Bath Attractions

Great Bath © Paul Micallef

Roman Baths

The Romans were the first to capitalise on the only natural hot springs in Britain, but it is believed that they were a local attraction long before the building of Rome. These ancient baths were once considered the finest in the Roman Empire, but in the middle ages fell into disrepair. It was not until a visit by the ailing Prince George in 1702 that the baths once again became a popular healing destination. Over the course of the city’s redevelopment in the late 18th century the Roman ruins were rediscovered and restored. Today visitors can see the seven ancient baths and view the Georgian splendour of the Pump House where the musty mineral waters can be sampled by the strong of stomach. The magnificent centrepiece is the Great Bath. Lined with lead and filled with hot spa water, it once stood in an enormous barrel-vaulted hall that rose to a height of 131ft (40m). For many Roman visitors this may have been the largest building they had ever entered in their life.

Address: Stall Street; Telephone: (0)1225 477 785; E-mail: romanbaths_bookings@bathnes.gov.uk; Website: www.romanbaths.co.uk; Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 5.30pm, last entry 4.30pm (January, February, November, December); 9am to 6pm, last entry 5pm (March to June, September and October); 9am to 10pm, last entry 9pm (July and August); Admission: ₤10 (adult), ₤6 (child 6-16) - around ₤1 more in July and August. Other concessions available. Prices include a personal audio guide

Building of Bath Museum

The fascinating story of Georgian Bath is encapsulated in the only museum in the city about the city. The Building of Bath Museum is the natural place to start a sightseeing expedition. It is housed in the Gothic Countess of Huntingdon's Methodist Chapel, built in 1765 and renovated in 1984 by the Bath Preservation Trust. Inside visitors are treated to a unique exhibition, which describes how Bath developed from a small provincial spa to the most fashionable resort in Georgian England. Using models, maps, paintings, reconstructions, live crafting demonstrations and hands-on exhibits, including a touch-screen computer, a visit to the museum is an informative and entertaining experience.

Address: The Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, the Vineyards, the Paragon; Telephone: (0)1225 333 895; E-mail: amanda@bathmuseum.co.uk; Website: www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk/museums/bath; Transport: 10-15 minutes on foot from Bath bus and train station; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday (and Bank Holiday Mondays) 10.30am to 5pm with last admission at 4.15pm. The museum closes for winter from the end of November until mid-February; Admission: ₤4 (adults); ₤2 (children 6-18); concessions available

William Herschel Museum

Herschel Museum of Astronomy

Distinguished astronomer William Herschel used a telescope he built himself in this delightful Georgian townhouse to discover the planet Uranus in 1781, securing his place in history as one of the greatest astronomers of all time. His observations, and telescope constructions, doubled the known size of the solar system in his time. Visitors to the museum can view his workshop, the original kitchen, and the music room in the Herschel house, where William lived with his sister, Caroline, at the end of the 18th century.

Address: 19 New King Street; Telephone: (0)1225 446 865; E-mail: admin@herschelbpt.fsnet.co.uk; Website: www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk/museums/herschel; Opening time: Monday to Friday except Wednesdays 1pm to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm. The museum closes for winter from 12 December to February; Admission: ₤3.50 (adults); ₤2 (children under 15). Concessions and student prices available

Museum of Costume, Bath © Museum of Costume

Fashion Museum

Bath's comprehensive fashion museum brings alive the story of fashion over the last 400 years from the late 16th century to the present day. The huge collection is fetchingly displayed on hundreds of dummies, providing a chronological journey through changing styles over the centuries. Visitors can listen to an audio tour or take a conducted guided tour through the ages.

Address: Bennett Street; Telephone: (0)1225 477 789; E-mail: costume_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk; Website: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk; Transport: The museum is easily reached on foot; otherwise Lansdown buses 2 and 9 from the city centre stop nearby. A round trip sightseeing bus stops at the adjacent Assembly Rooms; Opening time: Daily 11am to 5pm (March to October), 11am to 4pm (January, February, November and December); Admission: ₤6.50 (adults); ₤4.50 (children up to 16); under 6 free; other concessions available

Jane Austin Centre

Jane Austen Centre

Bath's best-known resident, period novelist Jane Austen, is celebrated in this permanent exhibition which showcases her life and work. Bath was her home between 1801 and 1806 and her love and knowledge of the city is reflected in her novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, which are set in Georgian Bath.

Address: 40 Gay Street, Queen Square; Telephone: (0)1225 443 000; E-mail: curator@janeausten.co.uk; Website: www.janeausten.co.uk; Transport: Park & Ride bus to Queen Square (centre is close to the bus stop). The Round the city sightseeing buses stop outside the centre; Opening time: Daily 10am to 5.30pm; 11am to 4.30pm (30 October to 3 March); Admission: ₤6.50 (adults); ₤3.50 (children 6-15); children under 6 free; other concessions available