII, the Big House had become so dilapidated that the present Marquess had it demolished in 1955, leaving the Little House. Bowood as it now exists is hardly a poor remnant, however. Surviving Adam portions include the magnificent Diocletian wing, containing a splendid library, the laboratory where Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen. Exhibition rooms show family treasures and as the family were knowledgeable and avid collectors, the collections are more than worthwhile and include superb collections of watercolors, miniatures and jewelery. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tim Norris |
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Over 60 acres of glorious blooms |
Off the A4 Between Chippenham and Calne Bath, Wiltshire SN11 0LZ United Kingdom +44 1249 81 2102 http://www.bowood-estate.co.uk |
Possibly the greatest glory of the Bowood Garden are the Rhododendron Walks, begun in the mid 19th century and added to by successive generations. Now covering over 60 acres, with some 2 miles of paths, the spectacle of the enormous range of rhododendrons and azaleas in flower is breathtaking. This area is open for 6 weeks during flowering time from April to early June. Directions: Take the A4 out of Bath toward Chippenham, Bowood is off the A4 between Chippenham and Calne, some 16 miles from Bath. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The prettiest village |
Off the M4 On the Southern edge of Cotswolds Bath, Wiltshire BA1 1EE United Kingdom |
Voted the Prettiest Village in England, Castle Combe is tucked away in a valley. Not surprisingly the village is a favorite location for filmmakers, the most famous film being Doctor Dolittle. The impressive Dower House served as Dr Dolittle's house in the film. Every turn in the road shows a new and delightful vista, from the 14th century market, cross on down the street of centuries-old honey-colored stone houses (listed as ancient monuments!) to the little hump-backed bridge over the sparkling by brook. The village was once a center for cloth weaving, and by the bridge are weavers' cottages and the Weavers House, where it is said lived the Blanket brothers, who gave a new word to the language when they created a new type of warm bed covering. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Amit Kothari (www.amitkoth.com) |
 Photo: Ed McCauley |
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Beautiful manor with outstanding art |
Corsham Court Bath, Wiltshire SN13 0BZ United Kingdom +44 1249 70 1610 http://www.corsham-court.co.uk |
A Royal Manor from the days of the Saxon Kings until the reign of Elizabeth I, when it passed out of royal hands and finally in 1766 to the Methuen family, who still own it. Originally bought by Paul Methuen to house his collection of old master paintings, the glory of Corsham is still its collection of fine art and furniture. Featuring names such as Adam, Chippendale, Caravaggio, Lippi, Reynolds, Rubens, Van Dyck and Michelangelo, this is certainly one of the most important collections still complete and in private hands. The house itself is a blend of the Elizabethan house of 1582 with 18th and 19th Century additions, all in warm, honey-coloured stone. The splendid state rooms, beautifully designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown to show off the collections, are an incomparable setting for the art treasures, some of which have not been moved for over 200 years! Directions: Approximately 4 miles West of Chippenham off the A4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gareth Morgan |
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Tranquil Capability Brown gardens complete with strutting peacocks |
Corsham Court Bath, Wiltshire SN13 0BZ United Kingdom +44 1249 701610 |
The formal sections of these gardens, hidden away behind the house, are probably the best-kept secret of Corsham Court. They're well worth finding though, particularly for fans of Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton, both of whom worked on the designs. The gardens feature herbaceous borders, a rose garden, a lily pool, secluded gardens, sweeping lawns with splendid specimen trees - and the famous Corsham peacocks, strutting and screaming! b>Directions: Approximately 8 miles from Bath, 4 miles west of Chippenham off the A4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Village of charm and honey-coloured stone |
Off the A4 Between Bath and Chippenham Bath, Wiltshire BA14 1EE United Kingdom +44 1225 477101 |
