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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 |
 Photo: Brian Ritchie |
 Photo: _Matt__  |
 Photo: Howard van Rooijen |
 Berkeley Castle |
Near Stroud Berkeley, Gloucestershire GL13 9BQ United Kingdom +44 1453 81 0332 http://www.berkeley-castle.com/ |
Ancient, beautiful and steeped in history, Berkeley Castle has featured in Shakespeare, been the scene of the murder of an English King, been battered and breached by Cromwell, and seen a butcher's daughter marry the 5th Earl (after they had seven children). The castle itself is a beautiful, romantic and haunting building built of pinkish sandstone and grey tufa, which gives an ethereal look to the place. And as in the best fairy stories, terrifying and hideous things happened in the dungeons. Here in 1327 Edward II was imprisoned in a cell by the horrible pit where rotting carcasses and half-dead prisoners were thrown in hopes that the stench would kill him off. When it didn?t, he was tortured to death with the infamous hot poker up the backside. Today, however, Berkeley is an elegant and lovely home set in beautiful gardens. The state rooms contain fabulous collections of furniture, paintings by English and Dutch masters, tapestries and the world-famous Berkeley silver. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tim Fennell |
 Photo: Rita Shaw |
 Photo: Richard Olpin |
 Photo: Scrumble. |
 Photo: hall.kelly@sbcglobal.net |
 Photo: Stuart Elks |
 Photo: GenieB1950 |
 Photo: kevinpowell790 |
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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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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 |
 Photo: Sam Kroonenburg |
 Photo: Sam Kroonenburg |
 Photo: Douglas McMasters |
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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 |
 Photo: Michael Prior |
 Photo: threewise |
 Photo: Jhih-Ying Jiang |
 Photo: Roger Griffiths |
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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 |
 Photo: Steve Gailor |
 Photo: Robert Davies |
 Photo: Robert Davies |
 Photo: Richard Eason |
 Photo: Paul Young |
 Photo: Hiroht |
 Photo: Peter L Herring |
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Picturesque castle ruin with great views |
Farleigh Hungerford Bath, North East Somerset BA3 6RS United Kingdom +44 1225 75 4026 |
Extensive and picturesque ruins command splendid views over the valley of the River Frome. The superb chapel contains wall paintings and the fine tomb of Sir Thomas Hungerford, who built the castle in the 1370s when, we are told on good authority, all knights were bold and chivalrous and all their ladies beautiful and good. The inhabitants of Farleigh seem to have been the exceptions: one was a damsel who, far from being in distress, showed a distressing ability to take care of herself. For this talent the wicked Lady Hungerford was hanged at Tyburn in 1523 on a charge of strangling her husband and then having his body burned in the castle's kitchen. A later Lady Hungerford was walled up in one of its towers for four long years by her husband. And no one has been able to satisfactorily explain the eight lead coffins in the crypt beneath the chapel. No wonder the castle is a ruin - it was obviously dangerous to live there! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Will Webster |
 Photo: Bijeshnath |
 Photo: Bijeshnath |
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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 |
 Photo: Nick Veitch |
 Photo: Knight of Roses |
 Photo: Ted Boucher |
 Photo: Colin Walsh |
 Photo: Fiddlelass |
 Photo: nemoyip |
 Photo: David Merrett |
 Photo: Carlos Leira |
 Photo: Jennifer Geisert |
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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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Grand Elizabethan house and gardens |
Longleat Bath, Wiltshire BA12 7NJ United Kingdom +44 1985 84 4400 http://www.longleat.co.uk |
There really is something for everyone at Longleat, whether you are a culture vulture or an old hippy, whether you relish fine art and architecture, have a historical bent or are simply intrigued by the goings on of the present Marquess of Bath. The house is rich in all the usual accoutrements of a great stately home - fine state rooms, excellent paintings and furniture and the ghost of grieving Louisa, 2nd Viscountess Weymouth, whose lover was killed by her husband in the upstairs gallery now known as the Grey Lady's Walk. There are also some more unusual pieces such as the fascinating Karma Sutra mural by the present Marquess of Bath, whose 60s flower power and free love lifestyle has attracted so much interest. This Marquess, sometimes called the Loins of Longleat because of his notorious harem of 'wifelets', has proved a better conservator of his heritage than some critics thought and has also commissioned a series of mazes for the gardens. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Laurence Ashworth |
 Photo: Mary Eliza Jade |
 Photo: Mary Eliza Jade |
 Photo: cardbush |
 Photo: Clive Moore |
 Photo: Louise Marcus-Hamilton |
 Photo: Ron Rademaker |
 Photo: Shane Kelly |
 Photo: Jack Pearce |
 Photo: Chris Upfield |
 Photo: Duncan |
 Photo: Polly Silk |
 Photo: Angela Martin |
 Photo: Martyn Ward |
 Photo: rob moger |
 Photo: Gabby Esplin |
 Photo: James Tucker |
 Photo: Jamie Bennett |
 Photo: Happytigress |
 Photo: Andy Gates |
 Photo: Sarah Jones |
 Photo: Matt Jenner |
 Photo: storqmplus |
 Photo: David Cowlin |
 Photo: Angie Dethridge |
 Photo: Ashley Taylor |
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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 |
