insideKENT Magazine Issue 26 - May 2014 | Page 117

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN BATH Bath boasts some of the finest architectural sights in Europe, can lay claim to being the only thermal spring in the UK and presents attractions including the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and Thermae Bath Spa. The city and the surrounding area positively teems with history and simply must be explored. Thermae Bath Spa Royal Crescent Built between 1767 and 1775 and one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in the UK today, the Royal Crescent was built to accommodate the affluent population during the boom in Georgian Bath. The sweeping crescent contains some 30 houses, one of which is now the Royal Crescent Hotel, and a recently renovated town house museum depicting Georgian living both above and below stairs. Sally Lunn Bun Bathe in the mineral rich waters that Bath is so famous for at the Thermae Bath Spa. Modern meets ancient in this state of the art facility which combines a contemporary split-level spa with historic spa buildings. Relax in the indoor Minerva Bath or climb to the rooftop pool and spend a while gazing out at the view over the City of Bath and that most beautiful of skylines. Make yours the first human hand to touch the water in 8,000 years as it leaves the ground and bubbles up in the exclusive Cross Spa, which was frequented by Georgian royalty. Stop for lunch at the Springs Café Restaurant and enjoy a surprisingly fine dining menu using ingredients that are sourced locally and freshly prepared on site. Finally, why not refresh yourself in the state of the art Aroma Steam Rooms and chose from over 40 spa packages including the exclusive Watzu – combining elements of massage and acupressure, the treatment involves being cradled by a therapist in the warm waters, while being gen stretched tly and guided in flowing movements; a deeply relaxing experience. Entrance to the Baths start from £17 per ticket for a 1.5-hour bath session. www.thermaebathspa.com A contentious issue in Bath, it is important to note that a London Bath Bun is a very different affair from the light and delicate Sally Lunn Bun, which is believed to be the original Bath Bun. Having fled from persecution in France in 1680, Solange Luyon, perhaps better known as Sally Lunn, found work with a baker and introduced her now famous ‘bun’ to preGeorgian Bath. The recipe remains a secret even today and is passed on with the deeds of Sally Lunn’s house where it is still made by hand. Enjoy a generously proportioned brioche style Bath Bun at Sally Lunn’s with morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. www.sallylunns.co.uk Bath Abbey Roman Baths Twilight Tour & Dinner at Roman Baths Kitchen Take a twilight tour of the amazingly beautiful and captivating Roman Baths gaining fascinating insight into the original bathing complex and the great Roman temple of Sulis Minerva. As dusk settles and the air cools, the steam rising from the warm greenish waters produce a ghostly appearance and perfectly sets the scene for a torch-lit circuit of the buildings. Truly captivating and a good way to work up an appetite for a 3visitbath.co.uk / Bath Tourism Plus / Colin Hawkins course dinner at the Roman Baths Kitchen, which is is included in the price of your ticket. The menu is seasonal and the food sublime. Book the Twilight Tour & Dinner Package for £38.00 by contacting [email protected] or 0844 847 5256. www.romanbaths.co.uk http://searcys.co.uk/venues/roman-baths-kitchen/ 117 From its beginnings in 1499, three different churches have occupied the site of today’s abbey: an Anglo-Saxon abbey church dating from 757; a massive Norman cathedral begun about 1090, and the present abbey church which is described as the last visitbath.co.uk / Bath Tourism Plus / Colin Hawkins of the great medieval churches of England. The Abbey is particularly noted for its magnificent fan vaulted ceiling made from Bath stone. Take the opportunity to look at the Abbey from a different perspective on the Tower Tour. Visit the ringing chamber and bell chamber, stand on top of the Abbey’s vaulted ceiling, and even sit behind the clock face. Adults £6; Children (5–15 years) £3. www.bathabbey.org SINCE YOU’RE IN THE AREA... Why not visit Stonehenge? One of the wonders of the world and the bestknown prehistoric monument in Europe, Stonehenge now has a transformed visitors experience with museum-quality permanent and temporary exhibitions. With hundreds of prehistoric objects on display, take a glimpse into the lifestyles and technology of the Neolithic people who built Stonehenge. Come face-to-face with the people and reconstructions of their houses. Stonehenge continues to astonish and inspire the many thousands of visitors who come to visit it every year. www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/stonehenge/