Bath A World Heritage City

Join Jane Tapley, Bath resident, enthusiast and Theatre Royal veteran to explore England’s most architecturally complete city in detail. UNESCO added
the city of Bath as a “cultural site” to its World Heritage List in 1987, thanks to its Roman remains, glorious 18^th century architecture and town planning, historical social significance, its hot springs and marvellous landscape setting. A series of walks, talks and visits will ensure that you agree with UNESCO’s assessment as the city’s history and culture over a 2,000 period will be be revealed in an entertaining and informative short break. 

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the Best Western Leigh Park Country House Hotel from 15.00.
This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and a talk by Jane Tapley – ‘ Bath – A World Heritage City.’

Day 2: Roman Baths, Guided walking tour and the Assembly Rooms
We start our tour appropriately enough, where it all began, at the Roman Baths, one of England’s best-preserved and important Roman sites, that gives a fascinating insight into the refined way of life that the Romans enjoyed. A walking tour of the city centre with Jane follows before visiting the Assembly Rooms and Fashion Museum, which offer a glimpse into the Regency world of the city, when it was at the height of its appeal. The afternoon is free for personal exploration – perhaps visit the (free) Victoria Art Gallery, before returning to the hotel for a second talk from Jane – ‘It’ll Be All Right  on the Night – a history of Georgian theatre’ and dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Day 3: No 1 Royal Crescent, Theatre Royal and Holburne Museum
Three of bath’s architectural gems explored today, starting with No. 1 Royal Crescent, one of the most beautiful terraces of houses anywhere in the UK (if not the world). Built in 1773 by acclaimed architect John Wood, the 30 houses form a gentle arc overlooking Royal Victoria Park and are all grade 1 listed and rank amongst the finest examples of Georgian architecture anywhere. It was originally dubbed “The Crescent”, but a series of illustrious visitors prompted the “Royal” prefix. A visit to No. 1 offers a glimpse into the privileged life of 18^th century visitors to this fashionable city, with immaculately-restored interiors. The Theatre Royal is one of the most important surviving examples of Georgian theatre architecture and has been entertaining residents and visitors since 1805. It is said that it is here that the term “box office” was invented with advance tickets only available for the most expensive seats in the boxes. This afternoon, another architectural gem, the Holburne Museum is located in Sydney Pleasure Gardens and was the city's first public art gallery, home to fine and decorative arts built around the collection of Sir William Holburne. More free time for personal exploration before returning to the hotel for approximately 17.00.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour managers' discretion

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 35 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Two nights' bed and breakfast at the three-star Leigh Park Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception
• Three-course dinner with wine
• Second dinner in the hotel restaurant
• All talks, guided tours and admissions
• Coach touring itinerary and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Double for sole use supplement 
• Holiday insurance 
• Extra nights on half board basis 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities 

HOTEL

Best Western Leigh Park Country House Hotel & Vineyard

A small (38-bedroom), traditional three-star hotel, set in extensive grounds on the edge of Bradford-on-Avon, just 5 miles from Bath. Facilities here include a bar, restaurant and comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including free wifi.  The hotel even has its own vineyard producing an attractive dry white wine, exclusive to the hotel.

Parking: complimentary

Hotel Website

MORE INFO  - Please click here for more tour information

Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.  

You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day. 

For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation. 

The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 7pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.