Bath is a World Heritage Site. It is very popular with visitors from all over the world, who want to see the beautiful architecture, the Roman remains and, of course, to taste the spa waters that are supposed to have healing qualities. Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in England.

In AD44 the Romans called Bath Aquae Sulis (meaning Town of the waters of Sul - a Celtic goddess. The Romans liked the Hot Springs and built their social lives around the bath houses, like a modern day health farm. If you visit the Roman Baths, there are audio guides in English and other languages.

Bath Abbey is in the heart of Bath, and for the past twelve and a half centuries three different churches have occupied the site. In 757AD, the Saxons built an Abbey. The Abbey became one of the most important monasteries in England. Edgar, first King of England, was crowned there in 973AD.

In the 16th Century spa towns became very popular because of the healing powers of the warm water. A new bath was built in 1570 and royalty and wealthy people started visiting Bath. The Pump Rooms were originally to help invalids coming to take the waters. The first pump room was built in 1704, but in 1796 it had to be rebuilt because of the large number of people using it.

The Georgians built the beautiful houses, terraces and crescents that make Bath the stylish city you see today. The architect John Wood and his son designed many of the buildings. The Royal Crescent was built between 1767 and 1774. It is one of the finest examples of 18th Century architecture, consisting of thirty mansions. Royal Victoria Park is in front of the Royal Crescent. It is a peaceful haven to escape from the city centre. The Botanical Garden and Aviary is in the west of the park. The Circus (no animals) was built in 1750, a circle of 99 houses in three arcs. The building has a fascinating frieze showing the achievements of the time. Another piece of beautiful architecture in Bath is Pulteney Bridge based on the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence.

There are several museums in Bath that are worth visiting. These include: The Assembly Rooms and Museum of Costume; Bath Postal Museum; The Book Museum; The Building of Bath Museum; Holborn Museum of Art; Museum of Asian Art.

Sally Lunn, a young French refugee, arrived in England over 300 years ago. She began to bake a rich, round bread now known as the Sally Lunn Bun. This bun became very popular in Georgian England as its special taste and lightness allowed it to be enjoyed with either sweet or savoury accompaniments. You can visit the Sally Lunn Shop and Museum, and try the Sally Lunn Bun.

Bath is also very good for shopping. There are many small shops that sell souvenirs and gifts, as well as the high street stores. A great way to see Bath is to explore on foot. There are often street entertainers in front of the Roman Baths and large crowds gather to watch performers.