"A Georgian city with hot springs & Roman... " a Bath Travel Page by annase

I wanted to visit Bath for a long time, but only got round going after having lived for 5 years in the UK. After being there, I wish I had gone sooner, as it is absolutely gorgeous.

Bath houses a wide range of museums, galleries and exhibitions, the Roman Baths and a brand new Thermae Spa. When I finally decided to go, I was really looking forward to my trip to the Thermae Spa as well as the Roman Baths since the mineral rich, thermal springs of the city are unique in the UK and are the single main reason for the City's very existence.

The city was founded in 863BC. It was then known as Aquae Sulis. It was already then famous for its thermal waters and the spiritual and physical well-being they promoted. However, a proper bathing complex was built the Roman era. However, not very much is left of this magnificent construction. Excavations in the 19th century saw important discoveries of Roman remains which served to increase public interest in the Spa and its mineral-rich waters. The spa water was bottled and sold as a healthy drink. You can still taste the water from the spring at the Pump Room. I didn't get a chance since the Pump Room was already closed by the time I had gone around the Roman Baths. Apparently, it has a very distinctive - not very pleasant flavour, so I guess I didn't miss much ;-)

I was wondering whether a visit to the Roman Baths would be very interesting, since I wasn't able to find that much information what exactly was going to be in there well ahead. I almost decided not to go, but then realised that once I was in Bath, I might as well go - otherwise I'd be annoyed with myself afterwards. The baths were really great. I really enjoyed the visit and the audio tour, and I am so pleased I decided to go after all.

Yes, Baths known for these world famous baths, but there is some other things to do as well. Bath is a very romantic city (no wonder in such a gorgeous setting!) and there is plenty of things for lovers to do. Like many cities in the continent, you could take a horse drawn carriage ride and get acquitanted with the city's sights that way. They also offer balloon rides across the rooftops which is obviously not for anyone who's afraid of heights or distrust in flying gadgets like that, but sounds nice. :-)

They also do several boat cruises along the River Avon (the one between Bath and Bristol). Apparently, there are about 9 in Britain, and several others in the US, Canada and also Australia, if I am right. This is, of course, legacy of the British Empire. On the city boat tour, I also heard that word 'Avon' actually derives from a Celtic language word for a river. So apparently, the name 'River Avon' simply means 'River River'!!! How imaginative!! ;-)

The writer Jane Austen used to live in 5 different locations within the city and there is a Jane Austen Centre for her honour.