THERMAE BATH SPA Hot Bath Street, Bath BA1 1SJ Telephone: 0844 888 0844 Telephone from overseas: +44 (0) 1225 33 1234 www.thermaebathspa.com Times: 09:00 – 21:30 (Pools & Steam Rooms close at 21:00) Every day (except 25 & 26 Dec, and 1 Jan) 100 metres from the Roman Baths. Access for disabled. Britain’s original natural thermal Spa. Enjoy the warm, mineral-rich waters which the Celts and Romans discovered over 2,000 years ago. Thermae Bath Spa is a remarkable combination of the best of the historic Spa and the inspiring architecture of the New Royal Bath. Our new Thermae Welcome includes a 2-hour spa session, towel robe & slippers and full use of the Minerva Bath, a series of aromatherapy steam rooms and the open-air rooftop pool with spectacular views over the City. A selection of over 40 spa treatments and packages are on offer, including a range of massages, facials, Hot Stones therapies and our signature treatment, Watsu. Other facilities include the Springs Restaurant, the stand alone Cross Bath, Spa Visitor Centre and Thermae Bath Spa Shop. BATH CITY SIGHTSEEING Telephone: 01225 330444 Email: [email protected] www.bathbuscompany.com Times: Buses depart regularly from High Street/Railway Station/Grand Parade. Reduced service during winter months. Main season (Mar – Oct) Your ticket covers two tours – the City and Skyline. We are part of the world’s largest open- top tour group – City Sightseeing. Each vehicle has a sophisticated sound system designed with both tourists and residents in mind. We offer commentary in ten languages, or by a live guide. All the main locations are included in the tour: Bath Abbey, Roman Baths, Queen Square, Jane Austen Centre, Circus, Pulteney Bridge and Royal Victoria Park. FASHION MUSEUM AND ASSEMBLY ROOMS Bennett Street, Bath BA1 2QH Telephone: 01225 477789 www.fashionmuseum.co.uk Times: Jan – Feb & Nov – Dec 10:30 – 16:00, exit 17:00 Mar – Oct 10:30 – 17:00, exit 18:00 The story of fashion over the past 400 years is brought alive at the Fashion Museum, a world-class collection of contemporary and historical dress. The collection includes garments from 1750 to the present day. Adults and children are able to try on reproduction corsets and crinolines, and Victorian costume in the interactive displays. The whole experience takes place within the magnificent setting of the Assembly Rooms, where, in Georgian Times, more than a thousand people would gather for parties and balls. The Assembly Rooms Café is open nearly every day and there is a particularly fine fashion book and gift shop. Special exhibitions for 2015 include: ‘Georgians’ until 1 Jan 2016; ‘Great Names of Fashion’, 31 Jan-end 2015 THEATRE ROYAL BATH Main House, Ustinov Studio, egg theatre Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET Telephone: 01225 448844 www.theatreroyal.org.uk Built in 1805, the Theatre Royal Bath is one of the oldest and most beautiful theatres in the country. Home to an exquisite main auditorium which presents a year-round programme of quality entertainment; the Ustinov Studio, where seasons of specially-commissioned work have been winning national acclaim, and the egg theatre, hosting an extravaganza of shows for children and families. The site also includes the Vaults Restaurant, the egg café and the historic Garrick’s Head Pub. SALLY LUNN’S HISTORIC EATING HOUSE & MUSEUM 4 North Parade Passage, Bath BA1 1NX Telephone: 01225 461634 Email: [email protected] www.sallylunns.co.uk Times: Every day except 25 & 26 Dec Museum and refreshment rooms open 10:00 (Sun 11:00) Historic Evening Dinner from 17:00 A must visit – the unique taste of Bath’s history is open every day and evening. Right in the centre of the city, experience the traditional hospitality of Bath’s oldest Historic Eating House. Home of the world famous Sally Lunn Bath Bun (a light, airy & semi-sweet festival bread baked to Sally’s 300 year old secret recipe). You’ll be taking refreshment on a site that has been serving locals, travellers, visitors and even Romans, for over 2000 years! Our little museum displays excavations and you can also see the original kitchen used by Sally Lunn. Our three refreshment rooms offer an intriguing sweet and savoury menu based on the Sally Lunn Bath Bun for morning coffee, lunch, and afternoon tea. Candlelit dinner every day features historic English dishes in a wonderful atmosphere. Sally Lunn’s is such a unique experience and a ‘must do’ on any visit to Bath – a living museum you can eat!!! BIZARRE BATH COMEDY WALK Telephone: 01225 335124 www.bizarrebath.co.uk Times/prices: Walk departs from The Huntsman Inn, North Parade at 20:00 every night (1st Apr – 31 Oct 2015) Tickets: Adults £8/Students and children £5 No need to pre-book