Bath Spa, United Kingdom

Rank : 9.0 (average on 1 votes)

If you know this place, give your vote: 1 (Worst)2345678910 (Best) 

Coordinates : 51.362169, -2.297703 (Open in Google Maps)

Subjects : World Heritage Site - the best Regency (Georgian) architecture possibly anywhere. The curved crescents are wonderful and the Royal Crescent is world known.Founded by the Romans on hot springs (now the Pump Room, Roman Baths) it was a resort for the wealthy aristocrats as a health resort and was the epitome in good taste from about 1700 AD since. Thousands of tourists these days and whilst the architecture still holds interest today, the extremely attractive hilly scenery around affords superb views. Bath Abbey is beautiful too.Famous novelist Jane Austen lived in Bath and so there is a museum now marking this.

Recommended equipment : Normal gear used for architecture, from simple cameras or superzooms on DSLR, up to full frame and tilt/shift lenses on tripods. Fast telephotos for street portraits and picking out architectural detail.

Best months : The honey coloured stone that Bath is built with looks fabulous in the sunshine and especially when lit up by sunset, when it turns a vivid orange! So, the months that provide the best weather tend to be in the summer. But that's when most tourists come and it can feel very choked with lines of people getting in your way - and your shots! I prefer a cold crisp sunny winter's day and around Christmas at dusk especially some parts look very nice indeed.

How to get there : Train - on the London to Bristol railway line. Or the Cardiff to Portsmouth line. Air - Bristol airport is the nearest.Road - The M4 from London westwards then the A46.

Visits : Roman Baths - very busy during tourist times and quite expensive entrance.The Thermae Spa - the ultimate new luxury Spa, for a modern way of 'taking the waters'. Priced well beyond mere mortals such as myself. Bath Abbey - entry by donation, suggest a few Euros.Jane Austen Museum - never been here but I imagine it would be reasonable price.Most of all else Bath offers is free. There are many cultural and musical events, including outside, plus a renowned theatre. In summer, hot air balloons can often be seen floating above, especially early evening.

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