London is a mega city. A day trip into the countryside may be a welcomed hiatus after multiple days of urban sightseeing. Bath is one of many options. Board a train at Paddington Station and arrive 1.5 hours later. It is advisable to travel early. This will maximize your time in the country.
Bath is a walkable and friendly town. Visitors can use footpower to reach the famous Roman Baths and adjacent Pump Room, the Bath Abbey, spectacular architecture, picturesque parks, small museums, shopping, and delicious restaurants.
The Avon River encircles the central part of the town. The river runs through a backdrop of lush landscaping. This creates a special charm, especially near the Pulteney Bridge.
People congregant outside and inside the Bath Abbey. This 15th century church encourages visitors even when it is conducting worship services. The congregants are oblivious. Many tourists freely talk amongst themselves. Others take pictures throughout the massive cathedral. Despite the lack of decorum, it’s worth a trip inside.
The Roman Baths are a short distance away are. Be aware that there can be a wait to enter this popular site. To avoid missing your train back to London, plan a morning visit. Your self guided tour with headphones should take approximately 2 hours.
People familiar or unfamiliar with Roman ingenuity will marvel at what the Romans were able to accomplish in the 1st century C.E.
Using gravity, the Romans designed ways to avoid floods and to direct water to the Avon River which is located approximately 400 meters from the structure. An aqueduct system optimized the use of available water. The Romans also had the luxury of under the floor heating elements, a rudimentary form of in-floor radiant heat.
Some may cringe when they first see the unsightly green water until they hear that it is a byproduct of direct sunlight. The original building had a roof that protected the thermal water (46 degrees Celsius).
The museum and the ancient complex are located under the city streets and buildings. The museum provides evidence of ancient life and artifacts associated with the people who came to the Roman religious spa of Aquae Sulis.
The Pump Room offers pricey meals. The exquisite dining room may outmatch some food selections. Tea time is a less expensive option.The special and unique experience will definitely outweighed any culinary disappointment unless the price point is not within one’s budget.
The afternoon can be spent exploring the town, the green spaces and partaking in a traditional tea time. Before walking back to the train station, consider a light snack or early dinner.
Additional Places
As you stroll around Bath, look for the Pulteney Bridge, the Royal Crescent, the King’s Circus, and Alexandria Park. Rain may cause you to retreat inside. The Holburne Museum is one option. If you’re into spa treatments, head to the Thermae Bath Spa for a few hours of pampering.
Before you Go
Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, and don’t forget an umbrella and/or rain jacket. Download a map and plan your route. If you choose to wing it, maps are available inside the train terminal.
THE ABOVE ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 1, 2015. IT IS BEING REPOSTED ON THIS SITE BECAUSE THE EXAMINER SITE SHUT DOWN IN JULY, 2016. SOME PARTS OF THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HAVE BEEN UPDATED AND THE ORIGINAL SLIDE SHOW HAS BEEN ELIMINATED.
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BIO
Sandra Bornstein is the author of MAY THIS BE THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE. It is available on Amazon.
Sandra’s memoir highlights her living and teaching adventure in Bangalore, India. She is a licensed Colorado teacher who has taught K-12 students in the United States and abroad as well as college level courses. Sandra is married and has four adult sons.
The memoir was a finalist in the Travel category for the 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the 2013 International Book Awards, the 2013 National Indie Book Excellence Awards, 2013 USA Best Book Awards, and a Honorable Mention award in the Multicultural Non-Fiction category for the 2013 Global ebook Awards.
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