Jaunted

Bath got its name from the Roman baths located here during the time of the Roman empire. They’re now a museum, which gives tourists a full multi-level perspective on the baths as well as a small lesson about the kinds of people who came to England over the centuries. And the museum doesn’t just show off their treasures—you may get up close to the waters and rock formations, holograms that depict life during the Roman Empire, and even costumed performers who talk about stuff like what kind of ocher makes the best eyeshadow. The gift shop is similarly eclectic, with the expected tons of salty beauty products, plus more amusing stuff like teddy bears wearing bathrobes and copies of Harry Potter in Latin.

Beside the baths is Bath Abbey. Built in 1499 when the local bishop had a vision of angels ascending to heaven, it’s one of those gorgeous medieval structures usually only spotted in architecture coffeetable books. The “Ladder of Angels” in the nave memorializes the bishop's dream and stained glass windows depict stories from the Bible, while stones around the inside of the church honor previous parishioners. If you’re lucky, on Saturdays you can often find the church’s choir practicing for the next day’s services.

Also worth a visit is the Jane Austen Centre, about a fifteen minute walk from the Abbey. (Almost everything in Bath is walkable, and easily spotted signs help tourists find their way around). Austen lived here for some time, and her novels Persuasion and Northanger Abbey are both set in this place. Aside from the obvious literary history, visitors may enjoy a Regency-style tea room and pick up a book (or a bonnet, or a box of tea, or a fan) from the gift shop. They even have the new release, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Sadly, Colin Firth is not included in the entry fee.

[Photo: markturner]