 Photo: nicksarebi |
 Photo: bee:jay |
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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 |
 Photo: wimbledonian |
 Photo: Kevin Hoogheem |
 Photo: Stephen Zopf |
 Photo: Janine Stromberg |
 Photo: Cayetano |
 Photo: Tom Gilbert |
 Photo: tj.hoving |
 Photo: Neal B. Johnson |
 Photo: Mskadu |
 Photo: David Martil |
 Photo: Andy Edmonds |
 Photo: Wendy |
 Photo: J. Michaelis |
 Photo: Est Bleu2007 |
 Photo: Glenn Strong |
 Photo: Kelvin Tamayo |
 Photo: James Kang |
 Photo: Rowena Wood |
 Photo: *gabsie |
 Photo: gracust |
 Photo: ImperfectlyThirsty |
 Photo: meganwiley |
 Photo: Michiel Frencken |
 Photo: Erin Brooks |
 Photo: Rodney McKellip |
 Photo: Jeff Woodgate |
 Photo: K. Fairbrother |
 Photo: Gary Ashley |
 Photo: William W. Campbell |
 Photo: Michael Moore |
 Photo: Selina Lock |
 Photo: jaysea007 |
 Photo: Jennifer Perkins |
 Photo: Lee Olsson |
 Photo: Malinda Rajapakse |
 Photo: Carl Johnson |
 Photo: Eric Miller |
 Photo: marcellat |
 Photo: Leah |
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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 |
 Photo: Sameer Gharat |
 Photo: A.J. Kandy |
 Photo: Lee Tucker |
 Photo: Leon Brocard |
 Photo: Andrew J. Faulkner |
 Photo: M. Crawford |
 Photo: Steve Bridger |
 Photo: Carolyn Hack |
 Photo: Tom Grydeland |
 Photo: rosspepperell |
 Photo: John Hawkins |
 Photo: Paul Thomas |
 Photo: Dongyi Liu |
 Photo: Andy Scudder |
 Photo: Miles Berry |
 Photo: Rebecca Keating |
 Photo: Joel |
 Photo: NicholaSwallow |
 Photo: Tom Allender |
 Photo: Sam Kelly |
 Photo: Marion |
 Photo: Tom Scott |
 Photo: philip_hsiao蕭潮州 |
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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 |
 Photo: Rob Brewer |
 Photo: Ann Mead |
 Photo: Roman Leinwather |
 Photo: Summeet Anand |
 Photo: casillero |
 Photo: abgas |
 Photo: Nigel Hopes |
 Photo: Femke de Ligt |
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Handsome Palladian mansion in world-famous landscape garden |
Stourton Bath, Wiltshire BA12 6QD United Kingdom +44 1747 841152 |
Stourhead is most famous for its landscape garden, but in any other setting the house would be outstanding as well. An extremely handsome square Palladian mansion built around 1720 with some later alternations, it contains one of the great 18th century art collections in England, with important paintings and sculpture and an Italian pietre dure cabinet that once belonged to Pope Sixtus V, plus an abundance of fine English furniture. Look out for pieces by the younger Chippendale. Directions: At Stourton, off B3092 approx 22 miles from Bath. From Bath take the A36 south to the A361, take the A361 south past Frome, turn left onto the B3092, take that to Stourton. Review © 2007, Wcities |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Mic Whitty](pictures/135771.jpg) Photo: Mic Whitty |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Mic Whitty](pictures/135771_1.jpg) Photo: Mic Whitty |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Heather V Hogg](pictures/135771_2.jpg) Photo: Heather V Hogg |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by David Biggins](pictures/135771_3.jpg) Photo: David Biggins |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by tas.wake](pictures/135771_4.jpg) Photo: tas.wake |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Ian Wilson](pictures/135771_5.jpg) Photo: Ian Wilson |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Matt Foster](pictures/135771_6.jpg) Photo: Matt Foster |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Etrusia UK](pictures/135771_7.jpg) Photo: Etrusia UK |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by blimlips](pictures/135771_8.jpg) Photo: blimlips |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Jo Parsons](pictures/135771_9.jpg) Photo: Jo Parsons |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Dave Watson](pictures/135771_10.jpg) Photo: Dave Watson |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Isabella Perry](pictures/135771_11.jpg) Photo: Isabella Perry |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Amanda Nemec](pictures/135771_12.jpg) Photo: Amanda Nemec |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by John Turp](pictures/135771_13.jpg) Photo: John Turp |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by rockcake](pictures/135771_14.jpg) Photo: rockcake |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Dan White](pictures/135771_15.jpg) Photo: Dan White |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Paul FG](pictures/135771_16.jpg) Photo: Paul FG |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Jake Bickerton](pictures/135771_17.jpg) Photo: Jake Bickerton |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Charles Dyer](pictures/135771_18.jpg) Photo: Charles Dyer |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Graham Rains](pictures/135771_19.jpg) Photo: Graham Rains |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by PETER WRIGHT](pictures/135771_20.jpg) Photo: PETER WRIGHT |
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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 |
 Photo: Darryn van der Walt |
 Photo: chris clark |
 Photo: Andrew Long |
 Photo: joyosity |
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 Photo: Mary B Adams |
 Photo: Dylan James Gardner |
 Photo: Sandra M. Pereira Pe |
 Photo: Annalisa Simonella |
 Photo: Sarah Brottet |
 Photo: Katie Lew |
 Photo: Christy Grantham |
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 Photo: Tracey |
 Photo: oliver damian |
 Photo: sherls |
 Photo: Jon Machen |
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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 |