| Day 13 - Bath |
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| After breakfast we strolled down beside the Avon River to Pulteney Bridge (built in 1774) where we were able to get good photos of the river and the lively weir that must make any attempted navigation a bit tricky. We then paid the small charge to visit the Parade Gardens beside the river and sit in the deck chairs to catch the sun whenever it peeped out. These gardens are delightful and very well maintained. We returned to the main square in front of Bath Abbey where you can mingle with all the other tourists. It is here that we bought tickets for another open bus tour. The single tour with commentary takes you around to all the places you want to visit. We didn't get off along the way because we wanted to also walk to those places - they're not too far apart. The bus tour also takes you to the top of a hill, one of seven which overlook Bath and the surrounding valleys. This view is worth the price of the tickets! This crater like position led to Bath being called the most nobly placed and best built city in all of England. Bath existed long before the Romans built a large religious complex around the sacred hot springs. It became famous for weaving cloth before the hot springs were rediscovered in the 1700's and a magnificent city was built around this fashionable health resort. Back at the Abbey, we walked down Old Lilliput Lane past Sally Luns House (built about 1480) to Abbey Green and the Roman Baths and Pump Room. The baths, which were built over and "lost" until they were rediscovered in 1880, are a great attraction with an excellent museum and shop. The Abbey looks a lot like a cathedral in size and is one of the brightest and prettiest we have seen. You are even allowed to take photos inside. Near the Abbey there are streets just full of shops. We had lunch in one of the many establishments. From here we made our way to view the expensive residences in The Circle and the even more expensive 30 houses on the curved row known as the Royal Crescent. Then back down the hill past Royal Victoria Park to the Assembly Rooms and the Museum of Costume which was a big hit with everyone. We also enjoyed a visit to the Guildhall. Other attractions to see are the Bath Industrial Heritage Centre, the Octagon National Centre of Photography and the Victoria Art Gallery. We went back to our guest house by way of the Holburne Museum. Another fine meal at a small but welcoming and surprisingly fine restaurant quite rounded out the evening. |
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