Parade Gardens
Our guides, Katie and Colm, will give you an overview of what to expect on this tour including the development of Bath and its early history up to the end of the 17th century. We will then meander down to look down towards the river Avon and the spectacular view of Parade Gardens and surrounding hills as Katie sets the scene of Bath in 800BC and the legend of King Bladud.
Sally Lunn's Museum
(Pass by)
After taking in the view, we will go past one of Bath’s major institutions - Sally Lunn’s tea shop – a key point of interest on our Jane Austen tour. The tea shops have become a key part of Bath’s history as it became a fashionable spa town.
The Roman Baths
(Pass by)
Next, we stop at Bath’s most famous landmark – the Roman Baths – formed shortly after the Romans arrival.
Bath Abbey
Around the corned from the Roman Baths is Bath Abbey – we discover how the Baths were forgotten, how Bath changed during the Saxon period, the Christianisation of the country, Abbey foundation and crowning of King Edgar the Peaceful in 973AD – the birth of England!
Admission Not Included
Hospital Of St. John The Baptist
(Pass by)
As we continue through bath, we reach St John’s Hospital – a hospital steeped in history, particularly during medieval life in Bath.
The Cross Bath
We then reach the Cross Bath – Colm and Katie will tell the story of Mary of Modena and Bath’s reluctant role in the Glorious Revolution 1688!
Thermae Bath Spa
(Pass by)
We continue onto the Bath Thermae Spa where you can explore the Spa for yourself and “take the waters”
The Pump Room Restaurant
(Pass by)
We then continue onto the Pump Room/Roman Baths. Katie and Colm will discuss the rise in popularity in Bath as a spa resort during the 18th century. They will also introduce you to some of the more interesting stories about Jane Austen and here time in the city.
Theatre Royal Bath
(Pass by)
Built in 1805, this theatre was the heart of Bath's evening pursuits and the spiritual home of Beau Nash
Queen Square
Next, we move to Queen Square and one of Jane Austen’s main residence. We’ll also discover John Wood the Elder and the unique architectural design of houses in the area.
Georgian Garden
Wander through the Georgian Gardens and onto the Royal Crescent, walking in the footsteps of 18th century aristocracy. We’ll explain the reason behind the wide streets and the role of “taking the air” in Bath life.
No. 1 Royal Crescent
Once you reach the Royal Crescent, take a moment to marvel at this world-renowned architecture.
The Circus
As we continue our tour, we discover the Circus where we learn more about John Wood the Elder and neo-classical Georgian style.
Assembly Rooms
(Pass by)
We then come across the Assembly Rooms and gain a fascinating insight into evening life in Bath in the 18th and 19th centuries – from dances to card games. Jane Austen loved these social events and there was a strong emphasis placed on young women to gain husbands here.
Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein
(Pass by)
We visit Gay Street – another one of Jane Austen’s residences and then explore the fascinating world of Mary Shelly and her best-known fictional character, Frankenstein
The Jane Austen Centre
(Pass by)
We finish outside the Jane Austen Centre where you can continue to learn more about the history of one of Britains most famous women
