Bath has to be one of England’s most beautiful cities and perhaps one of its most unique, for this stunningly amazing place is not just famous for its ancient Roman Baths (Aquae Sulis), dating back to 60AD, but for its stunning Georgian Regency architecture and, of course a certain Jane Austen, who brought regency Bath to life in her novels Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. 

Walking around Bath is like stepping back in time – its extensive impressive Georgian architecture is incredibly intact, no wonder that this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But to find the best preserved ancient Roman religious spas and bathhouses in the world is truly remarkable. These natural hot thermal springs, which still bubble away today, gush some 1.3 million litres of mineral-rich, geothermal water every single day at a steamy 46 degrees centigrade! 

Sure, it has become overly touristy in these modern times. Entrance to the site was £31 each! So, it was crowded (as to be expected with all things in the UK) and, in places, quite cheesy with costumed interpreters placed around the site. But, the baths and temple complexes themselves remain impressive and largely intact, along with the many thousands of Roman artifacts found on site and on display. 

The Grade 1 Royal Crescent and Circus are outstanding examples of Georgian Architecture on an incredibly grand scale – fully restored and intact and, it seems, lived in and loved by people today. There was one for sale in the Crescent for a mere £6.5m. Right in the centre of the Crescent is the iconic Royal Crescent Hotel, occupying Nos. 15 and 16, built between 1767 and 1774, designed by John Wood the Younger. Originally private aristocratic homes, these two centrepiece terraces were turned into a luxury 5-star hotel in the 1970’s. Stepping through the entrance door and into the extensive (It felt secret) lush English country garden at the back, was like being transported to a Georgian garden party, complete with immaculate croquet lawns, ornate flower beds, gravel paths and lashings and lashings of perfumed falling Wisteria. Naturally, of course, high tea is de rigueur – at any time of the day. 

We stayed in an apartment in one of Bath’s impressive Georgian terraces on Daniel Street, a short stroll through the gardens and into the centre of Regency Bath. We’d driven up from Poole through idyllic tree-tunnel countryside and found the street quickly enough, only to find though that the entire area – make that the whole of central Bath – is permit holder only parking. What to do? Heavy suitcases to lug around. Distant public pay carparks…!? Unnecessary Ubers? So, we winged it. Parked right outside the house over the weekend without a fine. Phew!