Good Attractions in City Centre (Bath)

Bizarre Bath

This tour is undoubtedly the local favorite. This is the tour to take if you are impressed by the beautiful surroundings and the graceful vistas but don't really care who built them. This is the other side of Bath; the side that would make Jane Austen, Sally Lunn and Big Beau Nash turn in their graves! Your guides for the evening are Nick Britten and JJ who will lead you hopping across Great Pulteney Street with your hands on your heads and your tongues poked out. They'll also attempt to drown a rabbit or two in the weir and give you the chance to win a pile of money. Unusual but great fun as a tour.

Bath Street

The notable feature here is the colonnade built in 1789 as a covered link between the main Pump Room and Roman Baths, and the Cross Bath, which is fed by one of the city's hot springs. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Cross Bath was the bath favored by 'people of quality and rank.'

The Kennet & Avon Canal

The canals of England, once the arteries that carried the life-blood of commerce have in the past few decades become one of the greatest pleasure boating venues and conservation areas. The Kennet and Avon Canal by virtue of the beautiful countryside it traverses is one of the loveliest of English canals. Completed in 1810 it was built to connect Reading with Bath and then Bristol via the River Avon. Aside from its beauty, the canal boasts a spectacular flight of 29 locks which haul the water level up an astonishing 70 meters in the space of two miles and are now equipped with a water-saving system of back-pumps to recycle the water, so the locks can now be open to boats every day.

Royal Victoria Park

Formally opened in 1830, Royal Victoria Park was named after the young princess who was visiting Bath at the time. The park itself covers 57 acres and is overlooked by the famous Royal Crescent. Originally laid out as an arboretum, Victoria Park still contains some beautiful mature trees. In addition you will find unusual bedding displays, tennis courts, statues and ornaments, a botanical garden, bowling green, golf courses, an aviary, woodland dell and the largest free adventure playground in the area. The park is also used throughout the year for many of the city's festivals and musical events including Opening Night and the Childrens Art Festival.

Ghost Walks of Bath

This established tour sets off from the Garricks Head pub which is next to the theatre. The tour lasts well over an hour and is an interesting way to learn about the history of the city. With so many buildings being period properties, we have more than our fair share of ghosts; although most appear too shy to turn up at the Garricks Head. The gentleman who takes the Ghost Walk tours is friendly and very knowledgeable, so try and get out the hidden stories hovering the eerie buildings. Please check the website for more details. So, walk through the entire tour and bag the 'Bravery Certificate.'

Central United Reformed Church

Nestled quietly between shops just the other side of Pulteney Bridge, sheltered from the bustle of the city, the Central United Reformed Church is a tranquil haven of pale and elegant simplicity. Whether dropping in for a moment of quiet prayer, visiting the weekly "bring and buy" sale (in aid of church funds), or joining in the family worship, everyone is welcome here. Services are at 10:30a (with a creche for the under 3's) and 6:30p.

Salvation Army - Bath Citadel Corps

The staunch Christian fellowship of the Salvation Army guarantees a warm welcome for everyone! The large, modern building at the corner of Green Park Rd and James St West houses the main assembly hall, a library, and various other meeting and function rooms.

Georgian Garden

This garden is accessible via the Gravel Walk and through an entrance just to the rear of The Circus. The garden was excavated in the mid-eighties to reveal the exact position of the original flower beds, trees and paths and has allowed a faithful reproduction of the original garden to be created. The original garden is believed to date from 1770 or 1780. Unfortunately, no records of the exact species of plant that grew in the original garden have been discovered, but the garden has been planted with varieties that were commonly used in that period. Note: closed at weekends and bank holidays.

Botanical Gardens at Victoria Park

The Botanical Gardens can be found on the north side of Victoria Park. The gardens were formed in 1887 and house a huge array of plants over nine acres of land. The gardens include what is believed to be the largest collection of plants on limestone in the West Country, a scented walk, old shrub roses and a fine herbaceous border, along with many unusual examples of trees and shrubs. Within the garden a replica of a Roman Temple can also be found. This was originally part of the city's exhibit at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in 1924.

St Mary's Catholic Church

Built in 1881, St Mary's is particularly notable for its beautiful contemporary frescoes - scenes from the life of St Mary but depicted using elements from local buildings or occasions. The church is simply and lovingly decorated, and possessed of a true community spirit. Vigils are undertaken on Holy Days. There is an assortment of other events - a rosary prayer group that meets in members' houses, parent and toddler groups, a scout group and a couple of youth groups, a badminton club and an art group - check the church newsletter or directory for details.

Thermae Bath Spa

Britain's only natural thermal spa offers you warm, natural mineral-rich waters to soak the chill away. To soothe your mind and body, Thermae Bath Spa offers a wide range of spa treatments. You can even book for the different spa sessions like the New Royal Bath or the Cross Bath. The spa uses water from natural springs which lie beneath the city of Bath. Heated, mineral-rich water flows from these natural springs everyday. One can also try the Minerva Bath, open-air roof top pool, aroma steam rooms and waterfall shower. Top off the bath with a nice healthy bite at Springs Cafe & Restaurant. Check website for timings.

The Guildhall & Banqueting Room

Designed in 1776 by Thomas Baldwin and said to be one of the finest Adam-style interiors in the country, the Guildhall is a very impressive civic building from teh 18th century. It is still in use as the town hall, housing council departments with an indoor market below. The Banqueting Room in the Guildhall is a masterpiece of neo-classical decoration, enhanced by a set of three giant chandeliers made in 1778 by William Parker and a collection of portraits. Originally used by wealthy traders who were prohibited from using the Assembly Rooms which were only used by the aristocrats. The Banqueting Room is still a sumptuous venue for dinners, dances, meetings and concerts.