Full of charm and atmosphere - all that wonderful Bath stone, slate roofs with golden lichen and green moss - a nice, lived-in village, as picturesque as many a more touristy one, but not usually so crowded. This is the perfect place to stop for that afternoon cup of tea or an ideal base for those looking to visit Bath and the West Country without all the noise and bustle that accompanies the city centre accommodation. Easily combined with a visit to Corsham Court. Directions: Approximately 8 miles from Bath, off the A4 between Bath and Chippenham. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Garden in the Hidcote tradition |
Holt Trowbridge Bath, North East Somerset BA14 6RR United Kingdom +44 1225 782340 |
A charming garden in the tradition of Sissinghurst and Hidcote, full of fascinating plants and exhibiting an imaginative use of colour. As if that wasn't enough, there is also an arboretum with many excellent specimen trees, topiary, water features and garden ornaments. A garden to delight anyone who enjoys traditional gardening and great Out of season by appointment onlyswathes of color. Check Website for Admission Fees. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine stately home with original contents |
Chippenham Bath, Gloucestershire SN14 8ER United Kingdom +44 117 937 2501 |
Set in a narrow steep-sided valley, Dyrham, despite being so grand has a wonderfully romantic air, and was one of the settings for the film, The Remains of the Day. The present house was built for William Blathwayt, who married the heiress of Dyrham in 1686. He added the west front to the old Tudor house in 1671. Prospering under William III, Blathwayt built what is virtually another house, linked to the original by the Tudor Hall, this time with a rather grandiose Italianate front. The rooms have changed little since they were furnished by Blathwayt and the contents recorded in his housekeeper's inventory include many fine textiles, Dutch paintings and blue and white Delft ware which can be seen in the house today. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Charming medieval moated manor |
Off B3107 via Broughton Gifford Common Bath, Wiltshire SN12 8NJ United Kingdom +44 1225 782239 |
Chalfield was acquired in 1467 by Thomas Trompnell, who rebuilt the house around a courtyard. The south range has since disappeared, but the north front has probably altered very little. One enters through the original front door into the screens passage (the screen is a 19th century copy of the original). The great hall overlooks three spy windows, and there is a separate eating room across from the screens passage, possibly the first separate dining room in any English house. The house and gardens endured a number of changes, entering the 20th century in a sadly neglected state, but were restored by Major R Fuller, whose family live there and manage the property for the National Trust. Viewing of the house is by guided tour only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Impressive 18th century civic building with Adam-style interior |
High Street Bath, North East Somerset BA1 5AW United Kingdom +44 1225 477000 http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/ |
Designed in 1776 by Thomas Baldwin and said to be one of the finest Adam-style interiors in the country, the Guildhall is a very impressive civic building. It is still in use as the town hall, housing council departments with an indoor market below. The Banqueting Room in the Guildhall is a masterpiece of neo-classical decoration, enhanced by a set of three giant chandeliers made in 1778 by William Parker, and a collection of portraits. Originally used by wealthy traders who were prohibited from using the Assembly Rooms by the aristocracy, the Banqueting Room is still a sumptuous venue for dinners, dances, meetings and concerts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful scenery |
Runs from the Severn Estuary near Bristol to the River Thames at Reading Bath, North East Somerset BA1 1EE United Kingdom +44 1225 47 7101 http://www.katrust.org/ |
The canals of England, once the arteries that carried the life-blood of commerce, have in the past few decades become one of the greatest pleasure boating venues and conservation areas. The Kennet and Avon Canal, by virtue of the beautiful countryside it traverses, is one of the loveliest of English canals. Completed in 1810 it was built to connect Reading with Bath and then Bristol via the River Avon. Aside from its beauty, the canal boasts a spectacular flight of 29 locks which haul the water level up an astonishing 70 metres in the space of two miles, and are now equipped with a water-saving system of backpumps to recycle the water so the locks can now be open to boats every day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Picturesque village, stately home and fascinating museum |
Lacock Bath, Wiltshire SN15 2LG United Kingdom +44 1249 73 0277 |
