Type: Antiquities, Charming Town, Culture, History, Walking
Length: 8 - 8.5 Hours
Walking: - Difficult
Mobility: NO wheelchairs
Guide: Licensed Blue Badge Guide
Language: English

Southampton, England - This private tour is round trip from Southampton. In Bath you visit the historic Bath Abbey, the famous Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent. There is also free time to enjoy lunch and visit local shops.

After meeting your guide you drive to Bath which is one of the most popular places to visit in England. Bath has in fact been welcoming visitors for hundreds of years. The city takes its name from the 116 degree mineral hot springs that have been flowing from a point in the center of town for thousands of years. When the Romans arrived in Britain, they built an extensive Bath house modeled on those throughout the Roman Empire.

In Georgian and Victorian times (late 1700s to late 1800s) Bath's hot springs brought not only those in need of healing, but also members of high society from London. People of status would come for the season (summer months) and adhere to a therapeutic routine something like this: a spa treatment in the morning, high tea in the afternoon and gambling or gala balls in the evening. No wonder it was popular!

Upon arrival in Bath you will visit the Royal Crescent and the Circus, these Georgian (neo-classical) style town houses were designed by John Wood as a place for High Society to stay while in Bath.

Next you visit the famous Bath Abbey. This Late Gothic Abbey is over 500 years old and stands in the center of town on the spot of an even older and larger church. This story is depicted on the West Front of the present building, which is considered the last of the great medieval churches of England.

Following the Abbey visit you have free time for lunch in a local pub (meal not included).

After lunch you visit the Historic Roman Baths which is listed as a World Heritage Site. It is here were the Romans built a temple and bathing complex that still flows today with natural hot water. The tour allows you to see the ancient baths with lots of Roman artifacts and also to learn how they worked.

Following the Roman Baths tour you will have additional free time in this most charming town, based on the expected drive back to Southampton.