Solsbury Hill was written and performed by former Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel. It was his debut single after his split from the band, and it is widely acknowledged that the song is about his thoughts around his decision to leave them.
Solsbury Hill itself is a small flat-topped hill, that was once an iron age fort which gives splendid views of the city of Bath. In fact the name “Solsbury” maybe derived from the Celtic god, Solis who was worshipped at the thermal spring in Bath itself.
The thermal springs at Bath has always been a focal point for visitors to the city. Google must see and things to do in Bath and the thermal springs aka the Roman Baths will be on the top of almost every list.
Within a few years of the Roman Invasion of Britain, they constructed a temple on the site of the baths and the settlement that developed here was called “Aquae Sulis” (The Waters of Sulis). Today you can visit the baths which are well preserved and sympathically restored.
The baths were used to a greater or lesser extent over the centuries, but it was around 130 years ago that they become popular as a focus for the Georgians, after claims were made for the curative properties of the thermal waters. In 2019 the city was the 11th most visited destinations for overseas visitors to the UK just behind Oxford and Cambridge. Most visitors come to see the superbly preserved Georgian buildings constructed from Bath stone.
Amongst the most widely recognised sites is the Royal Crescent, this is in part due to its popularity in TV and film, including most recently the very popular Netflix series Bridgerton. There is an excellent museum that has recently refurbished at No.1 that promises you an immersive experience to show you what live was like 250 years ago for both the wealthy and poor citizens of Bath.
In 1987 Bath was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO and there are many other note-worthy attractions and views the city including the Circus, the Assembly Rooms, the Pump Rooms and Pulteney Bridge. It is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops across its full span on both sides.
There is so much to see and do in Bath you will need more than a day. You will find a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and you will not be short on choices of places to eat and drink.
If you want some time out from the hustle and bustle of the city, then head for the Abbey where you will find some peace and quiet. One of the things that will strike you about this beautiful building is the amount of light inside. The 52 windows make up 80% of the wall space.
Wondering why it’s called an Abbey rather than a Cathedral. It once held joint cathedral status with the Cathedral at Wells. The Abbey was given cathedral status in 1090, but it was stripped of this at the time of the Dissolution when the cathedral was consolidated in Wells, which incidentally is the smallest city in the UK with a population of only 12,000 souls.
Contact Maggie today to help you plan and book your City of Bath break this year.
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