At first glance the Abbey looks like an 18th century Gothic house, but it's much older. As the name reveals, it was originally an Augustinian nunnery, founded in 1229 and flourishing until Henry VIII suppressed it in 1539. William Sharrington, ancestor of the Talbots, bought the estate the following year and his descendants have lived here ever since. Sharrington demolished the church but kept the fine medieval cloister, sacristy, chapter house and monastic rooms, building his house on the first floor, above the original ground floor rooms of the nunnery. b>Directions: 3 miles south of Chippenham off the A350, approx 12 miles from Bath. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Butler |
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The setting for many films and TV costume dramas |
Off the A350 3 miles south of Chippenham Bath, Wiltshire SN15 2LG United Kingdom +44 1249 73 0277 |
The very picturesque village of Lacock, with its many charming stone and half-timbered houses, is entirely owned by the National Trust. Lacock Village has featured in various Tv and film costume dramas, in particular Pride and Prejudice, Moll Flanders and Emma. Its popularity with the makers of costume dramas is easy to understand. None of the shops show any sign of belonging to the 20th century, let alone the 21st! Residents and businesses are forbidden to display any form of advertising, so a visit to Lacock really is like a journey into the past. It is well worth the short trip from the city to visit Lacock and its many pubs, cafes and gift shops. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Colin Walsh |
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Largest rare breeds farm in the South West. |
Bath Road Norton St Philip Bath, North East Somerset BA3 6LP United Kingdom +44 1373 83 4356 |
The largest rare breeds farm in the South West, with over 30 old British breeds of cows, pigs, sheep, goats and poultry. This is a great day out for the whole family, where you can watch and touch the animals, and there are usually a number of young animals to feed or hold. There is a safe play area with amusements for the kids and a good restaurant and picnic area. Special events like a sheep-shearing day provide unusual and educational as well as entertaining days out. You can also visit the Norwood Farm Shop, which sells organic produce. Directions: 6 miles south of Bath, on the B3110 Bath to Frome road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Award-winning Italian-style garden |
Off the A36 7 miles South East of Bath Bath, Wiltshire BA15 1NB United Kingdom +44 1225 863146 http://www.ifordmanor.co.uk/ |
One of the few Grade I listed gardens in the country, this unique and romantic Italian-style hillside garden is graced with terraces, steps, a colonnade, cloister, casita, evergreen planting and magnificent rural views. Winner of the prestigious HHA/Christie's Garden of the Year award in 1998, the garden is known for its aura of peace and tranquillity and its inspired inter-marriage of formal and natural gardening, using formal structure with much naturalised planting. Throughout the summer a programme of concerts, recitals and operas takes place in the cloisters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful 18th century landscape garden |
Ralph Allen Drive Bath BA2 5AH United Kingdom +44 (0)1225 83 3422 |
The magnificent Palladian mansion is now a school and is not open to the public. The beautiful and intimate 18th century landscape garden, however, is. House and garden were built for Ralph Allen, the former designed by John Wood the Elder [see also The Circus] and the latter created by Ralph Allen with advice from Capability Brown and the poet Alexander Pope. A famous feature of the garden is the Palladian Bridge, magically sited on a lake halfway down the valley, built by Richard Jones from a design by Andrea Palladio. Set in a sweeping valley with views of Bath, the garden is in a continuing process of restoration. All visitors must use public transport. Buses run regularly from the station in Southgate. No parking is available. Disabled visitors must book one of just three parking bays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Famous bridge over the River Avon |
Pulteney Bridge Over the River Avon Bath, North East Somerset BA1 1EE United Kingdom +44 1225 47 7101 |
The view of Pulteney Bridge with its three classical arches spanning the width of the Avon just above Pulteney Weir is synonymous with Bath. Designed in the Palladian style by Robert Adam for landowner Frances Pulteney, the bridge, built in 1769-71, is one of only three bridges in the world lined with shops. But Pulteney Bridge is unique in being 18th century, a time when buildings on bridges were being demolished as impediments to traffic. Indeed the Bath Corporation protested about this 'outdated phenomenon,' but Frances Pulteney was determined (possibly thinking of the shop rents he would collect) and the shops remain to this day. After 1936 the bridge was restored to the original plans and it is this restored bridge that enchants visitors and provides an instantly recognisable image of Bath. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Historic reminders of the age-old problem of finding a cab |
