BATH SPA

The golden city of Bath has been welcoming visitors for over 2,000 years, with some of the finest architectural sights in Europe. Our own simplified sketch map shows a few of the city's highlights:

The splendours of Georgian Bath include The Royal Crescent & The Circus, a stupendous creative accomplishment and one of the key reasons Bath was awarded the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

This is the area to head for if you want to feel like you are in a Jane Austen novel! The first stop on your route could be the Jane Austen Centre (www.janeaustin.co.uk). The gravel walk (scene of that romantic moment in the penultimate chapter of "Persuasion") will take you via the beautifully restored Georgian Garden to No 1 Royal Crescent with its atmospheric recreation of a domestic Georgian interior. The magnificent Assembly Rooms also house the Fashion Museum - a world-class collection of contemporary and historical dress from the late 16th century to the present day.

At the heart of the city is the historic Abbey and, bordering the Abbey Churchyard, the Roman Baths Museum, which gives a fascinating insight into the bathing complex and the great Roman temple of Sulis Minerva. Above the Museum you can taste the waters, take a meal and enjoy the music in the 18th century Pump Room. The wonderful Bath Christmas Market takes place each year - see www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

Thermae Bath Spa. Using the warm, mineral-rich waters enjoyed by the Celts and Romans over 2000 years ago, Thermae Bath Spa is Britain's original and only natural thermal Spa, where historic spa buildings blend with the contemporary design of the New Royal Bath. www.thermaebathspa.com

Green Park Station has found new life as a market, including speciality Local Food Producers at the Farmers Market. Unmissable for lovers of tasty local food, sustainably and lovingly produced. This link should tell you more.

Bath offers a unique shopping experience with a fabulous selection of small independent shops and stylish boutiques, alongside familiar big name stores and exclusive designer brands. The city centre is compact so it is easy to reach all the top retail spots on foot.

A wealth of practical information and ideas for a day out can be found on: www.visitbath.co.uk.

A more detailed map and an excellent guide to all the great shopping areas in the city can be downloaded from there.