Exploring Art and Architecture in Bath
Culture
Bath has more than its fair share of cultural attractions and architectural marvels. The city was designed and built with nearby stone, much of it by 18th century architects John Woods (father and son), whose work in Bath has contributed to its designation as a World Heritage, UNESCO-certified city.
Read on for suggested activities...
Morning
You can start off from the train station and take a ten-minute quick walk to visit Bath Abbey, a Medieval church where the first King of England was crowned. If you’re not in a hurry, take a leisurely walk up Gay Street toward some other architectural gems. Along the way you’ll pass Queen Square, and arrive at the unique architecture of Georgian homes that comprise the Circus -- designed by John Wood the Elder and inspired by the Colosseum in Rome. Keep walking, though, toward Number One Royal Crescent, the first home that John Wood built in the Palladian design of the Royal Crescent, and which has been restored to reflect 18th century living.
Afternoon
From the Circus, it’s an easy walk to the Fashion Museum, which tells the evolving store of fashion over 400 years. Another option is the recently refurbished Victoria Art Gallery, with work from the 15th century to present day. On the way back to the station, make a pit stop at the Beaux Arts Gallery, for a piece of culture you can take with you. The gallery is housed in a series of Georgian homes and has a collection of the city’s contemporary art,
Details:
Bath Abbey
-12 Kingston Buildings
-Phone: 01225/422462
-Hours: April through October, Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 1pm-2:30pm and 4:30pm-5:30pm. November 1-March 31, Monday-Saturday 9am-4:30pm; Sunday 1pm-2:30pm and 4:30pm-5:30pm
-Suggested donation: £2.50
The Circus
-Confluence of Brock, Bennett and Gay Streets
Queen Square
-Bordered by Charlotte Street and Charles Street, between Gay Street and Royal Avenue
Number One Royal Crescent
-1 Royal Crescent
-Phone: 01255/428126
-Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:30am-5pm February 2-October 27; Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:30am-4pm, October 28-December 9
-Admission: Adult, £5; children 5-16 from £2.50; family £12
Fashion Museum
-Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street
-Phone: 01225/477173
-Hours: Daily, 11am-4pm
-Admission: Adults, from £6.75
Victoria Art Gallery
-Bridge Street
-Phone: 01255/477232
-Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday 1:30pm-5pm; closed Good Friday, December 25 & 26, and New Year’s Day
-Admission: Free
Beaux Arts Gallery
-12-13 York Street
-Phone: 01225/464850
-Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm
Journey Time: 1hr45
Frequency: 21
Departure Station: London Paddington
Arrival Station: Bath Spa
Prices From: 126 (Economy) to 201 (Premier / Comfort Flexi)
(prices subject to change)
Uselful Links:
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