Things to see in Bath

The high point of Palladian architecture in Bath, the stately arc of the Royal Crescent is one of the city's true marvels, built to the designs of John Wood the Younger between 1767 and 1774. No 1 Royal Crescent is a museum and has been redecorated and furnished to give visitors an impression of how the house might have appeared in the late-18th century.

The Jane Austen Centre is a permanent exhibition devoted to Jane Austen and her relationship with Bath. The great novelist lived in the city from 1801 to 1806, and two of her novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion , are largely set in Bath. The centre explores the various ways in which living in this magnificent city affected Jane Austen's life and writing. If it takes your fancy, you can also pay £10.50 to get dressed up and have your hair done in the style of Austen, and for £20 you can have tea in the tea rooms while pretending to be Elizabeth Bennet. Book in advance.

The ancient Romans were the first to capitalise on the only natural hot spring in Britain, building a temple and bathing complex more than 2000 years ago in Bath.

The healing spring, which is located within the bathing complex, produces approximately 2,273,050 litres (500,000 gallons) of water per day at a temperature of 46.5°C (116°F). The baths were once one of the finest in the Roman world, although the Roman structure gradually fell into disrepair. It was not until a visit by the ailing Prince George in 1702 that the baths once again became a popular healing destination. Over the course of the town's redevelopment, the Roman ruins were rediscovered (in 1879) and restored.

Today, one million litres flow from the springs daily at an average temperature of 45°C (113°F). These beautiful baths are among the best preserved Roman sites north of the Alps, and the atmosphere is magic on July and August evenings when the whole complex is lit up by torches. Expect audio tours from celebrities and fantastic views of the Abbey. The Pump Rooms are also included on the walk-through tour.