Two thousand years ago the Romans recognised the value of a marshy valley, surrounded by seven wooded hills and containing Britain's only natural hot springs.

From this ancient discovery grew the beautiful city of Bath. The Royal Crescent, The Circus, Pump Room and Pulteney Bridge are among the finest architectural treasures in the world. Indeed, the entire city has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

Bath’s status as a world-class city will soon be further enhanced with the long awaited opening of a stunning new spa complex, Thermae Bath Spa. A 2,000-year tradition is being revived. Bath will be a fully fledged spa once again, using its natural thermal waters as a source of bathing and relaxation together with a contemporary range of treatments and therapies. www.thermaebathspa.com

The Roman Baths and Temple complex entirely surrounds the largest of the three hot springs at Bath.  In Roman times these sources of hot water were something for which there was no natural explanation, so they were considered to be the work of the Gods.  This sacred aspect added to their perceived curative powers and Bath was one of several sites in the Roman Empire where natural hot springs became a focus for pilgrimage and curative bathing.

But Bath’s impeccable historic credentials don’t tell the full story. Today, more so than ever, it’s a thriving, vibrant city. Nineteenth-century Georgian gaiety has been replaced by a decidedly 21st-century cosmopolitan buzz. Bath offers an enviable lifestyle, with a lively, year-round calendar of festivals, theatrical, musical and sporting events. Over 150 restaurants and traditional pubs are scattered among some of the best quality independent shops in Britain.   

This lovely city is packed with places to visit. Bath’s rich diversity of museums, galleries, gardens and attractions - including the Roman Baths and 15th-century Bath Abbey - are all within easy distance of each other.   

Its appeal doesn’t end there. There’s walking, cycling, boating and fishing on the River Avon and Kennet & Avon Canal, two idyllic waterways that flow serenely through the city. Accompanying Bath’s beauty there’s neighbouring North East Somerset, an area often likened to a hidden and secret garden. Bristol, an exciting mix of maritime heritage and the ultra-modern, is also on the doorstep. And Bath is the perfect base from which to discover the nearby Cotswolds and Mendips, both designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Have a delightful walking holiday in the Bath area. Bamboo Gardens are ideally situated in the beautiful Avon Valley, overlooking the river.  Exploring this vibrant and diverse area on foot is always very enjoyable and highly recommended.   

The serious or casual walker will find an array of country paths, that wind along the banks of river and canal or climb to one of several panoramic viewpoints from the hills around Bamboo Gardens. The level walk between Bamboo Gardens and Bath City centre follows the meandering riverside and canal path with beautiful views over the surrounding country as you pass by an array of brightly painted canal barges and the panorama of Bath opens up before you - the area is ideal for a walking holiday.

Section of canal path passing through Sydney
Gardens, leading from Bath to Bamboo Gardens

We will be happy to arrange tours to:-  
Stonehenge, Avebury, Lacock, Castle Combe 
or the Cotswold Discovery Tour with

www.madmax.abel.co.uk  
as recommended by Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

Local pubs, restaurants and walks

useful links- places to visit / transport etc