I spent several summers of my childhood in Bath. Returning last summer, it was a mix of memories and rediscovery with a fresh eye, after so many other trips. A legacy of the Roman presence, Bath’s Roman baths continue to attract many visitors. From the 18th century onwards as medical virtues mingled with fashion Bath became a resort for the upper classes.

01. Roman baths

As Roman civilization spread across Britain, the existence of hot springs matched the ancient practice of thermal baths. From 70 A.D., a religious centre was gradually built, as the Roman bath complex developed, offering saunas, pools and exercise areas. These facilities can still be visited today (more).

02. Royal Crescent

This is Bath’s finest architectural ensemble, completed in 1774 and a symbol of Georgian elegance. It comprises thirty luxurious townhouses with strictly codified facades, opening onto Royal Victoria Park. Most of these houses were home to wealthy visitors who came to take the waters or participate in the social season.

03. Circus

Predating the Crescent by a few years, the Circus is another outstanding Georgian development. Three rows of delicately curved houses form a circle around a small garden planted with trees. On the same principle, a square plaza, Queen Square, and several streets with facades repeating the same decorations, give Bath its unity of style.

04. Abbey

On the site of the ancient Roman temple, a Catholic abbey was founded in the 7th century. It built up a rich estate, which enabled the church to be embellished. At the end of the 19th century, the church was magnified in a flamboyant Gothic style. The windows occupy a dominant space, bringing light inside and highlighting the stained glass windows.

05. Pulteney Bridge

This bridge over the River Avon testifies to the ingenuity and elegance of the Georgian era. Opened in 1774, it is still lined with stores on both sides, inspired by Florence’s Ponte Vecchio. Originally conceived as a commercial venture, it now serves as a picturesque backdrop to the historic centre.

06. Holburne Museum

Closing the view from Pulteney Bridge, this elegant building was erected in 1822 to house Sir William Holburne’s collection. The collection has since been enriched by further bequests and purchases to expand the gallery of paintings, sculpture, ceramics and silverware. To the rear, tranquil gardens offer a serene setting for relaxation.

07. Jane Austen Centre

Jane Austen lived in Bath for several years around 1800, from which she drew material for many of her literary compositions. Born into a modest but cultivated social class, the author cast a critical eye on the society of her time. Her work contributed to the artistic recognition of women. The centre celebrates her enduring literary legacy.

08. Botanical Gardens

Bath has many parks and gardens. Occupying part of Royal Victoria Park, the Botanical Gardens offer a synthesis of the art of ornamental gardens developed by the British. Founded in 1887, these historic gardens boast a varied collection of plant species from all over the world. Fake Roman temples add to the variety of views.

09. The Giant Plane Tree

A stone’s throw from the Abbey, in the centre of Abbey Green, a centuries-old plane tree is said to date back to 1793. Around the square are a number of antique stores and café terraces, creating a restful atmosphere where to take a break under the vast canopy. The gnarled branches and textured bark whisper stories of bygone eras, witness to centuries of change.

10. The Corridor

In the heart of the shopping district, The Corridor is a historic passageway built in 1825, with its elegant Georgian facade and glass roof flooding the space with natural light. Here there’s a mix of fashion boutiques, cafés and craftsmen’s stores. It exudes the charm and character of Bath’s high society days.