BATH: The beautiful Georgian city of Bath
stands on the ancient Roman city of Aqua Sullis, which means
"healing water." The city is a spa to this day,
but its heyday was the Georgian period, when society gathered
in Bath for the "season.” Jane Austen came here
as did Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton. Visit the ROMAN BATHS
and the Georgian PUMP ROOM. The ABBEY is architecturally very
interesting, and nearby is the attractive POLTNEY BRIDGE with
its little shops. The ASSEMBLY ROOMS are where society gathered
for balls and meetings, and the rooms are still used for this
purpose to this day. But, essentially, Bath is a city to walk
in and admire for its elegant buildings and parks. This is
also a great town for antiques. STOURHEAD:
One of England's most beautiful gardens, it is particularly
enchanting in springtime.
BERKELEY
CASTLE: This is one of the oldest inhabited castles
in England, having been lived in by the Berkeley family
for the past 500 years. Its past includes a particularly
gory story having to do with the death of Edward II.
SLIMBRIDGE:
The wildlife park at Slimbridge is known throughout Europe
particularly for its waterbirds.
TINTERN
ABBEY: One of the most romantic spots in Britain,
the ancient ruined abbey stands on the banks of the lovely
River Wye.
CASTLE
COMBE: Featured on many posters, this is perhaps
one of the prettiest villages in England. There are some
excellent small tea rooms offering the West Country "cream
tea."
BOWOOD
HOUSE:
An outstanding 18th-century house set in a magnificent park
landscaped by “Capability” Brown. A superb library
by Robert Adam and an interesting art collection make this
house well worth a visit.
CORSHAM
COURT: An Elizabethan house dating from 1582, Corsham
houses containing a collection of Old Master paintings and
furniture.
LACOCK
ABBEY: The 13th-century abbey was converted into
a house in 1540.
STONEHENGE:
This ancient monolithic monument has been puzzling historians
for four centuries; no one exactly knows if it is a calendar
or a religious place of worship.
SALISBURY:
Salisbury is an attractive market town famous for its elegant
cathedral, which has the tallest spire in England. Prince
Charles has raised 6 million pounds to save the spire from
falling down.
WILTON
HOUSE: This lovely house is the home of the Earl
Of Pembroke and contains an outstanding private art collection.
The house was used by General Eisenhower as his headquarters
during World War II. |