You’ll laugh yourself silly when you join this highly acclaimed walk through Bath. This 90-minute entertainment, which mixes comedy, street theatre and improvisation, is recommended by all the major guide books and many travel programmes internationally. In its 24th year, the walk has been the highlight of many people’s visits to Bath, regardless of their age. Ignoring the historical to bring you the hysterical! Awarded Certificate of Excellence www.tripadvisor.com. THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB Telephone: 01225 388569 www.holburne.org Times/prices: Mon – Sat 10:00 – 17:00 Sundays and Bank Holidays 11:00 – 17:00 Closed 24 – 26 Dec and 1 Jan Free admission (there is a charge for our temporary exhibitions) We’re open daily and admission is free. Here you’ll find a beautiful and fascinating art collection in one of Bath’s great buildings. Our stunning extension has new galleries and a garden café which opens onto the park. With everything from Renaissance treasures to masterpieces by Gainsborough, and from fine embroideries to exquisite silver, there is lots to enjoy. Visit our website to see our programme of exhibitions, lectures and concerts. BATH ABBEY Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1 1LY Telephone: 01225 422462 Email: offi[email protected] www.bathabbey.org Times/prices: Mon 09:30–18:00 (last entry 17:15) Tues–Sat 09:00-18:00 (last entry 17:15) Sun 13:00–14:30 & 16:30–17.30 As a working church it is sometimes necessary to close at short notice. Please check our website for closures Suggested donation £2.50 Tower Tours: Adult £6/Child (5 – 15 years) £3 There is nowhere else quite like Bath Abbey. Magnificent stained glass windows, columns of honey-gold stone and some of the finest fan- vaulting in the world, create an awe-inspiring experience of light and space. Tower Tours offer a behind-the-scenes opportunity to inspect the bells, clock and fan- vaulting, and to enjoy exceptional views from the best vantage point in the city. VICTORIA ART GALLERY Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AT Telephone: 01225 477233 www.victoriagal.org.uk Times/prices: Tues – Sat 10:00 – 17:00, Sun 13:30 – 17:00 Closed Mondays and 25 & 26 Dec Collections and small exhibitions free, variable charge for large exhibitions (under 21s free), annual season ticket £10. Lift to first floor Bath and North East Somerset’s public art museum has one of the best temporary exhibition programmes in the region. The beautiful Victorian Gallery houses work by Gainsborough, Sickert, Turner and many other leading artists. Exhibitions for 2015 include: Jeremy Gardiner: Jurassic Coast 17 Jan – 1 Mar; Victoria Gamberoni: Flower Paintings 17 Jan –1 Mar; Beryl Cook 1926 –2008: Intimate Relations 7 Mar – 3 May; Canaletto: Venice, a regatta on the Grand Canal (National Gallery, London) 7 Mar – 3 May; Bath Society of Artists Exhibition 16 May – 27 Jun; Jane Austen’s Bath 4 Jul – 4 Oct; Howard Jeffs: Prints of woods and water 4 Jul – 4 Oct. NO. 1 ROYAL CRESCENT No. 1 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LR Telephone: 01225 428126 Email: [email protected] www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk Times/prices: 1 Feb– 13 Dec. Tues – Sun & Bank Holiday Mon 10:30 – 17:30 Mondays 12:00 – 17:30 Last admission 16:30 Special tours by arrangement. Adults £9/Children £4/Family £22 Concessions, students and group rates Step into the past at one of England’s finest Georgian townhouses. 10 display rooms ~ Upstairs and Downstairs ~ Georgian shop ~ Free Info room ~ Disabled access ~ Kid’s explorer packs. Dolls House exhibition 9 May – 8 Nov! THE MUSEUM OF EAST ASIAN ART 12 Bennett Street, Bath BA1 2QJ Telephone: 01225 464640 www.meaa.org.uk The Museum of East Asian Art is the only museum in the UK dedicated solely to arts and culture of East and Southeast Asia, with the finest collection of Far East artefacts outside London. MUSEUM OF BATH ARCHITECTURE The Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel The Vineyards, Paragon, Bath BA1 5NA Telephone: 01225 333895 Email: [email protected] www.museumofbatharchitecture.org.uk Times/prices: 14 Feb –29 Nov. Tues – Fri 14:00 – 17:00 Weekends 10:30 – 17:00 Adults £5.50/Children £2.50/Family £13 Concessions, students and group rates This unique museum displays Bath’s transformation from a provincial town into an architecturally admired Georgian Spa. Based in the historic Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, this is the place to discover how Georgian Bath was built. Exhibitions and associated lectures make sure there is always something new to see. We particularly welcome groups from schools and other organisations. MUSEUM OF BATH AT WORK Julian Road, Bath BA1 2RH