Bath’s Roman Heritage
Bath is a fine example of what the Romans did for us.
Home to some of the country’s grandest Georgian architecture, Bath is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most beautiful cities, making it the ideal location for an incentive or reward trip. The world-famous Roman Baths, Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge vie for top tourism honours. Our suggested programme for a two-day break combines all of this with a hot air balloon flight, the opportunity for some glass blowing, and time to discover the city’s historic streets.
Dates
Dates available on request
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Travel by train to Bath for a Treasure Hunt, visit to Royal Crescent and the Thermal Spa
Morning: Enjoy first class rail travel to Bath (90 minutes from London Paddington). On arrival you’ll be met by our tour director. Most visitors will take a guided tour, but you’ll go one better. You’ll take part in ‘Huntopoly’, a bespoke treasure hunt (organised by the tourist office) that replicates many of the popular elements of the iconic board game (Monopoly). You’ll have time to visit Bath Abbey, described as the last of the great medieval churches of England, and the famous Pulteney Bridge.
Lunchtime: You’ll take a short guided walk up to the world famous Royal Crescent. Lunch is served at the five-star Royal Crescent Hotel. The restaurant overlooks the leafy and secluded gardens, one of Bath’s best kept secrets. After lunch, enjoy a Croquet Challenge on the lawn.
Afternoon: You’ll leave the hotel (as a croquet champion perhaps!) to walk to Number 1 Royal Crescent. Now designated a World Heritage Building, it has been redecorated and furnished to show how it might have appeared in the late eighteenth century. You’ll then visit to the Assembly Rooms and Fashion Museum followed by the opportunity to bathe in the healing waters of Thermae Bath Spa, Britain’s original and only natural thermal Spa. If bathing isn’t your thing, there’s free time to explore more of the city centre.
Evening: You’ll travel by executive coach to the idyllic setting of Priston Mill, a spectacular stone barn dating back to 1720, with vaulted ceilings and exposed pitch roof. You’ll enjoy a pre-dinner drinks reception (in the beautiful gardens if the weather permits) accompanied by local musicians. Dinner is taken in the Thythe Barn followed by a night of dancing before returning to your hotel.
Day 2
Hot air balloon flight, glass-blowing and Roman Baths
Morning: This morning you’ll be taking to the skies in a hot air balloon, weather permitting of course. You’ll join your balloon in Royal Victoria Park, close to the city centre, where you’ll help the crew inflate the balloon and prepare it for take-off. You’re likely to drift over the city and the beautiful Somerset countryside. The experience lasts from between three to four hours. If the weather isn’t favourable for ballooning on your chosen day, each member of the group will receive a Champagne Balloon Flight Voucher, valid for a year.
Lunchtime: You’ll take a light lunch in a private room at the Roman Baths Kitchen, a stunning Georgian townhouse located in the centre of Bath, that has been lovingly and respectfully transformed into a contemporary eatery, celebrating the very best of West Country produce.
Afternoon: You’ll visit the team at Bath Aqua Glass in the city centre to see their skilled glassblowers at work producing a range of handmade glassware, many of the designs being inspired by the Roman and Georgian heritage of the city. At the end of the demonstration you’ll have the option to blow into a glass bauble to create your own unique souvenir. The completed bauble must then cool down slowly, so will be posted on to you. There’s an additional postage charge if you choose to take part in this activity. If time permits, there’s also an opportunity for groups to craft their own baubles. Ask us for details.
For your final experience in Bath, it’s a visit to the world famous Roman Baths. You’ll see the original Great Bath, the remains of the Temple to Sulis Minerva, the hypocaust (underfloor heating) systems, more hot and cold baths, and lots of finds. You’ll have an audio guide to help interpret what you’re looking at. Depending on the time of year you may come across live actors, playing out being merchants and stonemasons. Your visit will last for around two hours. You’ll then return to Bath station to catch the train home.
Note: If the hot air balloon trip is cancelled because of poor weather conditions, or if you choose not to include the balloon ride in the programme, visit the Roman Baths first thing to avoid school groups and tourists later in the morning. Then, in the afternoon, enjoy some free time to wander through the historic streets.
Suggested Hotels
Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa *****
Housed in a Grade I listed townhouse in the centre of the world-famous Royal Crescent, this wonderful five-star hotel exudes Georgian grandeur. Just a 10-minute walk into the city centre, the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa offers sophisticated tranquillity and a haven of charming beauty.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa *****
Originally built in the 1800s, The Gainsborough Bath Spa occupies two Grade II listed buildings with distinguished Georgian and Victorian facades in the heart of the World Heritage Site. Named after the artist, Sir Thomas Gainsborough, the luxury hotel is centred around the Spa Village Bath, giving guests access to the natural thermal, mineral-rich waters.
