A Journey Through Time in the Historic City of Bath
UNESCO Sites in the UK: City of Bath (visited August 2023)
If you think only Rome is the archetype of ancient charm, think again—Bath, with its Roman roots and Georgian elegance, holds its own charm as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’ve always been fascinated by Bath’s history and architecture, and, finally, I visited it in 2023. And I’m sure I’ll be back since it has so much to offer and since I didn’t take a boat tour this time.
If you have never thought about it, Bath has layers of history, from the Romans to the Victorians, and I will share my experience exploring this beautiful city.
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About the Site
Bath is known for its natural hot springs, which is why the Romans built luxurious baths here in the 1st century AD. Later, during the 18th century, the city became a center of Georgian society, and examples of stunning architecture are the Royal Crescent and the Circus. The entire city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its cultural and historical significance.
So, as you can imagine, Bath is a timeless destination where you can step back in history: as I walked along the city streets and towards the Crescent, it felt like being in a time machine 😊
Key terms explained
Roman Baths: The ancient public bathing complex built by the Romans around natural hot springs in Bath, which were used for both socializing and religious purposes.
Georgian Architecture: A style of architecture popular in the 18th century, characterized by symmetry, classic proportions, and the use of stone, seen prominently in crescents and squares of Bath.
Palladian architecture: An architectural style based on the designs of the 16th-century Italian architect Andrea Palladio, known for emphasizing classical Roman elements like symmetry, proportion, and the use of columns. This style became popular in 18th-century Britain and Europe, influencing the design of grand country houses and public buildings with its elegant, balanced forms.
Historical Significance
The history of Bath is rooted in its natural hot springs, which the Romans used to build the iconic Roman Baths around 60-70 AD, for bathing and social activities. The baths served as a religious and leisure hub, with the Great Bath being the central feature. Over time, the site expanded with temples and other facilities dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva, whom the Romans linked to the healing powers of the waters. Today, the Roman Baths are one of the best-preserved ancient Roman spa complexes and one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the UK, offering insight into life in Roman Britain.
In the 18th century, Bath became a fashionable spa town, attracting the wealthy elite for its healing waters and beautiful architecture. The city's Georgian buildings reflect the cultural and economic boom of the period, and key landmarks, like the Royal Crescent and Bath Abbey, tell the story of Bath's evolution across the centuries.
Architectural marvel
In Bath, there is a certain architectural harmony, although it combines different periods and architecture ─ the majestic Roman Baths and the refined elegance of the Georgian buildings.
When it comes to the Roman Baths, you can walk there through ancient chambers and imagine life in Roman Britain. The architecture reflects the ingenuity of Roman engineering, featuring a complex system of heating called the hypocaust, which warmed the floors and pools. The ancient builders used a combination of local stone and Roman brick, and amid many pools, there is the Great Bath, a large, open-air pool lined with lead and surrounded by columns, emphasizing the design. The bath complex also included changing rooms, plunge pools, and a complex network of drainage systems.
The city’s revival of the 18th century was designed by architects like John Wood the Elder and his son, John Wood the Younger, who constructed the Queen Square, the Royal Crescent, and the Circus.
The Royal Crescent, with its curved row of houses, and the Palladian-style Pulteney Bridge are just two examples of how architecture can seamlessly blend with the landscape.
One of my favorite stops was the bridge, where I was lucky enough to enjoy the afternoon tea overlooking the Avon.
I have to mention the Bath Abbey as well, which is an incredible example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, and is literally leaned onto the Bath complex, hot water heating the Abbey. The current structure was built between the 12th and 16th centuries and is famous for its stunning fan-vaulted ceilings, my favorite since I saw Lady Chapel in Westminster Abbey. The Abbey also features large stained-glass windows and an impressive tower you can climb for beautiful views of the Bath skyline.
Another Bath highlight for me was the Jane Austen Centre – the author lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806, and the city significantly influenced her life and writing. Since Bath was very popular among the British upper class during her time, it was the setting for two of her novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Today, you can visit this wonderful museum and learn more about her life and connection to the city.
The Experience of Visiting Bath
I would say that summer is the perfect time to visit England and Bath – mostly because the weather is warm, and the gardens are in full bloom, the only downside being the crowds. Although, in Bath, they were manageable.
Just to be sure I will manage to enter the Roman Baths on my terms, I booked the tickets online. A very detailed audio guide is included in the entrance ticket price, and I believe my visit was enhanced thanks to it. After I visited the Baths and the Abbey, I wandered through the Georgian streets, stopping at the Jane Austen Centre and finally reaching the Royal Crescent.
I would say that the most memorable moment for me was the view of the Great Bath – it felt like a place you never wanted to leave.
Practical Information for Travelers
I reached Bath by train from London, the ride itself was about 90 minutes long (The Great Western from Paddington Station). I believe the city is best explored on foot, which is what I did ─ don’t forget comfortable shoes for walking the cobblestone streets! If you want a quick overview, they have great hop-on-hop-off bus tours that cover all the major sights.
The Roman Baths are a must-see, and you can book tickets online to avoid lines. Also, if you arrive early in the day, you should beat the crowds. Spring and autumn are also great times to explore Bath, maybe even ideal since there should be no crowds at the baths.
If you’d also like to visit the Bath Abbey and you have more time than I had, try their guided tower tours.
And if you are a fan of Jane Austen, the Jane Austen Centre is not to be missed ─ none other than Mr. Darcy welcomes you at the door 😊
And one last thing - this publication will stay free forever, but if you feel I deserve a cup of matcha 🍵 here and there, then please buy me some - the next drink’s on me! ☕
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This brought back so many memories from when my wife and I visited. We decided to rent a car outside of London and drive there. That made for an interesting adventure. We loved Bath but got extremely lost leaving there (we had a poor map and it was pre iphone days). Next time, I’d take the train like you recommended.
May favourite UK city after some 80+ visits across England and Scotland - thanks for your article!