1-2 Queens Parade Place Bath, North East Somerset BA1 1EE United Kingdom +44 1225 47 7101 (Bath Tourist Information Centre) |
Drinking and driving is not a modern dilemma. The two small stone kiosks on the right hand side of the road here were built to provide shelter for waiting sedan chair carriers - the Georgian equivalent of taxi drivers - in an effort to keep them out of the public houses. In 1793, in an attempt to control fares and regulate the chair men, the council tried to bring in a special chair licence. The chair men, needless to say, were not impressed with these plans and made their discontent known by arriving mob-handed at the Guildhall council offices. Realising that they may not get out of the building alive, the mayor and his councillors reversed the decision, and the chair men returned, victorious, to Queens Parade Place. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Roman religious temple |
Abbey Churchyard Bath BA1 1LZ United Kingdom +44 (0)1225 47 7785 http://www.romanbaths.co.uk |
The baths were constructed shortly after the Romans came to Britain in 43AD and are fed by Britain's only natural hot spring; the original paving slabs around the Baths are still used by visitors. Cold plunges, drainage systems, a sauna and a temple complete the centre of the Roman town, Aquae Sulis, named after the Celtic goddess of water. Exhibits and Roman artifacts include a famous stone relief of the Gorgon's Head, mosaics, stone coffins, and a gilded head from a statue of Sulis Minerva. Admission: adult GBP8; child GBP4.60; under 6 free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The finest crescent in Europe |
Royal Crescent Bath, North East Somerset BA1 1EE United Kingdom |
John Wood the Younger's masterpiece, often called the 'finest crescent in Europe' was built between 1767 and 1775 and has housed many famous residents including the Prince of Wales and Duke of York, first and second sons of George III. It consists of one hundred and fourteen Ionic columns supporting a continuous cornice over two hundred yards long. Originally divided into thirty choice mansions, today the middle buildings form the elegant and sumptuous Royal Crescent Hotel, and Number 1 is a museum. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hospital associated with Nash, Wood and Oliver |
Upper Borough Walls Bath, North East Somerset BA1 1RL United Kingdom +44 1225 465941 |
Still a hospital for the treatment of rheumatic diseases, the Royal Mineral Water Hospital is another product of that bold trio who were responsible for the magnificent flowering of Bath in the 18th century... the architect John Wood, his patron Ralph Allen, and Beau Nash. Nash collected money from visitors to fund the work, Allen supplied the stone and Wood built the hospital. The project also had the support of Dr William Oliver, inventor of the Bath Oliver Biscuit. Originally concocted as an indigestion remedy, the biscuit is still made, and now sold as a delicacy. In its early years, admission to the hospital cost £3, which paid for treatment if successful, or burial if it was not! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The biggest and the best |
Marlborough Lane Below the Royal Crescent, Avon Bath, North East Somerset BA1 2NQ United Kingdom +44 (0)1225 47 7010 |
Formally opened in 1830, Royal Victoria Park was named after the young princess who was visiting Bath at the time. The park itself covers 57 acres and is overlooked by the famous Royal Crescent. Originally laid out as an arboretum, Victoria Park still contains some beautiful mature trees. In addition you will find unusual bedding displays, tennis courts, statues and ornaments, a botanical garden, bowling green, golf courses, an aviary, woodland dell and the largest free adventure playground in the area. The park is also used throughout the year for many of the city's festivals and musical events including Opening Night and the Childrens Art Festival. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Enchanting, world-famous landscape garden |
Stourton Bath, Wiltshire BA12 6QD United Kingdom +44 1747 841152 |
