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Quenton Fyfe
Editor
After the excesses of the festive period, health, rejuvenation
and recharging the batteries top most people’s New Year Resolutions
lists. So, this month we’re shining the spotlight on
Bath.
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Beautiful, Inspirational Bath
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People have been flocking to Bath for the past 2,000 years to avail themselves
of the curative powers of its hot spring waters. The icing on the
post-Christmas cake is that Bath can justly claim to be one of the
country’s most beautiful cities, and the most famous of the Roman
spa towns. What better way to start the New Year than spending some
quality time in this city’s unique blend of ancient and modern?
Heritage dating back to Roman times sits harmoniously with spa
attractions, great shopping, cafes, restaurants and entertainment,
all set amidst what’s acknowledged to be the finest, honey stoned
Georgian architecture in the land.
Amazing Architecture
A designated World Heritage Site, Bath is a remarkable and
uplifting city. In Roman days it was one of only a handful
of hot spa locations, and as such was a place of pilgrimage
from across the empire. The Roman Baths
are reputed to be
the best preserved Roman site in northern Europe. As such
they’re a fascinating place to visit. While there, why not
put the power of the spa waters to the test in the Pump Room,
where it’s available by the glass?
Standing alongside the Roman Baths is the magnificent Bath
Abbey. Reputedly designed by God himself (though we’re not
sure we can prove that), the current building dates from 1499,
when building work began. However, as is often the case with
these things, there have been churches on the spot for
considerably longer. The Heritage Vaults below the Abbey trace
this lineage and Christianity itself in the city right back
to 350 AD.
Museums and Exhibitions
There’s lots to see and do in Bath throughout the year. If
you’re not ready for the shops, restaurants and cafes just
yet, then there are various, great exhibitions on offer this
month. There’s the ‘Trade’ exhibition at the Museum of East
Asian Art where you can find out how trade affected the art
& culture of East Asia from the Zhou Dynasty to the present
day.
At the Holbourne Museum of Art, you can take in an
exhibition of work by Winnie the Pooh’s creator – E.H Shepherd.
The Bath Postal Museum has a collection of early valentine cards
augmenting its regular exhibits. At the Building of Bath Museum,
the exhibition ‘Obsession’ details the works and mind of John Wood
the Elder, who together with his son created the Architectural
masterpiece that is Georgian bath.
Given Bath’s world-renown for
its Georgian architecture, this has to be a must see exhibition.
There’s a wide range of museums and attractions on offer in Bath,
ranging from the Museum of Costume to Number 1 Royal Crescent and
the Museum of Bath at Work amongst others. So, regardless of your
particular interests, you can rest assured Bath will have something
for you.
Active Bath
If you want to work off that extra helping of Christmas pudding and
all those chocolates, you have various entertaining options. There
are many enjoyable walks to be had throughout the city taking in
features like Royal Crescent and the Circus before wending your way
through the town towards Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey and the Roman
Baths & Pump Room. However, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you
may wish to try your hand on the open air ice rink in Queen’s Square.
Skating has been available here from mid December, and remains until
21st of January. There is Bath Rugby club too, if watching the action’s
going to be sufficiently strenuous for you. The Recreation Ground is an
easy walk from the centre of town.
Entertainment
Nobody does a panto like the brits, and you’re not too late to catch
Bath’s offering of Dick Whittington at the Theatre Royal. It should be
a comedic treat with the cast including East Enders’ Sid Owen and
seasoned dame, Chris Harris.
At the other end of the entertainment spectrum are clubs and music
venues like Moles Club, The Fez and Cadillacs, with places like the
Comedy Cavern at Porter’s Bar in between.
Retail Therapy
The compact nature of Bath’s city centre means that a huge range of
shops and boutiques can be browsed through while perhaps taking in
some of the city’s other sights. Everything from high street names
to small, specialist shops can be found, so why not grab yourself a
January Sale bargain or two while you’re here?
To keep your energy levels up your find a wealth of pubs, cafes and
restaurants, ranging from traditional fare to more specialist tastes,
such as seafood and vegetarian.
Whatever resolutions are on your list, Bath is a wonderful place to
take a breather and re-charge your batteries. Our range of great hotels
below combined with the city’s unique, harmonious blend of ancient and
modern makes it an ideal way to start the New Year!
Remember, all our hotels are covered by our unbeatable
price promise, meaning you won't find a better deal!
Abbey Hotel, Bath
This elegant and charming hotel, originally built as a
wealthy merchant's house in the 1740's, is situated in
the very heart of Bath, behind the Abbey and only a minute's
walk from the Roman Baths and the Pump Rooms.
Travelodge Bath, Bath
Located on the corner of George Street (A4) and Broad Street,
the Travelodge at Bath provides contemporary quality
accommodation and an ideal base for exploring the city centre.
