Hotels in Bath

Bath is a UNESCO city that earns it twice over: the Roman Baths are the best-preserved ancient bathing complex in northern Europe, and the Georgian set pieces — the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Pulteney Bridge with shops along its span — make the whole centre feel composed rather than built. You can't swim in the Roman water, but the modern Thermae Bath Spa's rooftop pool uses the same hot springs with the skyline thrown in.

Jane Austen connections are worked hard everywhere. It's compact, hilly at the edges, expensive by regional standards, and very busy on summer weekends. Stay in the centre near the Abbey to walk everywhere, or across Pulteney Bridge around Great Pulteney Street for wide Georgian calm five minutes from the crowds.