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One of the best-preserved Roman sites in the world, right here in Somerset. Two thousand years of history, steaming hot springs, and you can still taste the water if you're brave enough.
f you've never been to Bath, you absolutely must go – and the Roman Baths are the reason why. This is properly world-class stuff: one of the best-preserved Roman sites anywhere, built nearly 2,000 years ago around natural hot springs that still pump out over a million litres of steaming water every single day.
The Romans believed the springs were sacred to the goddess Sulis Minerva, and they built an enormous temple and bathing complex here. You can walk around the original Roman pavements, see the main bath still filled with that distinctive green water (don't worry, the colour's from algae, not anything dodgy), and explore a brilliant museum packed with treasures they've dug up over the years – including a famous gilded bronze head of the goddess.
The audio guide is included and it's genuinely excellent – Bill Bryson does one of the versions, which tells you something about the quality. Allow a good couple of hours to do it properly. And yes, you can taste the spa water in the Pump Room afterwards. I won't lie to you – it's warm and tastes of minerals. But you've got to try it, haven't you?
Bath itself is gorgeous – honey-coloured Georgian buildings everywhere you look. The Royal Crescent, the Circus, the Abbey... you could easily make a full day of it. Just remember there's a Clean Air Zone if you're driving, so check before you go. Worth every penny of the entry fee, this one.
England's longest heritage railway – 20 miles of stunning Somerset scenery by steam train. Chug along the coast to Minehead, hop off at pretty villages, and there's a buffet car serving proper Somerset cider.
England's earliest Gothic cathedral in England's smallest city. The architecture is jaw-dropping, there's a medieval clock with jousting knights, and the whole area is absolutely beautiful.
Europe's largest collection of naval aircraft, including Concorde. You can walk through an aircraft carrier, watch real jets taking off next door, and easily spend a whole day here.
