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Review: Thermae Bath Spa

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Thermae Bath Spa " /> Water is the ultimate life, pure as crystal, the divine influx.” – Ted Hughes. Thanks to it’s thermal springs, which are the only hot springs in the UK, delivering over one million litres of naturally hot, mineral-rich waters every day, Bath has long been associated with health and restoration. The seemingly miraculous emergence of the hot water steaming amongst the marshes was worshipped by first the Celts, then the Romans, who built baths and a temple to Minerva – goddess of healing and wisdom – on the site, founding one of their only settlements used purely for recreation instead of as a garrison. You can’t argue with history, so what better way to experience the beauty of Bath than at Thermae Bath Spa , the only spa which uses the natural water of the thermal springs? While the waters emerge from the three springs in Bath at a steaming 45°C, they are cooled down during the filtration process to the optimum bathing temperature , a relaxing 34°C which ...

Bath: Walk the Georgian streets and take in the sights where Jane Austin lived | Short & City breaks | Travel

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GETTY Bath is a great city for taking a stroll and taking in the sights See It is a great city for taking a stroll and taking in the sights. Sweeping crescents and elegant Georgian streets sit alongside cobbled alleyways and a beautiful riverside, all of which can be covered on an afternoon ramble. But the history is interwoven with the modern in Bath which definitely has its youthful, vibrant side. Centuries-old shops stand next to trendy boutiques, old honey- coloured stone houses and some of the latest luxury hotels and restaurants. First stop, though, must be the Roman Baths (romanbaths.co.uk) where the practice of wallowing in the area’s natural thermal waters began . Descend below street level and you will see a network of spa pools in a fantastic state of preservation. However, even in this paragon of the ancient world, technology gives history a helping hand. Newly opened in the East Baths – which were women-only – are computer- generated displays showing in lifelike detail...

Montreal”s Maison GervaisRoy maintains character despite renovations

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This alluring, rustic-looking fieldstone house is a rarity, as very few farm houses dating from the mid-18th century still stand today. But what makes this house even more of a gem is that it is not tucked away in the countryside as one would expect, but rather stands on a busy street in Montreal facing condo towers . Yet many visual elements give the illusion of a rural setting, notably it is set back from the street and surrounded by vegetation and mature trees. Named the Maison Gervais -Roy after its first two owners, the building’s style is French colonial, and research documents put its construction somewhere between 1752 and 1802. Originally built square , it underwent major alterations around 1840, when it was extended on the right side and the batten-seam roof was elongated by an overhang to cover a new porch. Three dormer windows were also added to make the attic habitable. Despite these modifications, the house has kept its harmonious proportions. It was declared a cultur...

The renaissance of Bath

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Bath’s fortunes had rather faded in recent years but new developments and a faster rail link to London mean this Georgian city ’s fortunes are on the rise again A Roman city, a Georgian city or an early-Victorian reinvention? Bath is all of these and more. as the art historian James mcDonaugh observed : ‘Bath has been in the renaissance business for a long time.’ and now it’s doing it again. after a period in the westerly doldrums, this architectural gem is on the cusp of achieving permanent status as a world- class cultural destination . The reason? a synergy of happy circumstances converging upon this valley on the River avon. July witnessed the opening, right in the Georgian city centre , of the first grand hotel by a major international resort operator ; another major hotel launch is due next year, as is electrification of the Great Western Railway . The latter will reduce journey times from Londontoaboutanhour. In anticipation, festivals celebrating literature , regional foo...

A weekend in Bath – On the Luce travel blog

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With its famous Georgian terraces , thermal spa waters , cream teas and Jane Austen – you can’t say Bath isn’t on the UK tourist trail . Its quintessentially English charms pull in visitors from around the world and it has so many historic buildings the entire city has been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site . But although you might have to dodge a few tour groups, its still more than worth it to explore the sights of one of England’s most beautiful and historic cities. So here’s my guide on how to spend 48 hours in Bath. More weekend guides: Oxford, Cheltenham, Cambridge, Canterbury, Rye, Cardiff, Chester, York, Glasgow Royal Crescent , Bath" width="720" height="456" /> Curved buildings around the Royal Crescent Friday evening If you fancy splashing out, head to the city’s most desirable address at the Royal Crescent Hotel . Two 18th- century Georgian townhouses have been merged to create a five-star hotel and spa. It has lots of period features, a hidden ...