The city of Bath, one of the UK’s most popular short-break destinations, has been luring travellers since Roman Times

Bath

Bath was founded as a thermal spa settlement in the first century AD by the Romans and named for the resplendent baths built here. 

Into the Middle Ages and Bath had become an important centre for the wool industry and with its majestic abbey under construction. 

The city’s hey-day was in the 18th century, however, when King George and his Queen Anne visited to ‘take the rich spa waters’. 

The nobility and nouveau riche followed in the Royal wake and Bath’s preeminent social standing was established. 

Grand theatres, public buildings and town houses were built or restored and, during the social season from October and early June, the city would stage an overflowing program of social gatherings, theatre productions, concerts and grand balls. 

With much of Georgian Bath still intact, along with extensive remains of the Roman baths, the city richly deserves its two UNESCO World Heritage Site designations. 

* www.visitbath.co.uk 

* Emma Frayling at emma.frayling@visitwest.co.uk