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    11 Activities

    On the Trail of Romans and Georgians in the Spa City of Bath

    On the Trail of Romans and Georgians in the Spa City of Bath
    Starts from

    Cardiff

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Activities

    11

    Duration

    10 hrs 45 min

    Length

    58 mi

    Guide details

    Starts from

    Cardiff

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Duration

    10 hrs 45 min

    Length

    58 mi

    • History and Culture
    Map preview
    Heather Cole

    Heather Cole

    Travel Expert

    • Discover the inspiration behind Jane Austin's novels.
    • Indulge in afternoon tea, Regency style.
    • Soak in the thermal waters of Bath's premier spa.
    • Stroll along photogenic Georgian Crescents.
    • Walk in the footsteps of Romans at the ancient bath house.
    Head off into the past on a journey to the historic spa city of Bath, over in sleepy Somerset. Famed for its Georgian architecture, sweeping crescents, and thermal baths, the city enjoys a spectacular location in the leafy River Avon Valley. Packed with archaeological sites and heritage museums, Bath instantly charms all those who visit.
    On this fun-filled day out, you'll explore the iconic Roman bath house and discover the Jane Austin Museum, before stepping into the gilded Regency era with a lavish afternoon tea. This is quintessential England at her best! Treat your weary limbs to the rejuvenating thermal baths before heading back via Bristol for dinner with a view.

    Categories

    • History and Culture
    Head off into the past on a journey to the historic spa city of Bath, over in sleepy Somerset. Famed for its Georgian architecture, sweeping crescents, and thermal baths, the city enjoys a spectacular location in the leafy River Avon Valley. Packed with archaeological sites and heritage museums, Bath instantly charms all those who visit.
    On this fun-filled day out, you'll explore the iconic Roman bath house and discover the Jane Austin Museum, before stepping into the gilded Regency era with a lavish afternoon tea. This is quintessential England at her best! Treat your weary limbs to the rejuvenating thermal baths before heading back via Bristol for dinner with a view.
    Heather Cole

    Heather Cole

    Travel Expert

    • Discover the inspiration behind Jane Austin's novels.
    • Indulge in afternoon tea, Regency style.
    • Soak in the thermal waters of Bath's premier spa.
    • Stroll along photogenic Georgian Crescents.
    • Walk in the footsteps of Romans at the ancient bath house.

    Day Itinerary

    11 Activities
    Map preview

    Day 1

    56 mi2 mi

    Roman Baths, Regal Architecture, and a Scrumptious Afternoon Tea

    Delve into the heart of the Georgian era as you stroll past the crescents and squares that punctuate the old centre of Bath. It feels as though time has stood still here, with the legacy of the Romans still casting its magic throughout the city streets. Today, you'll discover more breathtaking architecture than your camera can handle, before taking a refreshing dip in the famous thermal baths.
    10:0045 min

    Caerleon Roman Fortress Baths

    Your first stop of the day is the Roman fortress at Caerleon, which is famous for its baths that have remained surprisingly intact. Inside the museum, you'll see the vast open-air swimming pool where soldiers came to relax after a hard day's work. The barracks where the men slept are also on display, and you can walk over to the UK's most complete Roman amphitheatre, where gladiators used to hang out and show off their skills.
    41.3 mi
    1 hr
    11:4510 min

    Car Park

    Continue your journey to the spa city of Bath and leave your vehicle at the Avon Street car Park, which is conveniently located near many of the major sights.
    0.4 mi
    10 min
    12:1545 min

    The Roman Baths

    Now it's time to explore on foot, and your first stop is one of the most famous attractions in the city - the Roman Baths. You'll discover 2,000 years of history beneath your feet as you wander around the ancient temple and bathing complex, with the highlight being the pool itself where Romans used to enjoy a soak. The site was built on top of a natural hot spring, which still flows today. You won't find better-preserved Roman baths anywhere in the world, so history buffs will be in their element. Visit the museum and engage with costumed characters to learn more about the legacy of the baths.
    0.1 mi
    5 min
    13:1545 min

    Bath Abbey

    Enjoy a moment of tranquillity and reflection in this most sacred of buildings, the site of which dates back to Anglo-Saxon times. The ornate architecture both inside and out never fails to stir the soul, and the stained-glass windows all tell their own tale. Don't miss the Ledgerstones - flat graves that make up the abbey floor, or the Great East Window which depicts the story of Jesus across 56 panes.
    Entry is free but donations are requested. Visit the Bath Abbey website for more details about the experience. Guided tours of the abbey floor can be booked in person at the Welcome Desk.
    0.2 mi
    5 min
    14:1010 min

    Pulteney Bridge

    Next, pop down to the River Avon and admire the historic Pulteney Bridge. With its shops lining the road, it's a little like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Built in 1774 to connect two parishes, the bridge was designed in a Palladian style, and overlooks a photogenic horseshoe-shaped weir.
    For one of the best views, walk along Grand Parade road before stepping onto the bridge itself.
    0.4 mi
    10 min
    14:301 hr 30 min

    The Jane Austen Centre

    Literary lovers will enjoy a visit to the acclaimed Jane Austen Centre, which gives a glimpse of life in the Regency period here in Bath. This small museum is dedicated to the famous writer's own story, and shows how her surroundings inspired settings and characters in many of her novels. Costumed guides will show you around and you can even dress up yourself if you like!
    Take a seat in the Regency Tea Room and indulge in a tasty afternoon tea, with lashings of homemade cakes and finger sandwiches to daintily devour. The grand setting takes you back in time as you enjoy this very English tradition.
    Afternoon tea must be booked in advance - you can do this on their website. Light lunches are also available if you don't fancy afternoon tea.
    0.1 mi
    5 min
    16:1510 min

    The Gravel Walk

    Just around the corner from the Jane Austin Centre is the Gravel Walk, where the writer herself used to stroll back in the day. It was also the setting for some of her love scenes in the novel Persuasion. Wander along this heritage lane, and enjoy views of the grand residences and gardens along the way. You will soon arrive at the Royal Crescent, which is your next stop.
    0.3 mi
    10 min
    16:4510 min

    Royal Crescent

    Probably the most famous street in Bath, the Royal Crescent takes architecture to the next level. This sweeping row of 30 town houses was designed in the 18th century, with the signature Georgian style taking the city by storm. This is one of the most exclusive places to live in Bath, so don't be surprised if you see a Hollywood A-Lister wandering down the street.
    For the best views, walk onto the green at the front of the crescent and appreciate the row in all its splendour.
    0.7 mi
    15 min
    17:152 hrs

    Thermae Bath Spa

    Saving the best until last, next up is the Thermae Bath Spa. You'll be feeling a little weary after all the walking, so what better way to relax than with a pamper session at the city's most famous spa. Fed by the naturally warm spring waters, the spa boasts a couple of bathing pools and a state-of-the-art wellness suite. Finish your session by luxuriating in the rooftop pool, enjoying views across the city and towards the surrounding hills.
    Spa sessions must be booked in advance on the Thermae Bath Spa website. Towels, robes, and flip-flops are included in the price.
    0.3 mi
    5 min
    19:205 min

    Car Park

    It's time to head back to the car, and drive to Bristol for your final stop of the day.
    14.4 mi
    40 min
    20:151 hr 30 min

    Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin

    On arrival in the leafy Clifton district of Bristol, you'll enjoy dinner in the eclectic Goram and Vincent Restaurant at the Hotel du Vin. As well as an extensive menu with both British and French influences, the icing on the cake is the view of Clifton Suspension Bridge from the terrace. In the summer, you can enjoy a drink out here while soaking up the panorama.
    Map preview
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