Photograph by Edmund Sumner, courtesy of Thermae Bath Spa

Romantic Places to Visit: Bath

It is fitting that the origins of Bath are shrouded in mystery and romance. According to the legend, Bladud, son of Hudibras was exiled from court with a disfiguring skin disease and lived as a swineherd in the marshes. His pigs also contracted a skin complaint, but he noticed that when they wallowed in a hot muddy area their skin cleared. Bladud did the same and he too was cured and so returned to court. When he became King he built his capital at the site of the miraculous hot mud baths, calling it after himself. Later Saxon names included Hat Batha (Hot Baths).

It was with the arrival of the Romans that the spas grew in fame, and they called it Aquae Sulis. Within 30 to 40 years after the Roman invasion in AD43 the springs were controlled and walled in. They built a forum and a temple, theatres and villas and the city began to expand and it all lasted for 400 prosperous years. Then with the dissolution of the empire and foreign invasions it sank back into the mud, lying some 15 to 20 feet below the present city. Over time other cities were built over it. Around 760 King Offa founded an Abbey dedicated to St Peter and in which Edgar was crowned King. In Medieval Bath William Rufus invited the Bishop of Bath and Wells to move the episcopal seat to Bath and construction began on the cathedral. At the same time interest was revived in the waters and Bath became recognised as a centre of healing. Bath also became one of the major wool and cloth centres in England. By the reign of Henry IV the city had sunk into dissipation, the Abbey was in ruins and the baths deteriorated rapidly. Henry VII gave his support to revive the city and the remains of the Norman Abbey were pulled down and the Abbey we see today was built in 1499. The waters were again of great importance and during the 16th and 17th centuries Kings and Queen’s came to bathe in them. In the 1700’s Bath became the rendezvous for society and by 1801 with a population of 34,000 was the 8th largest city in England. Richard ‘Beau’ Nash was Bath’s most distinguished citizen who in his fifty years as Master of Ceremonies turned the city into a centre of fashion and manners. This impetus created the need for new buildings of architectural interest, which resulted in the jewel like 18th Century city of outstanding beauty we see today.

PLACES TO VISIT

Top of the list is The Roman Baths. The World Heritage City’s historical heart. The remains are still fed by water from one of Baths 3 hot springs. See the waters source and walk where Romans once walked on the ancient stone pavements. With its steaming waters and Roman artefacts this is an unforgettable and unique experience. The site is open daily except 25th and 26th December. Relax and enjoy the Romantic torchlight ambience of the Great Bath, visit on a summer evening in July and August when the site is open until 9pm. Adult admission from £10.50.

Regarded as the social heart of Bath for more than two centuries the pump room is a striking neo classical salon where hot spa water is drawn for drinking. You can listen to the trio or pianist, take afternoon tea and be transported back to an era of elegance and social intrigue. Admission free. www.romanbaths.co.uk

Thermae Bath Spa is the UK’s only natural thermal spa. Here you can bathe in warm natural mineral rich waters and choose from a range of spa treatments to ease the body and soothe the mind. Either visit the new Royal Bath or the Cross Bath. There is no multi entry ticket. Included in the 2hr, 4hr or full day spa sesssion in the New Royal Bath is access to: Minerva Bath, Open-air rooftop pool where you can relax in the bubbling jets and air seats with breathtaking views of the city, Aroma steam rooms and waterfall shower. Spa sessions from £22. If you only have a short period of time the Cross Baths provide an opportunity to experience Bath's natural Thermal waters in a very special setting. One and a half hours £13. Weekends are busy here and they operate a priority access so if you can try and go during the week. Its open daily from 9am to 10pm all year except 25th and 26th December. www.thermaebathspa.com

Photograph by Mark Cardy, courtesy of Thermae Bath Spa.

Bath Abbey stands at the heart of Bath and was founded in 1499. It’s the last of the great medieval churches of England. Over the last twelve and a half centuries 3 different churches have occupied the site of today’s Abbey. The Abbey welcomes all visitors who may come to sightsee or pray. During some services and events it may be closed, though there will always be a notice on the door to inform you when the Abbey is open again. There is no payment though the Abbey suggest a donation of £2.50 per adult. Open daily. www.bathabbey.org

To be entertained in one of the oldest most beautiful and romantic theatres in the country visit the Theatre Royal which has a wonderful varied programme all year round. Check out what’s on before you visit on www.theatreroyal.org.uk

THINGS TO DO

Bath is a compact and walkable city and can easily be explored on foot. Wander hand in hand through the cobbled streets, parks and gardens. If the weathers fine sit on a park bench and enjoy the view or stroll along the riverbank. Here you’ll find Pulteney Bridge. It’s one of only four of its kind in the world lined by shops on both sides.

If the weathers right a romantic trip in a hot air balloon takes you over the rooftops of the city into the countryside. Toast your future with a bottle of champagne and watch the world glide by. www.baileyballoons.co.uk operates from Royal Victoria Park. They do special flights for two people (Plus Pilot!)

Experience the highly acclaimed ghost walk tour on foot as you walk through the ancient and mystical streets of Bath. Those spine tingling moments as you walk hand in hand together, are those ghosts still there? Did this really happen? www.ghostwalksofbath.co.uk Start at 8pm from The Theatre Royal/Garrick’s Head. Finish approx 10pm. £6.

