Where the past meets the future

Many regional authorities claim their province is the most exceptional in the land. And why shouldn’t they? Pride of place is an exceptional quality to have. However in Bath’s case there really is something special to shout about. A World Heritage Site since 1987, with over one million staying visitors and 3.8 million day visitors each year, Bath really is a unique prospect for the British Isles.  

Shopping
Shopping in Bath is currently undergoing a transformation, with exciting developments at both ends of the city’s main shopping centre. On the famous Milsom Street at the north end of the city centre, the designer shopping precinct ‘Milsom Place’ is undergoing a complete transformation following a year of redevelopment which is almost due to be completed. When finished, Milsom Place will house 26 shops including boutique outlets selling designer labels, as well as restaurants and cafes with courtyard space to enjoy al fresco dining.

At Southgate, near to the train station, a whole area once dominated by ugly 1970s buildings has been completely demolished, and a new shopping area including 56 shops, cafes and stunning open spaces, all in a style befitting the beautiful Georgian architecture around the city, is planned to be opened in phases from 2009.  

Bath is a spa city and famous for its natural, warm spring water. Now you can bathe in the thermal water, first enjoyed by the Celts and Romans thousands of years ago, in the new Thermae Bath Spa complex in the heart of the city centre which opened in 2006. With a range of complementary therapies, an indoor bathing pool, aromatherapy steam rooms and a rooftop pool as its crown, Thermae Bath Spa is an experience not to be missed.

Thermae recently launched their twilight package which entitles customers to a three hour session for the price of two; complimentary use of towel, robe and slippers; a main course and a glass of wine, juice or lager from the Springs Café and Restaurant – all for just £35 each.

Restaurants
Celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver, has opened his new affordable Italian restaurant ‘Jamie’s Italian’ this autumn in the new Milsom Place development. The menu includes authentic rustic and simple Italian dishes using local and seasonal produce at affordable prices. The restaurant is set over two floors, seats 200 people and customers are able to see dishes being prepared in the restaurant as well as pasta which will be freshly made every day. The Wheatsheaf in the picturesque village of Combe Hay, near Bath, has also been listed as one of only five ‘rising stars’ in the country in this year’s Michelin Guide.

Hotels
In January 2008, The Royal Crescent Hotel joined the prestigious Relais & Chateaux Association – an exclusive collection of 470 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 55 countries, established in France in 1954. The Association’s mission is to select outstanding properties with a truly unique character that have to meet very strict criteria. The Royal Crescent is the only city-based hotel in the country to be a member and currently the only in Bath to be put into the organisation.

Attractions
The Great Bath at the Roman Baths Museum has emerged gleaming after months of cleaning and stabilising work to the stonework and statues that surround it. This work is part of a major development plan which will see the Roman Baths transformed over the next four years. Improvements are being made throughout the site, from the Reception Hall at the entrance to the Roman Baths shop at the exit. New interpretation of the site has seen the introduction of Roman costumed characters every afternoon at the Baths since last October. The aim is to tell the stories of the Baths and Temple through the lives and experiences of people who were here at the time. An exciting new addition is three films of life-size male bathers projected onto the walls of the circular bath. The three ‘shows’ run throughout the day and each lasts about 90 seconds.

Bath Abbey, situated in the centre of the city next to the Roman Baths and Pump Room, is now offering the chance to get a bird’s eye view of the Bath from its tower. Visitors will climb 212 steps seeing the bells, clock and carillons on the way to reach breath-taking views of the city and the surrounding countryside from the top of the tower. Tickets for the tour cost five pounds per person and are available from the Bath Abbey Shop.

The Assembly Rooms on Bennett Street are currently home to the Fashion Museum which encompasses a world-class collection of contemporary and historical dress. The displays include 150 dressed figures to illustrate the changing styles in fashionable clothes from the late 16th century to the present day, chosen from the museum’s eclectic collection of 30,000 original items.

The galleries have been completely re-displayed in a series of themes including menswear and womenswear, dress for day and dress for evening, as well as alternative fashion and fashion today. There is a special ‘Corsets and Crinolines’ display where visitor can try on reproduction garments as well as other exhibitions on 17th century gloves and the punk and new wave era of 1977.

And finally… entertainment
The former Beau Nash Cinema on Westgate Street, Komedia is a European Cafe Style Live Entertainment Venue and presents a diverse entertainment programme with the best of international and national touring acts. Komedia will feature a mixed programme of cabaret, music and comedy and at many performances customers will be able to enjoy a meal while watching a show.