Bath

The golden city of Bath has been welcoming visitors for over 2,000 years. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has some of the finest architectural sights in Europe, such as the Roman Baths and Pump Room, the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and the Circus.

Bath offers a unique experience with stunning architecture, great shopping and iconic attractions.

At the heart of the city is the magnificent Bath Abbey. The present building celebrated its 500th anniversary in 1999 but it was constructed over the site of a Saxon Monastery where the first King of England was crowned in 973. The Abbey Heritage vaults tell the story of 1600 years of Christianity.

Queen Square is a great city-centre spot to sit out and relax in the sun. The majestic obelisk in the middle of Queen Square was erected in 1735 by Beau Nash.

Bath has three hot springs, and these are the only hot springs in Britain. The Theatre Royal in the heart of Bath is one of Britain's oldest theatres, and probably its most beautiful.

If you're looking for something really special, a balloon trip is a stunning experience. They leave from Victoria Park and gently follow the breeze for an hour or so. Champagne is served on board and a bus picks you up after your landing and returns you to the city.

Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, Sir Walter Scott, Gainsborough, Handel were all inspired by Bath but Jane Austen is probably the person most famously associated with Bath. She lived at 4 Sydney Place opposite the Holburne Museum, between 1801 and 1804.

The Jane Austen Centre gives you an insight into her life and inspirations. And you can visit places familiar to Jane Austen such as Milsom Street, the Assembly Rooms and the Royal Crescent as portrayed in "Northanger Abbey".