Join us for this private tour of the beautiful Roman city of Bath. Led by your Blue Badge Guide, stroll through quirky alleyways admiring the magnificent architecture, and learn about the treasure hidden beneath your feet. Bath has much to offer from Roman history through to the Georgian period and onto modern Bath. We will explore all the major sites, Bath Abbey, Cross Bath, The Royal Crescent and the Pulteney Bridge.
We start our tour at Bath Abbey, this beautiful church lies right in the modern city centre. Make sure you inspect the front facade carefully, there is a riddle hiding within. Your guide can help with hints before revealing the story.
Believe it or not but there is a vast complex of Roman remains buried beneath our feet. Part of it is uncovered and open to the public, the rest is still being examined and explored. Imagine Romans milling around this area in their togas heading to their favourite bathhouse. It doesn’t appear Roman, you might think, the Roman Bath was a lot lower than the street level today and over the years newer structures have been built on top. Just next to the museum, we have the famous Pump room, going back a few hundred years, we might have seen Jane Austen sipping tea and gossiping with her friends.
Not all the roman remains are confined to museum exhibits, the spring water is still flowing, making Bath the only Spa Town with a hot spring in the UK. Here we are surrounded by several modern bathhouses, where you can spend a few hours enjoying the warm and healthy water.
Once home to one of the most important people in Bath, Beau Nash, is now a very popular theatre. Don’t miss the Royal Coat of Arms as well as a bust of Beau Nash and listen to the stories about the local ghost who sometimes appears inside the building.
This is one of the first housing developments designed by John Wood the Elder. As the city was growing in the 18th century, more houses were required very quickly. The square became a very popular address and John Wood himself owned a house on the square. Most of the buildings were damaged during the Blitz of WWII.
You cannot visit Bath and not talk about Jane Austin. Even though she wasn’t born here, her family came to Bath often and it’s thought that the city’s atmosphere was the inspiration for many of her novels. Bath plays host to an annual festival celebrating this popular novelist.
From busy streets to a calm relaxing park, we make our way to the Royal Crescent, the best example of Georgian architecture in town. 30 terraced houses built by John Wood the Younger in the 18th century. Before we go up to the crescent, make sure you enjoy the stunning views and discover what a “Ha Ha” is.
From one gem to another, welcome to The Circus. It’s hard not to be in awe of the layout and the architecture here. Let your guide explain not only the style but also the little details in the facade that may easily be missed.
Bath was very fashionable in the 18th century and the city needed lots of venues for entertainment. These rooms became a hub for high society, with grand balls, concerts and gambling events. Their role hasn’t changed much today, bookable for public or private functions.
People didn’t come to Bath just because it was fashionable, they came for medicinal reasons too. The news that the spring water cured ailments spread quickly, attracting all sorts of people. The wealthy clients attending the Roman Baths didn’t take kindly to the sick and frequently poor visitors. Hence the opening of the mineral water hospital, which is still in practice to this day.
We are indeed walking across a bridge. Pulteney Bridge is one of the few bridges in the world that is lined with shops. It is difficult to appreciate its design whilst we are on the bridge, but not to worry, our next stop will reveal its full glory.
This is one of the best views of Pulteney Bridge. Designed by Robert Adam, who was inspired in Florence by the Ponte Vecchio. Does this view look familiar? It features in guidebooks, and on postcards and was also used as a filming location. Let your guide tell you which film it appeared in.
The oldest house in Bath is next on our list. Who was Sally Lunn and what is the famous Bath bun? Your guide will explain.
We finish our tour here at Kingston parade, this large square that is never quiet. Buskers change frequently so you can listen to an aria from opera or the latest Bruno Mars hit. Your guide is ready to give you as many recommendations as you need. You might go back to Sully Lunn and try the bun or, if you brought your swimming costume, you might spend a few hours soaking in the healthy mineral water.
The price for your group is £408
Bath Abbey
Bath BA1 1LT
Mon – Sun 9:00am, 2:00pm
Your Guide will meet you outside the large wooden doors at the front of the Abbey. Your Guide will be holding a sign showing the lead customer name.
