The Weekenders - Search for weekend getaways around the UK.

Bath

5|4|3|2|1

A real gem.

The Georgian city of Bath is, quite simply, the perfect weekenders getaway. Small enough to walk everywhere, big enough to offer at least a weekends diversions and beautiful enough to charm anyone who visits, you have'nt really had a true British mini break until youve stayed here.

With its famously elegant architecture, Bath has over 5,000 officially listed buildings, and Roman baths, you cant escape the citys rich history, and its easy and enjoyable to get sucked in. You might have thought yourself well and truly off the Jane Austen bandwagon, but an hour with an over-enthusiastic tour guide in full Lizzie Bennett get-up and a glimpse at Baths Royal Crescent and youll be reaching for your copy of Pride & Prejudice all over again.

What to see?

Its easy to spend a couple of days in Bath just wandering around fairly aimlessly, it really is that stunning. The Royal Crescent, the Pump Room and Pulteney Bridge are among the finest architectural treasures in the world, in fact, the whole city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city sits on the Kennet & Avon Canal, with its picturesque city-centre weir. Take a stroll in the early evening, when the day trippers have gone home, for the best way to enjoy Bath.

Otherwise, you could pop into the Roman Baths and get as close as youre ever likely to get to Roman life. Watch the bubbling hot springs, the only ones in Britain, as 250,000 gallons of water at a constant temperature of 46 degrees fill the stony roman bath rooms with steam (www.romanbaths.co.uk Tel: 01225 477785) And, of course, you cant visit Bath without a little bit of Austen worship. The citys most famous resident has her very own visitor centre, complete with costumes, manuscripts and Regency tea rooms. Its all a little cheesy, but the obvious excitement felt by the employees in their regency outfits is infectious (www.janeausten.co.uk Tel: 01225 443000)

However, if its relaxation youre after, why not try the newly-opened Thermae Bath Spas the UKs only natural thermal water baths. Its easy to spend the day in the beautiful buildings, which mix old Bath with new, enjoying the different bathing pools, including one on the roof top with amazing views or perhaps indulging in a treatment or two. (www.thermaebathspa.com Tel: 01225 33 1234 )

Or why not try?

Bath Racecourse www.bath-racecourse.co.uk Tel: 01225 424609

The Theatre Royal www.theatreroyal.org.uk Tel: 01225 448844

Bath Narrowboats www.bath-narrowboats.co.uk Tel: 01225 447276

Bath Balloons www.bathballoons.co.uk Tel: 01225 466888

Around and about

Bath is well-placed for a trip into the beautiful villages of The Cotswolds, while other possible day trips include Wells - Englands smallest city - Glastonbury and Longleat. The vibrant city of Bristol is only 15 minutes away by train if you fancy a night on the tiles.

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