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Oramscapes / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß

The iconic and the unseen – Bath, Somerset, UK

We’re all pretty familiar with images of iconic landmarks  from around the world – the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and The Coliseum. But sometimes it’s more exciting to unearth  hidden gems, to explore deeper parts of popular cities that the guidebooks and city tours don’t always tell you about.

We have photographs of the iconic landmarks, but we’re also known by our customers for having niche and unique photographs. So what better way to show off this side of our collection, than by  juxtaposing these hidden gems and the more famous landmarks of some of the most popular tourist cities, in our new series of blogs ‘The iconic and the unseen’.

We’re starting with Bath, a city only an hour from 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß HQ, once home to the inspiring author Jane Austen. Bath is a city shrouded in history, filled with incredible architecture and home to a natural thermal spring, making it one of the UK’s few spa towns.

10 places to visit in Bath – the iconic and the unseen….

1.ÌýThe Royal Crescent – one of the most iconic places in Bath, the Royal Crescent is a row of 30 houses laid out in sweeping crescent (semi-circle). It was designed by the architect John Wood and is a perfect example of Georgian architecture.

Royal Cresent Bath Somerset. Image shot 2014. Exact date unknown.
© Bigred / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß

2. Want somewhere a little less obvious as your first stop in Bath? Why not try the local markets, one of the most popular is located in the historic Green Park Station and houses everything from fashion, to vintage furniture and antiques.

Vintage & Antiques market in  Green Park Station  Bath Somerset
© fortune fish / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß

3. Back to the iconic buildings – Bath Abbey is not only an incredible piece of architecture, it’s very much a living church and services taking place all week.

Bath Abbey and the Pump Room, City of Bath, Somerset - England
© Terry Mathews / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß

4. Want to experience something a little different? Get some tickets to a local rugby match – the Bath team are a Rugby Union side who play in the Aviva Premiership, so you’re guaranteed a good game!

Dublin, Ireland. 04th Apr, 2015. European Champions Cup. Leinster versus Bath. Jamie Heaslip (Captain Leinster) breaks off the back of a scrum. © Action Plus Sports/17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß Live News
© Action Plus Sports Images / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß

5.ÌýThe Thermae Spa is a mix of modern and historical beauty. Re-opened in 2006, it has natural thermal baths – the 18th century Hot Bath and one on the roof with incredible views of the city. Definitely worth a visit.

THE ROOFTOP POOL AT THE BATH THERMAE SPA UK. Image shot 2006. Exact date unknown.
© Adrian Sherratt / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß

6. Head into the city centre for a look at some of the talented street performers, who are definitely one of the many gems of Bath city.  You never know what you’re going to get – so everyday can bring something wonderful and new.

Street entertainer Bath Spa,Avon and Somerset,UK
© keving3 / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß

7.ÌýThe Roman Baths and Grand Pump Room are some of the most popular spots with tourists in Bath. You can explore the baths and the museums, and then you can grab a yummy afternoon tea in the Pump Room restaurant. Sounds good to us!

Image looking out across the lower level of the Roman Baths in the City of Bath. Image shot 2008. Exact date unknown.
© Wendy White / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß

8. Don’t fancy queuing for afternoon tea at the (very popular) Grand Pump Room? Then explore the quirky side streets filled with independent cafes and shops. There are some great places to stumble upon.

The street view of Bath, UK
© A. Amsel / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß

9.ÌýThe Parade Gardens form part of the Bath Abbey orchard, and with its location next to the river Avon, it’s the perfect spot for a picnic.

Parade Gardens public park in city centre of Bath, Somerset, England
© geogphotos / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß

10.ÌýThe Saracen’s Head, one of the oldest pubs in Bath, was visited by Charles Dickens in 1835 – what other excuse do you need for a visit?

The Saracens Head public house Bath Spa, Somerset England UK. Image shot 07/2004. Exact date unknown.
© June green / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß

You can see all the images from this blog in this lightbox.

For more information about visiting Bath you can go to the