Jane Austen's Bath And History Trail

Bath, GB
90% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (21 reviews)

Highlights

  • Explore the history of Bath's classical architecture
  • Learn about Jane Austen's life and writing in Bath
  • Visit the most photographed building in Bath
  • Discover the grand medieval cathedral of Bath Abbey
  • Experience swimming in natural thermal water

What to expect

1

Pulteney Bridge

Here is where we meet. The Pulteney Bridge is a replica of the Ponte Veccio in Florence with shops lining both sides and was designed in 1769. We continue along Argyle Street and stop to looking at Laura Place and Great Pulteney Street. This stop takes about 15 minutes during which the magnificant town house architecture Great Pulteney Street is explained and its famous residents in the 18th and 19th century. The Holburne Museum of Art is visible from this stop. A walk along Pulteney Street towards the Holburn Museum can be undertaken and at the same time viewing the front of No. 4 Sydney Place where a name plaque commemorates Jane Austens first dwelling in Bath (no admission, museum or centre).

Duration 20 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
2

The Jane Austen Centre

Celebrating Bath's most famous resident The Jane Austen Centre offers a snapshot of life during Regency times and explores how living in Bath affected Jane Austen's life and writing. A tour through the centre can be booked separately by guests , however my tour does include entering the centre free of charge and visiting the book shop .

Duration 20 minutes
3

No. 1 Royal Crescent

The most photographed building in Bath and largest Crescent in Europe was built in the second half of the 18th century and consists of 30 terraced houses dramatically connected with giant Ionic columns. No. 1 is a museum and guests can see what these grand Georgian houses looked like inside. Charge and tour of the museum is not included.

Duration 15 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
4

Bath Abbey

A grand medieval cathedral was started in the early 12th century and in 1499 Bishop Oliver King started restoration . Completion took place under Elizabeth I in 1611 . The Abbey is famous for its memorials and wall plaques and the crowning of the first Kind of England, Edgar I in 977. Details will be explored and explained and guests can visit its interiors.

Duration 20 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
5

Thermae Bath Spa

This is the only place in Britain where you may swim in natural thermal water, crowned with a rooftop pool with 35 degrees Celsius and open summer and winter. The Hetling Spring, Cross Spring and King's Spring will be explained and their origins dating back 10.000 years.

6

Queen Square

Besides the unique architectural achievements of the square guests will get to know details of Jane Austen's short residence at No. 13 in 1799

7

The Circus

The Masterpiece of the John Wood architects, inspired by their interest in prehistoric stone circles and designed to emulate the Coliseum in Rome. Guest will learn and explore more about the uniqueness of this iconic site. Work started in 1754.

Duration 20 minutes
8

Assembly Rooms

Public and ball rooms of grand designs where the fashinable people of the Regency period socialized. The ballrooms , the octagon, the card room and the tea room still play host to many events.

Duration 15 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
9

The Roman Baths

The main landmark of Bath dating from the 1st century AD, featuring the impressive Roman temple of Sulis Minerva and pools. It is recommended that guess book audio tours for the Roman Bath separately before or after the tour . Adjoing the baths is a sumbol of the city's golden age in the Gerogian Period - the Pump Room -where the fashin concious elite gathered for balls, tea and to 'take the waters'. It was here that Catherine and Isabelle often met in Jane Austen's novel 'Northanger Abbey'

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Covid restrictions apply if/whenever applicable
Provided by Ulrich Wenske

What our experts say

  • icon
    Check out nearby Sally Lunn's for pastries
  • icon
    Consider visiting the Roman Baths after
  • icon
    Explore the shops on the Pulteney Bridge
  • icon
    Bath Abbey is a must-see for history lovers
  • icon
    Bring a camera for stunning architecture

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