Bath is well-known for its classical Georgian architecture. Highlights include the Royal Crescent and the magnificent Bath Abbey.

Pulteney Bridge

Pulteney Bridge is one of the most admired structures in the city. Built in 1773, it was designed by Robert Adam and is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops spanning both sides. It was named after Frances Pulteney, heiress in 1767 of the Bathwick estate, across the river from Bath.

Her husband William Johnstone Pulteney made plans to create a new town there which would be a suburb to the historic city.

But first he needed a better river crossing than the existing ferry, hence the bridge.

Royal Crescent The majestic arc of the Royal Crescent is the crowning glory of Palladian architecture in Bath. The work of John Wood the Younger, these 30 houses fronted by 114 columns were laid out between 1767 and 1774.

A house in the centre is now the Royal Crescent Hotel and Number 1 Royal Crescent is a museum, furnished as it might have been at the turn of the 19th century.

The Circus The other end of Brock Street is The Circus. This was John Wood the Elder's masterpiece and the inspiration came from models as diverse as the Coliseum and Stonehenge. He wanted to create buildings with all the grandeur of a palace but with the convenience and affordability of a row of private houses. If you follow the shape from the Royal Crescent, along Brock Street and around The Circus it forms a question mark.

Building of Bath Museum If you love Bath and its architecture then this museum explains how and why this magnificent city was built, decorated and lived in.

In a period of 70 years Bath developed from a small provincial spa to being the most fashionable place, outside of London.

Using a series of models, maps, paintings and reconstructions the museum looks in detail at the various crafts and personalities that built this wonderful city.