Telephone: 01225 318348 Email: [email protected] www.bath-at-work.org.uk Times: 10:30 – 16:00 Jan – Mar weekends only Apr – Oct seven days a week Nov weekends only, Dec closed Admission charged The story of 2000 years of the city of Bath at Work. Displays include reconstructions of an engineering works and mineral water factory both run by Victorian entrepreneur JB Bowler, Bath Stone workings and a display on the stone mining and construction industry, a cabinet maker’s workshop and 1914 Horstmann Car gallery. Temporary exhibitions. Souvenir shop. Refreshments. Educational facilities available on request. Free audioguides. BATH VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Next to Bath Abbey, just off York Street Telephone: 0844 847 5256 (tickets and accommodation bookings) www.visitbath.co.uk Times: 09:30 – 17:30 Mon – Sat 10:00 – 16:00 Sun Start your visit to Bath here and pick up maps and tickets for attractions, tours and events, including our best-selling ‘Twilight Dinner and Tour of the Roman Baths’ package: available only from the Visitor Information Centre, this exclusive package allows you to enjoy an atmospheric and unhurried evening visit to the magnificent Roman Baths under flickering torchlight, coupled with a 3 course dinner in a converted Georgian Townhouse at the neighbouring Roman Baths Kitchen. Impressive by day, the ruins of the Roman Baths take on an even more magical atmosphere as the light begins to fade and the torches are lit. Your guided tour includes the story of how the 2,000 year old Great Baths were discovered, and dinner is provided by renowned caterer Searcys, with a menu focussed on local produce and seasonal favours. Tickets just £36 (prices correct at time of print January 2015). One not to miss! ROMAN BATHS AND PUMP ROOM Roman Baths, Abbey Church Yard, Bath BA1 1LZ Telephone: 01225 477785 www.romanbaths.co.uk Times: Jan – Feb 09:30 – 16:30 Mar – Jun 09:00 – 17:00 July – Aug 09:00 – 21:00 Sept – Oct 09:00 – 17:00 Nov – Dec 09:30 – 16:30 Last exit one hour after closing Closed 25 & 26 Dec The Roman bathing establishment with its magnificent Temple and Baths flourished in Aquae Sulis between the first and fifth centuries AD. It was built around the natural hot spring which rises at 46ºC. The remains are remarkably complete and among the finest in Europe. New displays, costumed characters every day, free personal audio guides in eight languages, children’s audio tour and commentary by Bill Bryson included in admission price. To complete your day, taste the Spa water and enjoy coffee, lunch or tea in the 18th century Pump Room. The Roman Baths Kitchen in Abbey Church Yard is also open for breakfast, light lunches and dinner. Avoid the crowds and enjoy the romantic ambience of the torchlit Great Bath on summer evenings – the site is open until 22:00 in July and August (last entry 21:00). ORA ET LABORA 3 Church Street, Bath BA1 1NL Telephone: 01225 481111 www.ora-et-labora.co.uk Discover the history of Bath’s Medieval past. Medieval Suppers; Beer and Cheese Sampling; Full Day Excursions; Holiday Craft Activities; No. 1 Gift Shop in Bath (Trip Advisor). Our original and unique Bath Medieval Pudding – a taste of history! Images © Holburne Museum. Bottom right: The Byam Family, Thomas Gainsborough (1727–1788) On long term loan from the Andrew Brownsword Arts Foundation. PRIOR PARK LANDSCAPE GARDEN Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH Telephone: 01225 833422 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-park/ Times/prices: Feb–Oct, every day, 10:00 –17:30 Nov–Jan, weekends only, 10:00–16:00 Adults £6.90/Children £3.80/Family £17.30 Prices inclusive of Gift Aid Prior Park, set in the sweeping valleys of Bath, provides spectacular views over the city. Explore this beautiful and intimate Georgian garden and walk across the famous Palladian Bridge, explore the winding woodland paths or simply relax, taking in the views. The garden is just a 30 minute walk from behind Bath railway station or a short bus journey away from the city centre. THE HERSCHEL MUSEUM OF ASTRONOMY 19 New King Street, Bath BA1 2BL Telephone: 01225 446865 www.herschelmuseum.org.uk Featuring William Herschel’s workshop, the Caroline Lucretia Gallery and the garden from where he discovered the planet Uranus. NEXTBIKE Nextbike is the new fun way to explore Bath! Bikes are available to rent any time of day, 365 days a year, from any of the on-street hire stations around the city. You can find a map of Nextbike station locations and real time availability of bikes at www.nextbike.co.uk THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF AS SEEN ON (formerly The Building of Bath Collection) 17 8 1 6 11 12 7 13 4 15 16 14 10 2 9 3 5