One of the many attractions about Bath weekend breaks is that the city is such a beautiful destination. It is one of the most aesthetically appealing cities in the UK and its elegant Georgian buildings, set amidst a landscape setting, is one of the prime reasons why Bath was declared a World Heritage site in 1987.
Even if you are a first time visitor here, there is something magical about the city which will inspire you to return. With its attractive cobbled streets, vibrant night life, quirky independent shops, art galleries, museums and theatres, it’s a cultural delight. Only a 90 minute train journey from London’s Paddington Station, Bath is easy to get to and is the perfect choice for a romantic weekend away, a theatre break, or just a place to go to enjoy a relaxing stay with friends.
If you are choosing Dukes guest house for your Bath weekend breaks, this wonderful destination is akin to a boutique hotel – and you are guaranteed a memorable visit in appealing, comfortable surroundings.
In fact, choosing a bed and breakfast in Bath city centre is the best option, as you have all the main attractions on your doorstep. Along with the café bars and many fascinating shops and museums, what won’t escape you during your short break in Bath is the stunning architecture of the city. In fact Dukes guest house, which is centrally located on the highly prestigious boulevard, Great Pulteney Street, is a great base to start exploring some of the city’s most fascinating buildings.
Most of the buildings in Bath were constructed in the 18th century using Bath stone, which is known for its distinctive golden colour. The architecture is based on the Palladian Revival style, a European style inspired by the Venetian architect Palladio, who was heavily influenced by the classical architecture of the Roman and ancient Greek temples. In fact the Palladio window fan over the entrance to Dukes is respected as one of the best examples of its type in Bath and in the UK.
Here are some of the important structures and landmarks in Bath, which you may want to visit during your stay.
Bath Weekend Breaks – get in touch now to find out more about Duke’s bed and breakfast in Bath city, and to book your short UK break.
Important structures and landmarks in Bath
The Roman Baths – The baths are a fine example of incredible architecture and the buildings which house the hot springs were designed by the famous father and son team John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger. Thermae Bath Spa’s 21st century main building, which you may want to visit if you are looking for a relaxing spa break, is affectionately known as the ‘Glass Cube’. It is contemporary in style and was designed by architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, most noted for his modernist buildings.
Bath Abbey – This Grade I listed building, which can be found right in the heart of the city centre, was built on the site of an 8th century church. It is known for its fan vaulting – a Gothic style vault that mirrors a fan in design – and draws thousands of visitors a year. It is still an active place of worship and can seat up to 1200 for a service; there is a museum in the structure’s 18th century cellars, which reveals the history of the abbey.
The Royal Crescent – One of the city’s most famous landmarks and prime addresses, the Royal Crescent is a must-see on your Bath weekend breaks, especially if you appreciate the grace and beauty of Georgian architecture. The Grade I listed crescent faces a large green, which is a popular place for picnics in the summer, and also plays host to a wide range of events from plays, to concerts and firework displays. Seen as one of the UK’s finest examples of Georgian architecture, it was designed by architect John Wood the Younger and built in the late 18th century. It has had many famous visitors, including royalty over the years, such as her late Majesty The Queen Mother who arrived in style by helicopter in the early 1980s.
The Circus – The Circus, also a Grade I listed structure, was built before the Royal Crescent and is considered to be John Wood the Elder’s finest building. It is thought to be one of the UK’s best buildings too, and again, like the Royal Crescent, it played host to many famous names over the years including artist Thomas Gainsborough who lived at number 17 and had a portrait studio there.
Pulteney Bridge – This beautiful 18th century bridge is just a short walk from Dukes Georgian guesthouse in Bath and was the brainchild of neoclassical architect Robert Adam. It is one of the city’s many tourist attractions and was based on a design for the Rialto Bridge in Venice that was never used. This superb Grade I listed construction is one of a handful of bridges worldwide that has a parade of shops on both sides. It serves as the link over the River Avon to Great Pulteney Street.
Great Pulteney Street – Dukes guest house presents a unique and incredible opportunity to stay in a 200-year-old Georgian townhouse overlooking one of the finest streets in the United Kingdom, possibly Europe. Great Pulteney Street is 100 ft wide and 1000 foot long, and is just a five minute level walk, right into the very heart of Bath. The boulevard was commissioned by Sir William Pulteney MP, once the wealthiest man in Britain, and the facade was designed by leading Bath architect, Thomas Baldwin. World-renowned writer Jane Austin and anti-slavery campaigner, William Wilberforce, were among the street’s most famous former residents.
The Holburne Museum – This former hotel is a Grade I listed building which stands at the end of Great Pulteney Street, with Sydney Gardens behind it. The property was transformed into a museum in the early 20th century and now houses a superb and eclectic collection of decorative and fine arts made by Sir William Holburne. Its controversial extension, designed by Eric Parry Architects, gained recognition at the Civic Trusts Awards in Edinburgh for its excellence in design and its positive impact on the local community in terms of its social, economic, cultural and environmental benefits.
If you prefer an accompanied tourist walk around the city, there are various walking and sight-seeing tours which will guide you around the main hotspots. Just contact the local tourist information centre to find out more.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for Bath weekend breaks to remember, you will be assured of a warm welcome at Dukes guest house which is centrally based on Pulteney Street. See below for more information.
Boutique Bed and Breakfast Bath – contact us now to book your weekend break in Bath.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.