Visit Bath, One of England's Most Popular Historic Destinations

Amid the rolling hills of Somerset, you find one of England's most popular historic destinations: the small riverside city of Bath.

Bath became a fashionable destination to visit ever since the Romans turned a patch of steamy marsh land into a spa. In fact the three hot springs that feed the famous Roman Baths are the only naturally occurring hot springs in the UK.

The Roman Baths are below street level and have been very well preserved. They attract over a million visitors each year. Although you can visit the baths and museum you are not allowed to enter the water.

The reason for this is the waters are considered unsafe. So it is a health and safety issue, partially due to the fact that the waters pass through the original lead pipe and partially due to the risk of infectious diseases. Back in 1979 a young girl swallowed some of the water and 5 days later died from amoebic meningitis.

Not to worry though, the town is now home to a newly built Spa. This is the Thermae Bath Spa and is just up the road from the original baths. Here you can wallow to your heart's content in the hot mineral rich water. The Spa also has a roof top pool and from there you get an amazing view of the city.

The Georgians (who loved the baths) tore down most of the old town and built crescents, terraces and squares using the beautiful honey colored Bath stone.

During a visit to Bath be sure to take a leisurely stroll taking in The Royal Crescent, The Circus and Pulteney Bridge.

There are also many churches, museums, galleries and historic parks that are worth visiting.

One place that shouldn't be missed is Bath Abbey. This is the site of the coronation of Edgar in AD973, which was the first coronation to be recorded in any detail.

The city also has open topped buses for touring the city but my preference is to take a ride in the horse drawn carriages. In a city like Bath it just seems fitting.

As in any English city you will find a whole array of places to eat and drink. But I would recommend stopping in at the historic 'Sally Lunn's Refreshment House'. Here you will be served the most delicious cakes by waitresses dressed in period costume.

There is plenty of accommodation in Bath. For those on a tighter budget there is a camp site and a youth hostel. Otherwise there are hotels, bed and breakfasts, pub accommodations and guest houses.