It is remarkable that in the age of the great landscape gardeners Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton, this shining example of English landscape gardening was the creation of its owner, Henry Hoare II, who laid it out between 1741 and 1780. His fabulous artificial landscape centres upon a chain of lakes, created by damming a stream, and the three classical temples, the bridge, the grotto and the rock arch are seen one at a time as the visitor moves from light to shade through the great trees and shrubs. Hoare derived his inspiration from his studies of the classics, and it was the personal tragedy of losing his wife and children over a period of years that led him to devote forty years to creating this vision of what must have been a paradise lost. But for visitors it is an unalloyed joy - a unique work of art that is beautiful in every season. Review © 2007, Wcities |
![Stourhead Garden [National Trust] photo by David Paterniti](pictures/135780.jpg) Photo: David Paterniti |
![Stourhead Garden [National Trust] photo by Mark Hooper](pictures/135780_1.jpg) Photo: Mark Hooper |
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Buildings in Palladian style |
North of Queen Square Bath, North East Somerset BA1 1EE United Kingdom +44 1225 47 7101 |
John Wood the Elder had a vision: to create buildings with all the grandeur of Palladian palaces but all the convenience of a row of private houses. He planned the Parades, Queen Square and The Circus as speculative ventures to be let or sold, and at various times The Circus was home to such luminaries as William Pitt, Thomas Gainsborough and William Gladstone. The Circus was designed by Wood in 1754, and looks rather like a Roman amphitheatre turned inside out, its three tiers embellished with Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns. It was Wood's enthusiasm for the Palladian revival that was responsible for the particular unity of style that characterizes Bath to this day. And it was Ralph Allen whose generosity translated Wood's architectural dreams into the squares and crescents of this gracious city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautiful old manor house |
Off the B3109 Westwood Village Bath, Wiltshire BA15 2AF United Kingdom +44 1225 863374 |
This manor goes back to Saxon times, and at the time of Domesday it was in the possession of the Bishop of Winchester. There is a fragment left of the house from about 1400, but most of it was built by Thomas Culverhouse in the 1480s, Thomas Horton in the 1520s and John Farewell in the early 17th century. Notable features are the late Gothic and Jacobean windows and some fine plaster work, including a Red Indian on a totem pole, which is a very early American connection, possibly the first of its kind in England. As with so many small manor houses, Westwood was neglected during the 18th and 19th centuries, being used as a farm. Edgar Lister took it over around 1900 and restored it sympathetically, leaving it, his furniture and some attractive wall hangings to the National Trust in 1956. There is a modern garden, which is entered through a topiary hedge in the shape of a life-size cottage. Directions: 1 mile southwest of Bradford on Avon, off the B3109 in Westwood Village beside the church, approximately 10 miles southeast of Bath. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Green + Grmek |
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Dramatically illuminated, exciting and beautiful caverns |
From Bath A39 to Wells Bath, North East Somerset BA5 1BB United Kingdom +44 1749 67 2243 |
So much more than a hole in the ground. But while we're on the subject of holes, one of the best things about Wookey (considering the vagaries of the British weather) is that all its myriad pleasures can be enjoyed throughout the year - there just isn't much weather underground. Formed by the action of the waters of the River Axe eroding the limestone, the caves have given shelter to man and his animals for some 50,000 years. No longer serving as houses and barns, they have a brilliant new lighting system to show off the many caverns, rock formations (including the famous Witch of Wookey, whose tale you will hear), stalactites and stalagmites, as you ramble walkways and bridges over the underground water course. During the half-mile tour with a knowledgeable guide, you will traverse 50,000 years of history and legend. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Justine Humphries |
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Fabulous, fascinating -- and fun! |
From Bath A39 to Wells Bath, North East Somerset BA5 1BB United Kingdom +44 1749 67 2243 |
It's fabulous, it's fascinating, it's fun! The mirror maze creates the impression of a huge and colourful vaulted crypt with many passages, some apparently full of twists and turns, and some appearing long and straight. Some mirrors allow fleeting glimpses of mysterious images. The beautiful musical fountain at the end of the maze, whose waters dance entrancingly to the music, appears and disappears and reappears from a different direction over and over. Combines all the craziness of a funhouse with a beautiful fairytale setting. Review © 2007, Wcities |