With a mad invasion of annual visitors inversely proportional to a diminutive native population, England has a superb jewel in the south west county of Somerset. Bath, with only 80,000 people, welcomes over 3.8 million arrivals each year. A truly remarkable disparity for a town not on the Mediterranean coast. But if you take a close look at the historic and peerless town, the vast tourism numbers blur into focus.

A veritable rarity, the entire city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been so since 1987. The main attraction of note is of course, the Roman Baths complex. Built on the site of a phenomenal, natural hot spring, fed by a geothermal process similar to what many green advocates now support for new home construction, the complex draws more than one million visitors a year.

What is even more extraordinary is that it was the Celts, not Romans, who first drew a bath in Bath. The Celts made a spiritual connection between the apparent restorative elements of the hot spring waters and built a shrine on the site. The Romans, legendary grand usurpers, took possession of the spa and made it their own. Today the Roman Baths, with Sacred Spring, Roman Temple and Museum, comprise perhaps the best example of public bath architecture in the world. But the historical complex is not the only site of note in Bath. Here are some other reasons to immerse yourself in the superb city.

In the 18th century Bath underwent one of the most comprehensive redevelopments to beautify the resort town anew in the wake of unprecedented popularity. What began in the Stuart period blossomed under the Georgian era in the form of innovative urban promenades, squares and quarters, architectural precision and palatial brilliance. One of the most notable results today, is a superb network of theatres. The Theatre Royal was built in 1805 and has a relatively small capacity of 900. The fabulous Georgian structure is significant both from a historical perspective and as the host of the Bath Shakespeare Festival and Peter Hall Company. Many London stage productions make their debut right here. The Mission Theatre is from the same era as the Royal, built in 1797 and now the home of the Next Stage Theatre Company.

Georgian architecture, one of the most important design movements in Europe, let alone England, is inextricably linked with Bath’s development as the once fashionable hub of the Kingdom. The Royal Crescent is the most conspicuous landmark of the time, with construction between 1767 and 1774. The collection of 30 houses, spread out in a crescent residential road in front of a beautiful park, is a popular photo op in Bath.

The Circus, like the Royal Crescent, is typical Bath all the way. Built a decade before the latter, the curvy set of townhouse gems boasts detailed Doric friezes and masonic symbols.

Pulteney Bridge is a span over the River Avon in select company. The idyllic stone structure is one of only four in the world with shops on either side. Certainly not as old as the Ponte Vecchio in Florence or the Ponte di Rialto in Venice for example, both of which inspired architect Robert Adam, the Pulteney is nonetheless quite special.

Museums in Bath are terrific. Besides the one in the Roman Baths complex, the Victoria Arts Gallery merits a visit. Built as a tribute to Queen Victoria in 1897, the fabulous building houses a collection of uniquely British treasures.

The excellent Holburne Museum of Art is a late 18th century Georgian masterpiece with superb works of porcelain, portrait miniatures, glass, furniture and much more.

Other smaller, yet no less interesting museums include the Jane Austen Centre and the Herschel Museum of Astromomy. Again, the architecture of these institutions is sometimes part of the appeal as much as the inherent exhibits.

Last but not least, The Abbey Church of Saint Peter, known commonly as Bath Abbey, is a former 7th century Benedictine monastery. One of the best examples of Gothic architecure you can find, the cruciform church was rebuilt in phases over the course of three hundred plus years until the late 16th century. From a grand vaulted nave to notable monuments to former Bath civic leaders and a famous primary organ, the Abbey is a must visit.

If you want to visit beautiful Bath and take in the historic city’s remarkable architecture, superb parks and lively cultural scene, make sure to check out some great deals on hotels as you plan your trip.

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