Explore Britain’s Southwest

The City of Bath and Stonehenge

by Lesley O’Malley Keyes

Rolling hills, caves and gorges, historic cities, beautiful abbeys and cathedrals, tiny quaint villages, great food—authentic Britain! Let me share with you some of my most favorite spots.

The City of Bath

About 100 hundred miles southwest of London is the City of Bath. The city is rich in architecture, entertainment, parks, a beautiful abbey, restaurants, and shopping.

In AD 43, the Romans started the development of an elaborate sanctuary of rest and healing around Britain’s only hot spring, which became a magnificent temple and bathing complex by AD 70. People came from miles around to relax and wash away their infirmities in the healing waters. The hot spring still flows with natural hot water. You can see the water’s source and walk where the Romans walked on the ancient stone pavements.

Amazing Stonehenge

Stonehenge is situated north of Salisbury, with its outstanding cathedral and market square. Although one of Britain’s most well-known historical landmarks, Stonehenge still holds mystery as to its original purpose. We do know that only something very significant would have justified the work entailed in constructing Stonehenge.

The Bluestones formed the first stone circle and were set up in about 2,000 BC. These stones, 80 of them in all, weighed about 4 tons each. The giant sarsen stones, which form the outer circle, weigh as much as 50 tons each. Taking a tour with a handheld voice guide is the best way to learn everything at your own pace.