The city of Bath takes its peculiar name from the Roman Baths that were built here between the 1st and 4th centuries AD, the remains of which can still be seen today. Since its earliest days as a Celtic settlement, the history of Bath is inextricably linked to the natural waters that rise up here. The heyday of Bath came in the 18th century when it became a fashionable spa town, and was a focus for English high society. Much of the architecture of Bath dates from this time, and the city is famous for its elegant Georgian townhouses and sweeping crescents. Superb Roman remains and a wealth of fine Georgian architecture justify Bath's position as a World Heritage site. This elegant city, is full of colour, style and life. It combines a fascinating history with countless museums and attractions, a vibrant shopping and nightlife scene and a year-round programme of theatre, festivals, live music and street entertainment. See the underground mineral springs, the hypocaust heating system and the intricate series of baths at the Roman Baths & Museum. Sample the secret-recipe Sally Lunn bun at Sally Lunn's Refreshment House, located in the oldest house in the city. Visit the internationally acclaimed Museum of Costume, which presents the story of fashion over the last 400 years. Spend time pampering yourself at the new Bath Spa, a superb complementary health spa that uses the same mineral springs as its Roman predecessor. Visit No 1 Royal Crescent and see how the Georgian socialites might have furnished one of these townhouses in the 18th century. Bath has long association with literature, there are numerous plaques around Bath that commemorate the visits of many literary giants. The name most closely associated with Bath, however, is Jane Austen who lived in the city for several years and set her novels Persuasion and Northanger Abbey here. The Jane Austen Centre tells her story and a city tour brings you to some of the locations she mentions in her novels Today Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. With plenty to see and do, it is an absolute must for any visitor to the UK., elegant streets and open squares it is an absolute must for any visitor to the UK.
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