Page 580 - Aldeburgh Festival 2022 FINAL COVERAGE BOOK

With its sweeping, honey-stone Georgian crescents and terraces, Bath is a strong contender for
England’s most beautiful small city. It has a fascinating and easily accessible history, from the
Roman Baths to the life and times of one-time resident Jane Austen (who didn’t actually enjoy her
time in the city all that much). Its state-of-the-art Thermae Bath Spa complex allows visitors the
pleasing continuity of wallowing in the hot, mineral-rich spring waters in much the same way the
Romans did 2,000 years ago.

Bath is steeped in Georgian splendour CREDIT: Getty

Lesser-known spots

There’s lots of small and interesting galleries and museums dotted around the pretty-as-a-picture
city – including the Holburne Museum, No 1 Royal Crescent and the Fashion Museum – and
plenty of independent shops at the top of Milsom Street and along George Street. For something
really different, take a hot-air balloon ride (a couple of companies operate out of Royal Victoria
Park).

Did you know?

In 1781, William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus on a homemade telescope in his back
garden on New King Street.

Where to stay

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa encompasses two townhouses in Bath's showpiece Georgian
crescent, plus a large and beautiful garden and further buildings to the rear. Expect elegant and
individual bedrooms, first-rate food and an enticing spa with a 12-metre indoor relaxation
pool. Read the full review.