Taking a Bath

Yesterday we met Dad and M in Bath. It's a lovely town and the weather was good so we had a nice day strolling around. We began by checking out the famous and eponymous Roman Baths. They were a huge complex by 4 AD but had been covered over the years by new buildings, to the extent that they are currently 16' (5m) below the road surface. I found it quite confusing getting my bearings as you were up and down, twisting and turning to find your way to the various areas. I guess this can't be avoided without pulling down later buildings which of course have their own merits. Most of what you can see in the pictures is Georgian - 18th Century, but there are some pics of the original Roman baths where they had been excavated or incorporated into the later works. There is no bathing allowed in these baths but new ones have been built close by that you can pay through the nose to use.

Bath Abbey is next door but as usual there was a charge to enter so we didn't.

Dad and I went to see Hershell's house/museum. He was the 18th Century astronomer who discovered Uranus. We shelled out for the entry fee, but it was a little underwhelming in the end. OK if you have an interest in astronomy or the history of science, but probably not for most. It was an extra L5 for photos, so we didn't.


Meanwhile M & J had wandered up to the Circus and the Royal Crescent, so Dad and I went up to join them. The areas were quite spectacular, although if you follow the link above you will see they aren't all what they seem...

After a refreshment stop we had a look at Pulteney Bridge which is lined with shops like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. It is spectacularly positioned over the Avon River, and the latter has been tamed by weirs just below the bridge. Some nice photo opportunities to be had...

Dad & M had had a long day, so we headed home in time to see 4 hot-air balloons not far away from the flat. There've been quite a few recently as the days have been quite still, and I'd like to give it a go sometime. Apparently Bristol hosts one of the biggest balloon fiestas in the world, and it's on this August. (Click here for details.)

As usual, if you'd like more pics, click here to see the album.