For details of the many festivals held in Bath, from music, and literature, including the Jane Austen festival, to food and the christmas market see www.bathfestivals.org.uk or the Bath website www.visitbath.co.uk

PLACES TO STAY

Weekends are very busy in Bath and you'll usually need to book a minimum of two nights.

Bath Priory. www.thebathpriory.co.uk

Fine food and wine, Michelin star and high standard of service. Rooms from £250. Romance Breaks. Sun to Thurs 2 nights luxury en suite, 3 course dinner, full English breakfast his and hers half bottles of champagne in your room on arrival. A bouquet of her favourite flowers. Luxury handmade 'House of Minerva' chocolates, red rose petals in your bath, candle and bath essences. Full use of the garden spa. From £315 per room per night. The hotel can also arrange for a Romantic couple massage, a ride in a Horse drawn Carriage or a balloon flight.

The Royal Crescent. www.royalcrescent.co.uk

This is the most impressive located luxury hotel which occupies the two central buildings in The Crescent, with beautiful secret gardens. Experience a style of gracious living, book into the Bath House Spa for a range of treatments or a champagne cruise aboard the Lady Sophia, the hotel's own river launch. Rooms from £305, though check website for special offers.

The Queensbury. www.thequeensbury.co.uk

Centrally located with Romantic secluded gardens, (one of Bath's best kept secrets). This is a privately owned Georgian town house with the Olive Tree resturant serving fine modern English cuisine. Rooms from £115. See website for exclusive rates.

Rudloe Hall Hotel. www.rudloehallhotel.co.uk

Rudloe Hall is situated on the brow of Box hill overlooking the City of Bath. A lovely Victorian Country house full of Romance and Nostalgia. Dine by candlelight in your own room or book the Tower Suite for the height of Romantic bliss and relax in your own roof top spa. Rooms from £135 double occupancy.

Saco Bath. www.sacoapartments.co.uk

Saco Bath is an alternative to hotel accomodation. These are perfectly appointed apartments loacted just a short stroll from the City Centre. Studio apts from £104 per night, one bed from £126.

The Ayrlington Hotel. www.arylington.com

A small sumptious and tranquil hotel close to the city centre. Rooms from £80 per night.

Amberley House B&B. www.amberleyhouse.net

A comfortable Victorian House just 5 minutes walk to the city centre. Std double £60 per night.

PLACES TO EAT

Moon and Sixpence. 6a Broad Stree,City Centre. BA1 5LJ 01225 460962. Popular restuarant and wine bar. Mon - Sat lunch available from 12pm, dinner between 5.50pm - 10.30pm. Bar open 11.00am.

Woods. 9 - 13 Alfred Street, City Centre. BA1 2QX 01225 314812. Warm cosy restuarant with outdoor seating. Mon - Sat 12pm - 3pm 6pm - 11pm.

Mai Thai. 6 Pierrepont St City Centre. BA2 4AA 01225 445557. Reasonably priced. Mon - Sun 6pm - 10 30pm.

Green Street Seafood Cafe. 6 Green Street City Centre BA1 2JY 01225 448707. Award winning Fish restuarant. Tues - Sat 12pm - 3pm 7pm - 10pm.

The Star Inn. 23 The Vinyards, off The paragon BA1 5NA 01225 425072. 16th century Inn with Real Ale. No machines or music. Bath's only brewery. Mon - Fri 12pm - 2.30pm 5.30pm - 11pm Sat 12pm - 11pm Sun 12pm - 10.30pm. www.star-inn-bath.co.uk

Sally Lunn's House. 4 North Parade Passage BA1 1NX 01225 461634. Oldest house in Bath, tea coffe shop. Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm Sun 11am - 6pm. Evening restuarant Mon - Sun 6pm - 10pm.

The Hole in the Wall. 16 George Street BA1 2EH 01225 425242. Situated in the heart of Bath, intimate candlelit dinner. Quality British cuisine at affordable prices. Mon - Sat 12pm - 3pm 6pm - 10pm Sun 6.30pm - 9.30pm. www.theholeinthewall.co.uk

Il Tocca d'Italia. Spring Gardens Rd. BA2 6PW 01225 311184. Situated next to the Pulteney Weir. Tues - Sat 12pm - 3pm 6.30pm - 10pm. Sunday Lunch 12pm- -2.30pm. Also special events and private functions. www.iltocco.co.uk

Ristorante Mezzaluna. 7a Kingsmead Square BA1 2AB 01225 466688. In the heart of Bath close to the Theatre Royal, a stylish Romantic restuarant serving delicious and authentic Italian food at reasonable prices. Mon - Sat 12pm - 2.30pm 5.45pm - 10.30pm. www.mezzaluna-bath.co.uk

These are just a selection of the wonderful Romantic places to visit. Check out the visit bath website www.visitbath.co.uk for further ideas, or just explore and find your own special places. Dont forget to let us know and we can include them in future articles and maybe you could win a prize for the most Romantic. Bath is a truly Romantic and inspirational City, have a wonderful time.

© Romantic at Heart Ltd

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