Combe Grove Manor, Bath
This 17th century manor house is wonderfully situated just
two miles from the historic city of Bath. Nestling in
private parkland, Combe Grove offers the breathtaking views
and some of the finest leisure facilities in the south west.
Hilton Bath City, Bath
Located in the heart of the historic city centre the
Hilton Bath is only half a mile from the railway station
and a 30 minute drive from Bristol Airport.
Macdonald Hotels, The Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
Few hotels match the elegance of the 5 star Bath Spa
- a superbly restored Georgian mansion set in seven acres
of landscaped gardens just a short walk from Bath city centre.
To see our full range of great hotels in Bath, please follow this link:
Bath Hotels on AboutBritain.com
Please be sure to check the note at the bottom of this section.
London Bridge, London
This hotel is close to major tourist attractions including Shakespeare's
Globe, HMS Belfast, the London Dungeons and the Tower of London. All
bedrooms are air conditioned with satellite TV, hairdryer, tea and
coffee making facilities, trouser press and minibar.
Per night rates (Mid-Week Deals):
1 Jan 05 - 28 Feb 05: Normally £68.80, offer price £45.00
Per night rates (Weekend Deals):
1 Jan 05 - 28 Feb 05: Normally £47.20, offer price £45.00!
Barkston Gardens Hotel, Earls Court, London
Facing a quiet garden square, this popular hotel is within walking
distance of Earls Court Exhibition Centre. Nearby Earls Court Tube
Station provides quick, direct access to Heathrow, the West End and
the city.
Per night rates:
1 Nov 04 - 28 Feb 05: Was £60.00, offer price £45.00! *
* (Min 2 nights stay inc Saturday)
Jurys Inn Glasgow, Glasgow
Jurys Inn Glasgow is located on Jamaica Street, adjacent to the Central
Station and overlooks the River Clyde. The hotel is only a few minutes'
walk from the major shopping streets and the Scottish Exhibition and
Conference Centre is easily accessible.
Per night rates:
1 Jan 05 - 10 Feb 05: Was £37.50, offer price £31.50!
Links Hotel, Edinburgh
Comprising of three town houses, the Links Hotel is located only 15
minutes walk from the city centre and overlooks the Bruntsfield Links.
The 26 bedrooms are located over three floors and finished to a three
star standard in a modern decor. The Links Bar is open daily with an
extensive bar menu.
Per night rates (Sundays - Thursdays):
2 Jan 05 - 10 Feb 05: Was £39.50, offer price £29.00!
Copthorne Hotel Cardiff - Caerdydd, Cardiff
The luxurious lakeside Copthorne Hotel Cardiff Caerdydd offers every
modern comfort and excellent facilities including a leisure club with
swimming pool, a lakeside lounge and a bar. Free car parking is
available to guests. Situated close to Cardiff Centre and the airport,
the hotel provides an ideal base for exploring the area.
Per night rates (Mid-Week Deals):
1 Dec 04 - 28 Feb 05: Was £55.00, offer price £50.00!
Per night rates (Weekend Deals):
1 Dec 04 - 28 Feb 05: Was £45.00, offer price £40.00!
Chester Grosvenor and Spa, Chester
Situated in the historic city of Chester, The Chester Grosvenor and
Spa has 80 suites and bedrooms all air conditioned and individually
designed with all the amenities you would expect from a deluxe hotel.
The Grosvenor Spa, with 5 treatment rooms, combines traditional and
modern treatments offering the ideal solution for relaxation and indulgence.
Per night rates:
1 Dec 04 - 28 Feb 05: Was £120.00, offer price £110.00!
Per night rates (If staying 2 nights or more):
1 Dec 04 - 28 Feb 05: Was £120.00, offer price £90.00!
The Old Ship Hotel, Brighton
The impressive Old Ship Hotel has been recently refurbished and
restored to its former glory. Redz Restaurant, a brasserie style
eatery, blends sophistication into an airy and relaxed atmosphere.
Located on the sea front and overlooks glorious beaches and famous piers.
Per night rates (Weekend Deals):
1 Jan 05 - 28 Feb 05: Was £75.00, offer price £60.00!
Quality Hotel & Suites Loughborough, Loughborough
Newly refurbished modern hotel 2 miles from the University
Town of Loughborough, which boasts an excellent market on
Thursdays and Saturdays and 5 miles from East Midlands Airport.
The hotel has a fully equipped Leisure Club including indoor
swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym. The
restaurant, bar and lounge all offer a variety of dishes for
all tastes. Easy access to the peak district and Sherwood Forest.
Per night rates:
1 Jan 05 - 31 Jan 05: Was £44.00, offer price £32.50!
Special Offers Note:
Don't worry about the Standard Rates shown on our hotel
booking pages. These Special offer prices will automatically be
calculated and confirmed before you book.
That's all for this issue of BritainUpdate from
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