John Wood the Younger's masterpiece, often called the 'finest crescent in Europe' was built between 1767 and 1775, and has housed many famous residents including the Prince of Wales and Duke of York, first and second sons of George III. It consists of one hundred and fourteen Ionic columns supporting a continuous cornice over two hundred yards long. Originally divided into thirty choice mansions, today the middle buildings form the elegant and sumptuous Royal Crescent Hotel and the museum.
The Circus is the embodiment of John Wood the Elder's vision: to create buildings with all the grandeur of Palladian palaces but all the convenience of a row of private houses. Planned as a speculative venture to be let or sold, and at various times it was home to such luminaries as William Pitt, Thomas Gainsborough and William Gladstone. The Circus was designed by Wood in 1754, and looks rather like a Roman amphitheater turned inside out, its three tiers embellished with Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns. It was Wood's enthusiasm for the Palladian revival that was responsible for the particular unity of style that characterizes Bath to this day. And it was Ralph Allen whose generosity translated Wood's architectural dreams into the squares and crescents of this gracious city.
This extravagant ancient bath complex is an excellent example of Ancient Roman spa architecture dating back as far as 43CE. Built around three hot springs that steam and bubble at a constant 46 degrees centigrade (115 degrees fahrenheit), the baths offer insight into the daily life of the Romans. A Sacred Spring feeds the Great Bath and the complex opens out into a series of changing rooms and baths to either side of the central bath. As per tradition, there is also a cold plunge pool for bathers to cool off after a hot sauna. The complex also features a temple devoted to Sulis Minerva, the Celtic goddess of healing and fertility that the Romans worshipped as Minerva Medica. Exhibits and Roman artifacts include a famous stone relief of the Gorgon's Head, mosaics, stone coffins, and a gilded head from a statue of Sulis Minerva.
Spanning the Avon Gorge, arching above the waters of the mighty river, the Clifton Suspension Bridge has come to be a spectacular symbol of the city. Designed by John Hawkshaw and William Henry Barlow and completed in 1864, this bridge is set against a backdrop of splendid cliffs, making it a picture-perfect icon of both romanticism and engineering finesse. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a marvelous feat of engineering indeed, with its structural and strategic layout, as well as the grandiose design of the towers that uphold it. This magnificent bridge not only affords views of the gorge, but also way across Clifton. Nearby, the Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre extensively chronicles the bridge's history and struggles. Open through the day, the bridge is especially striking when it is set alight against the ink-black sky at night.
Installed as the abbey church of St Augustine in 1140, the Bristol Cathedral was one of the cornerstones of the newly-formed Diocese of Bristol in 1542. With a peak length of 91.44 meters (300 feet), the cathedral's ornate twin towers elegantly soar over the hustle and bustle of Bristol's Park Street. The structure's architectural complexity is further enhanced by its splendid Gothic-Revival nave and an elaborately decorated rose window that sits atop the church's arched entrance. Its Norman chapter house is captivating, to say the least, and is widely touted as the finest surviving specimen of its kind today.
Built by Brunel and launched from this Great Western Dock site in 1843, the SS Great Britain was one of the largest ships to be built of iron and powered by steam. You can tour the meticulously restored ship and visit attractions such as the Dockyard Museum and Brunel Institute among others.
Founded by former Smiles Brewery employees in 1995, the Bath Ales Brewery in Warmley has grown in popularity to be one of Bristol's famous brews. The brewery run by this company is quite Eco-friendly due to various reasons like brewing in a steam- driven plant and disposing the finished grain to the local farmers instead of throwing it as garbage. Bath Ales produce eight different types of beers that are available in a bottle as well as a cask and are sold in a number of pubs across the city of Bristol. Visit their website regarding day tours of the brewery and to know more about their products.
Constructed in 1342, Wiinterbourne Medieval Barn is an impressive old building that has survived the test of time. This majestic building in church lane with its raised cruck construction and its walls of local Pennant sandstone is being maintained and run as an event venue by a trust and a team of volunteers. The rustic barn is a stunning venue for a rural themed wedding. Meetings, team building activities, film shoots and family celebrations all take place here.
Folly Farm is an expansive natural site, located approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) south of Bristol and a stone's throw away from the popular tourist attraction of Chew Valley Lake, a visit to both would make for a great day out in the countryside. The Nature Reserve incorporates both new and ancient woodland and is particularly rich in a wide variety of wildlife. There are also traditionally managed wildlife meadows and old farm buildings, plus a badger-watching platform (wheelchair accessible) and spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. If you fancy a longer walk there are marked trails, including a circular one which is wheelchair-accessible.
The Mayor of Bath's Corps of Honorary Guides is a walking guided tour service started in 1934. Over 60 volunteers take part in the service sharing their expert knowledge about the city and its rich history. The walks are absolutely free and the guides don't even accept tips. This proud tradition is something not to be missed in Bath. Group walks need to be booked well in advance. Check website for timings.
The splendid Church of St John the Baptist lies in the town of Somerset, England. Dating from the 15th Century, this shrine has laid in a cruciform pattern and consists of a tower. This magnificent shrine boasts of having many fascinating features. The church consists of a nave and a war memorial is placed in the south aisle. The north transept contains an image of St Catherine. The chancel is adorned with wooden angels and beautiful 15th Century stained glass windows give a lovely appeal to the church. This historic shrine has been assigned a Grade I by English Heritage.