Bath & Beyond

Roman heritage

Bath

A city renowned for its Roman heritage and Georgian architecture, offers a wealth of attractions for visitors. The Roman Baths, a well-preserved site where visitors can explore ancient thermal spas, are a highlight of the city. Adjacent to the baths is the stunning Bath Abbey, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture that provides panoramic views of the city from its tower.

Pulteney Bridge, with its unique shops and picturesque views over the River Avon, is another must-see landmark. The Royal Crescent, an iconic row of 30 terraced houses laid out in a sweeping crescent, exemplifies the grandeur of Georgian architecture and offers a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the 18th century.

For those who enjoy literary history, the Jane Austen Centre celebrates the life and works of the famous author who once lived in Bath. Visitors can also relax at the Thermae Bath Spa, Britain’s only natural thermal spa, offering the chance to bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters that have attracted people for centuries.

The city’s numerous museums, including the Fashion Museum and the Holburne Museum, cater to a wide range of interests. Bath’s charming streets, beautiful parks, and vibrant cultural scene, with theatres and festivals, ensure there’s always something to explore and enjoy.

step into a storyboook

Laycock

Lacock is steeped in history, with its origins dating back to the 13th century. The village is renowned for its remarkably preserved medieval architecture and cobbled streets, which provide a captivating glimpse into England’s past. One of the most prominent landmarks is Lacock Abbey, founded in the early 13th century, which later became the birthplace of modern photography thanks to William Henry Fox Talbot, who conducted some of the earliest photographic experiments there.

The village’s picturesque streets are lined with traditional timber-framed cottages, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries. This architectural continuity has made Lacock a popular filming location for period dramas and films, including “Pride and Prejudice,” “Harry Potter,” and “Downton Abbey.” Walking through Lacock feels like stepping into a storybook, where every corner reveals a new chapter of its historic charm.

wealth of activities

Cheddar Gorge

A Natural Wonder of England, Cheddar Gorge, located in the heart of Somerset, England, is one of the country’s most spectacular natural landmarks. This dramatic limestone gorge, which rises to a height of 450 feet, slices through the Mendip Hills and offers breathtaking views that draw visitors from all over the world. Formed over a million years ago during the last Ice Age, the gorge is a testament to the power of natural forces and the beauty they can create.

The gorge is home to two of the most famous show caves in England: Gough’s Cave and Cox’s Cave. Gough’s Cave, named after the Victorian-era explorer Richard Gough, is an extensive network of chambers and passages adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Cheddar Gorge offers a wealth of activities that take full advantage of its rugged terrain and stunning views. Hiking trails of varying difficulty wind their way through the gorge, providing opportunities for both leisurely strolls and challenging climbs. Cheddar Gorge is also a premier destination for rock climbing, with its towering limestone cliffs presenting a variety of routes suitable for climbers of all skill levels. The gorge’s vertical walls and overhangs provide thrilling challenges for experienced climbers, while beginners can find more accessible routes to hone their skills.

iconic prehistoric monuments

Stonehenge

One of the most iconic prehistoric monuments in the world, Stonehenge stands on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. This enigmatic stone circle, believed to have been constructed between 3000 BC and 2000 BC, has fascinated historians, archaeologists, and visitors for centuries. The purpose of Stonehenge remains a subject of debate, with theories ranging from its use as an ancient burial ground to an astronomical observatory or a place of ceremonial worship.

The site comprises a ring of standing stones, each around 13 feet high and seven feet wide, topped by horizontal lintel stones. The unique engineering feat of constructing Stonehenge, transporting the massive stones from distant quarries, and aligning them with celestial events like the summer solstice sunrise, speaks to the advanced understanding and capabilities of the Neolithic people.

Visitors to Stonehenge can walk among the stones (though access within the circle is restricted to special tours), explore the surrounding landscape, and learn about the site’s history at the nearby visitor centre.

wildlife adventure

Longleat

Nestled in the heart of Wiltshire, England, Longleat is a destination that promises an extraordinary blend of historical grandeur and wildlife adventure. The estate, which spans over 9,000 acres, is renowned for its majestic Elizabethan house, home to the Marquesses of Bath. There are exquisite gardens, and a pioneering safari park.  Longleat offers a plethora of family-friendly attractions that cater to visitors of all ages.

The Adventure Park boasts a variety of rides and amusements, including the Jungle Cruise, where guests can spot sea lions and gorillas, and the Hedge Maze, one of the largest in the world. The Longleat Railway provides a charming journey through the estate’s scenic landscape, while the Bat Cave and the Postman Pat Village offer immersive experiences for younger visitors.