History and mysteryStonehenge is a fascinating monument. The earliest archaeological finds here indicate that the area has held significance since about 8000 or 7500 BC. The first known incarnation of Stonehenge was a huge earthwork ditch built about 3000 BC, which circled an area of 100 square metres including two entrances and some wooden structures. The massive stones we see today were placed there around 2500 BC atop a sacred burial ground for the cremated dead of the Neolithic era. Sarsens – the larger stones – are arranged in two concentric formations; an outer circle and inner horseshoe, with the smaller ‘bluestones’ set up around them in a double arc. Four Station Stones are also located on the outside. An earthwork avenue was created connecting Stonehenge to the Avon River a few hundred years later. Stonehenge retained its importance throughout the early Bronze Age. Four of the sarsens were carved with pictures of Bronze Age weapons like axes and daggers, marking the change in burial traditions during this era as people began to be buried with their belongings, and many round barrow burial mounds began popping up nearby. The site remained in use throughout the Roman occupation and many Roman artefacts have also been found there. Enigmatic stonesStonehenge is the most sophisticated prehistoric monument of its type anywhere in the world, and surrounding Avebury the largest prehistoric burial site. It was clearly a project of dedication and mass importance, as construction would have required huge numbers of organised and skilled workers. Although we have dates for its creation and we know that people were buried here, exactly who built this spectacular monument and why remains unknown. What was the importance of its layout? Its location? How were these huge stones transported and erected from 150 miles in the north with such primitive technology? Some theories as to its function and significance have included a druidic temple, a pagan ritual arena, an astronomical observatory, a place for worshipping ancestors or a site of healing. During the Middle Ages it was widely believed that Merlin, the famous enchanter of King Arthur’s court, had brought the stones over from Ireland. The modern contention is that it is some kind of prehistoric temple aligned with the movement of the sun - but it seems that it will forever be shrouded in mystery. Megalithic museumIn addition to the stones themselves there is plenty more to see at the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. The Neolithic Houses in the visitor centre explain how people lived in Neolithic times. These recreations inspire the imagination and further highlight the grandeur of human achievement in Stonehenge. Experts talk about methods of building and primitive tools and techniques and also provide demonstrations of Neolithic domestic skills using natural materials, such as flint knapping, grinding grain and making rope out of rushes. There is a great audiovisual show inside the visitors’ centre. This gives visitors a 360° display of the changes of the seasons from the perspective of inside the stone circle, including the winter and summer solstices. These were sacred times of year in the druidic calendar and the mysterious positioning of this ancient monument catches the light at these times in such a way that the sun lights a path through it (the summer solstice continues to attract around 20,000 worshippers a year). Visitors may also experience the changing landscape throughout the ages with an interactive map and can enjoy coffee or a bite to eat in the local café. This ancient and deeply mysterious site never fails to inspire wonder in all who visit. It is a truly unique place and one of the most memorable attractions in the whole of the UK - do not miss your chance to pay a visit.

Taking the watersBath is one of the most historic and charming towns in England. The town takes its name from the ancient Roman baths in its centre; they were constructed over a natural hot spring around 70 AD with huge pools, mosaicked walkways, steam rooms and changing areas for Romano-Britons to bathe and socialise. Visitors may walk through the ancient complex which still fills with hot water to this day - the baths are in fact among the best preserved Roman remains in the world. This apparently miraculous place was also believed to have healing powers, and a temple to the Romano-Celtic goddess Sulis-Minerva was built overlooking the baths. Here visitors can see the carving of a Gorgon’s head and watch a visual recreation of what it looked like to the Romans, as well as listen to stories from costumed experts. Tea with Mr. DarcyAdjoining the baths is the Grand Pump Room, one of the best places to enjoy fine British dining and high tea for over two centuries. Here you can even taste the healing waters from the Roman spa beyond! The Pump Room will be familiar to fans of Jane Austen, as it features in two of her novels. Due to her strong connection to the city, there is also a Jane Austen Centre where visitors can learn about the literary icon and her time in Bath. This is just one of an impressive 17 museums in the city centre, including the Holborne Museum, the Fashion Museum, the Bath Royal Literature and Scientific Institution, the Fairfield Museum and many more. A little outside the city visitors will find the excellent open-air wildlife habitat Longleat Safari and Adventure Park. Other great outdoor activities include visits to Dirham Park, Lacock Abbey, Bowood House and Gardens and Prior Park Landscape Garden, to name just a few of the fabulous estates nearby. Friendly facesThe Royal Crescent is one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks. This stunning 18th century group of terraced Georgian buildings is now home to a five-star hotel, as well as a museum of Georgian life and some lavish private housing. Another unique city landmark is the Great Wall of Walcot, on Walcot Street in the Artisan corner. This is a long wall with over thirty grotesque, mythic and comic faces carved in stone. The features of several living Bath locals were added to the wall in 2013 as part of an art project. If you walk along Walcot Street you will come across many quaint and traditional local shops and traders, including cheese and wine shops, furniture and framers, art galleries, cafés and pubs - you might even recognise a face from the wall.

Hidden beneath the city of Bath lies the stone remains of one of the finest religious spas of the ancient world. Designed for public bathing & used until the end of Roman rule in Britain in the 5th Century CE.

Originally called the King’s Circus, and designed by English architect John Wood, is a historic ring of large townhouses in the city of Bath, forming a circle with three entrances.

Designed by John Wood in 1769 this fine set of public rooms was purpose-built for "The Assembly", a particular 18th-century form of entertainment.

The Royal Crescent, one of Bath's most iconic architectural landmarks, is a row of 30 terraced houses laid out in a sweeping crescent in the city of Bath. Designed by the architect John Wood, and built between 1767 and 1774, it housed many notable people since it was built over 240 years ago.

Bath Abbey is a parish church of the Church of England and former Benedictine monastery.

Designed by Robert Adam in a Palladian style and completed by 1774, the Pulteney Bridge crosses the River Avon and connected the city with the land of the Pulteney family.