Question - What Makes Bath A Living City?
by johngayton
Answer - Social Housing!!
Despite all its Georgian grandeur Bath has always been a city which has been lived in by those who do the work. The Circle and the Royal Crescent were designed for the high and mighty but the servants quarters were built into the buildings, albeit "below stairs" (and in fact below ground level). Workmen's terraces were built with the same Bath Stone and whilst not with the ornate finishes were solidly built.
To the casual visitor Bath might seem a rich person's city but that same casual visitor should realise that a good proportion of the city centre's housing is what we call "social housing". That's why it's a living city. Buying a property here will cost you London prices but rents through the local housing associations can be amazingly cheap - there just happens to be a long waiting list :(
In the 1960's and 70's most British towns and cities did their best to remove their populus from their centres - commercial developments being seen as more profitable than residential. It almost happened here in Bath when they developed the south side, taking away its heart and replacing it with a shopping mall. But the city was too small to totally redevelop and Bath stood on its own hind legs and growled in the face of the planners. "GRRR! We are a living city...let us live in our city."
It happened and it works. Bath is a very touristy city and much of its income relies on that, but it is still very much a people's city. Just drop into the odd bar here and there and if you don't feel welcome that's you, not the Bathonians! If you fancy living in Bath as a real person here's the website: Bath Living
Much more to Bath than its 11 million tourists a year!
Mud Bath
by greebo
The local legend of how the spring was discovered by Bladud son of the legendary king of Britain Lud Hudibras. Apparently Prince Bladud contracted leprosy and was exiled from court. He got a job as a swineherd but the pigs he was looking after also contracted leprosy. He used to drive the pigs over the River Avon at a place called Swindford which still exists. One day Bladud left the pigs alone and maddened by the leprosy the ran away up, coming at last to a black evil-smelling bog whereupon they threw themselves in. When Bladud managed to pull them out of the bog the pigs were cured of the leprosy, so Bladud also threw himself into the bog and became cured. Whereupon he returned back to court and the hot springs became famous for their healing powers. Sadly this time that I visited the Baths, it had changed a lot, due to the amount of visitors to the Baths they have now erected walkways and exhibit rooms. You used to be able to actually walk around the pools and steam rooms but this is now impossible.
Free guided walking tour
by londonlover
I say this is off the beaten path because, in comparison to the number of tourists I saw in Bath, there were relatively few gathered for the evening tour I took.
The tours are guided by the "Mayor's Honorary Guides of the City of Bath"--locals who do this for free, because they love showing off their city.
Our guide was friendly, enthusiastic, and funny, and he gave us great insight into history (ancient and modern) that we never would have found out on our own. The tour lasts about two hours and departs from the Abbey Churchyard daily at 10.30am; M-F at 2pm, Sat 2.30pm, and occasionaly evenings during the summer. Check with your B&B for the latest details.
The Bath Abbey...
by coceng
This is another side of The Bath Abbey, looking beautiful amidst the night lights...
It's so queit around the abbey, just the time & place that I wanted to be although I was there with Radek, the Harry Potter guy that I met at the hostel where I stayed...
One of the best pubs in Bath
by daelight about Salamander
Really great tradition english pub in the heart of Bath. Serves great locally brewed Ales and sumptious food and very resonable prices. Small, freindly and always a stroy to be told. Many a good night spent here :)
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Bath Abbey
Pultney Bridge
Roman Baths
Bath, England
