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Bath Abbey The first sight most visitors have of Bath Abbey is the West front, with its unique
ladders of Angels. The story behind this is that the Bishop of Bath, Oliver King, is said to have had
a dream of ascending and descending angels which inspired the design of the facade which
thousands of people gaze up at and admire today.

The present Abbey church was founded in 1499, the last of the great medieval churches of
England but after the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 by order of King Henry VIII, the Abbey
lay in ruins for more than 70 years. The valuable parts of the building had all been taken away, for
example the beautiful stained glass windows were ripped out and the roof was stripped for the
lead. It wasn’t until 1616, that much of the building we see today was repaired and in use as a
parish church.

The Royal Crescent one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks, was
built between 1767 and 1775 and designed by John Wood the
Younger. It forms a sweeping crescent of 30 Grade I Listed
terrace houses, and is without doubt one of the greatest
examples of Georgian architecture anywhere in the UK.
Today, it is home to the five-star luxury hotel The Royal
Crescent, a museum of Georgian life at No. 1, and private
housing.

The Roman Baths consist of the remarkably preserved remains of one of the greatest religious
spas of the ancient world. The city’s unique thermal springs rise in the site and the baths still flow
with natural hot water. Get there soon after opening to beat the hordes of tourists who visit. Take
a glass of the disgusting, but allegedly health giving, water.

Thermae Bath Spa. These days the Roman Baths are off-limits for bathing, but not far away is
Thermae Bath Spa, a day spa where you can bathe in Britain’s only naturally warm, mineral-rich
waters just as the Celts and Romans did over 2000 years ago. Combines the best of the historic
spa with contemporary design and facilities including a selection of relaxing spa treatments.

The Spa and Bath House at The Royal Crescent Hotel. Another option for taking the waters.

The Assembly Rooms were at the heart of the social life of the A listers of the day. Their purpose
was to be a place for dancing and music. When they were completed in 1771 they were described
as ‘the most noble and elegant of any in the kingdom’. Each of the four rooms, the Great Octagon,
Tea Room, Ball Room and Card Room, had a specific purpose, as their names suggest.

The Circus. Alongside the iconic Royal Crescent, Bath also features another impressively rounded
landmark: The Circus. Originally known as The King’s Circus, this remarkable sight consists of
three curved segments of Grade I listed townhouses, arranged in a circular shape.

The American Museum. The only museum of Americana outside the United States, it was founded
to bring American history and cultures to the people of Britain and Europe. It takes you on a
journey through the history of America, from its early settlers to the twentieth century. With its
remarkable collection of folk and decorative arts, the museum shows the diverse and complex
nature of American traditions.

The Canal Centre. If you are interested in hiring a narrow boat to explore the region’s canals this is
the place. The canal-side path is perfect for a family stroll or bike ride. The famous Dundas
Aquaduct and Claverton Pumping station are just a short walk away. A huge variety of bikes, seats
and trailers can be hired from the Bath & Dundas Canal Co., who are based in the visitor centre.
You can also hire electric day boats and Canadian canoes if you prefer to explore by water.