300

days out
48
hours
in…
Bath
pics: alamy stock photo, getty images
History, literary
heritage and
adventure – this
charming city
has it all
By Gabrielle Albert
Visit
Located on the
southern edge of
the Cotswolds,
this spa city has
oodles of history.
Originally built
as a destination
for pleasure and
relaxation, the main highlight
is the Roman Baths built on the
site of Britain’s only hot spring,
which still flows with naturally
hot water and is one of the
best-preserved Roman remains
in the world. See the ruins of
the temple of Minerva where
Roman worshippers gathered
and explore the fascinating
Roman Baths museum.
Round off your day at the
health-enriching pools of the
Thermae Bath Spa, the only
place in Britain where you can
bathe in natural
thermal waters.
n Roman Baths,
call 01225 477785,
www.roman
baths.co.uk
n Thermae Bath
Spa, call 01225
331234/www.
thermaebathspa.com
The Roman Baths
are a must-see
The magnificent
architecture of the
Royal Crescent
Nestled in
9,000 acres
of rolling
countryside
and just a
30-minute
drive from
Bath city
centre, lies the famous Longleat
estate, home to the UK’s first
ever safari park with more
than 500 amazing animals
from furry guinea pigs to burly
rhinos. Get up-close to the
graceful giraffes, majestic tigers
and cheeky monkeys. If you’d
rather sit back and enjoy the
ride, hop on board the Longleat
Railway and admire the views
as you trundle along the edge
of Half Mile Lake, or take to the
water on The Jungle Boat and
cruise past the sea lions, gorillas
and hippos.
Finish off with a visit
to 450-year-old Longleat
House with its Elizabethan
architecture, grand furnishings,
high ceilings and beautifully
landscaped grounds.
n Adult day tickets from £26.73.
Call 01985 844400,
www.longleat.co.uk
Eat
With Bath’s Roman history,
a visit to the city’s top Italian
restaurant is a must. Sotto Sotto
is situated in a vaulted cellar
with bare stone walls, candlelit
tables and soft music –
perfect for a special
occasion without
breaking the bank.
If you’re in need of a
lunchtime pick-me-up,
Sally Lunn’s teahouse is a
must! Sample the famous Bath
Bun in both sweet and savoury
flavours, or choose from a
variety of soups, sandwiches
and cream teas.
n Sotto Sotto, call 01225 330236
n Sally Lunn’s, call 01225 461634
Stay
Located on a picturesque
cobbled street in Bath city
centre, the boutique-style
Harington’s Hotel is elegant and
relaxing with classic Georgian
features coupled with modern
and period furnishings.
n Double rooms from £85:
Call 01225 461728/
www.haringtonshotel.co.uk
What’s on
September 14-23
Enjoy all things
Austen at Bath’s
annual Jane Austen
Festival. There are
more than 80 events
taking place,
including
costume
parades,
walking
tours, public
readings,
theatricals, dance
workshops and more.
n www.janeausten
festivalbath.co.uk/
November 23-
December 10
Bath is home to one of
the biggest and best
Christmas markets in
the UK with more than
170 wooden chalets
filling the precincts
around the abbey and
Roman Baths.
n Bath Tourist
Information Centre –
call 01225 614420
YOURS n EVERY FORTNIGHT
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