Roman Baths
Address: Bath
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 of Bath'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.<br /><br />
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Berkeley Castle
Address: Bath
Berkeley (pronounced 'barkly') is a perfectly preserved
840-year-old castle with a keep, dungeon and splendid staterooms
with original tapestries, furniture and silver. The castle was most
famously the scene of King Edward II's gruesome murder in 1327. It
is believed that Edward was deposed by his French consort, Queen
Isabella, and her paramour, the Earl of Mortimer. The castle also
played an important role in the English Civil War (1642-1649). The
oldest part of the castle was built in 1153 by Roger De Berkeley, a
Norman knight, and has remained in the family ever since. The
surrounding meadows, now the setting for pleasant Elizabethan-style
gardens, were once flooded to make a formidable moat.<br /><br />
Museum of Bath Architecture
Address: Bath
The fascinating story of Georgian Bath is wonderfully presented
by the Museum of Bath Architecture. The museum is the natural place
to start any sightseeing expedition of Bath. It is housed in the
Gothic-styled Countess of Huntingdon's Methodist Chapel, which was
built in 1765 and renovated in 1984 by the Bath Preservation Trust.
Inside, visitors are treated to a unique exhibition, with
installations describing 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. Budget about two hours to take it all in.<br /><br />
Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Address: Bath
Distinguished astronomer William Herschel used a telescope he
built himself to discover the planet Uranus in 1781, thus securing
his place in history as one of the greatest astronomers of all
time. His observations, and the telescopes that he built, doubled
the known size of the solar system in his time. The telescope
through which Uranus was first spied was built in the delightful
Georgian townhouse that today houses the Herschel Museum of
Astronomy. Visitors to the museum can view Herschel's workshop, as
well as the original kitchen and the music room in the house where
William lived with his sister, Caroline, at the end of the 18th
century.<br /><br />
Fashion Museum
Address: Bath
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 part in a conducted guided tour of fashion through the
ages. Apart from looking at all the fashion, there are
opportunities to try on some replica garments for both kids and
adults. A highly popular attraction that will appeal to visitors of
all ages and from all walks of life, you should budget about two
hours to do the museum justice.<br /><br />
Jane Austen Centre
Address: Bath
Bath's best-known resident, Elizabethan 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. The Jane Austen
Centre also runs an annual and extremely popular Jane Austen
Festival, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest
gathering of people dressed in Regency costumes. If you are one of
the many people for whom Bath immediately conjures associations
with Austen and her literary world, this museum is a must.<br /><br />
Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
Address: Bath
Located in the beautiful Avon Valley, just four and a half miles
(7km) from central Bath, Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park is
the perfect day out for families with children. Kids can let loose
in the adventure playground, which features a junior assault
course, a riverside trail, farm animals like Shetland ponies,
llamas and wallabies, a boating pond and even a miniature railway.
Younger kids will love the indoor play area where they can enjoy
enormous slides and ball pits. Families should pack a picnic to
savour on the riverbanks, while the children, and probably even the
adults, enjoy the wide open space and exciting activities.<br /><br />
Longleat
Address: Bath
Longleat is a bit of a strange tourist destination, catering
simultaneously to two very different markets. On one hand, it is
regarded as the best example of high Elizabethan architecture in
Britain, and one of the most beautiful stately homes that are open
to public tours. The magnificence of the house itself is matched by
the splendour of its surroundings, a spectacular mix of landscaped
parkland, lakes and formal gardens.<br /><br />
In 1949, Longleat became the first grand home in England to open
its doors to the public, and a few years later opened the first
safari park outside of Africa. Visitors can drive through eight
enclosures, where a wide range of animals can be seen, including
elephants, rhinos, giraffes, monkeys, lions and tigers.<br /><br />
In recent years, however, Longleat has also become one of the
UK's most popular family tourist attractions, offering a wealth of
child-friendly sights and amenities. Try not to lose your kids in
the world's longest maze, made up of more than 16,000 English Yews.
Alternatively, take the little ones for a ride on the miniature
railway or to meet some of the friendly animals at Animal
Adventure, before letting them run amok in the Adventure Castle. A
great option for a fun, excitement-filled day out for the entire
family to enjoy.<br /><br />
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