Jane Austen's Bath And History Trail
Description
During my time in Bath I studied the history of Bath, its architects and residents who made this UNESCO World Heritage City a historical jewel. The legacy of Jane Austen’s writing and reading her novels inspired me to gain extensive knowledge about her time before and while she lived in Bath and after leaving Bath as well as the significance Bath had on her writing. Tour reviews underline my unique approach catering to individual personal or group needs, expectations and appreciations .
Tour Options
Itinerary
Here is where we meet. The Pulteney Bridge is a replica of the Ponte Veccio in Florence with shops lining both sides and was designed in 1769. We continue along Argyle Street and stop to looking at Laura Place and Great Pulteney Street. This stop takes about 15 minutes during which the magnificant town house architecture Great Pulteney Street is explained and its famous residents in the 18th and 19th century. The Holburne Museum of Art is visible from this stop. A walk along Pulteney Street towards the Holburn Museum can be undertaken and at the same time viewing the front of No. 4 Sydney Place where a name plaque commemorates Jane Austens first dwelling in Bath (no admission, museum or centre).
Celebrating Bath's most famous resident The Jane Austen Centre offers a snapshot of life during Regency times and explores how living in Bath affected Jane Austen's life and writing. A tour through the centre can be booked separately by guests , however my tour does include entering the centre free of charge and visiting the book shop .
The most photographed building in Bath and largest Crescent in Europe was built in the second half of the 18th century and consists of 30 terraced houses dramatically connected with giant Ionic columns. No. 1 is a museum and guests can see what these grand Georgian houses looked like inside. Charge and tour of the museum is not included.
A grand medieval cathedral was started in the early 12th century and in 1499 Bishop Oliver King started restoration . Completion took place under Elizabeth I in 1611 . The Abbey is famous for its memorials and wall plaques and the crowning of the first Kind of England, Edgar I in 977. Details will be explored and explained and guests can visit its interiors.
This is the only place in Britain where you may swim in natural thermal water, crowned with a rooftop pool with 35 degrees Celsius and open summer and winter. The Hetling Spring, Cross Spring and King's Spring will be explained and their origins dating back 10.000 years.
Besides the unique architectural achievements of the square guests will get to know details of Jane Austen's short residence at No. 13 in 1799
The Masterpiece of the John Wood architects, inspired by their interest in prehistoric stone circles and designed to emulate the Coliseum in Rome. Guest will learn and explore more about the uniqueness of this iconic site. Work started in 1754.
Public and ball rooms of grand designs where the fashinable people of the Regency period socialized. The ballrooms , the octagon, the card room and the tea room still play host to many events.
The main landmark of Bath dating from the 1st century AD, featuring the impressive Roman temple of Sulis Minerva and pools. It is recommended that guess book audio tours for the Roman Bath separately before or after the tour . Adjoing the baths is a sumbol of the city's golden age in the Gerogian Period - the Pump Room -where the fashin concious elite gathered for balls, tea and to 'take the waters'. It was here that Catherine and Isabelle often met in Jane Austen's novel 'Northanger Abbey'
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Covid restrictions apply if/whenever applicable
Reviews(98)
This was a really lovely tour - lots of additional information peppered in to the key points around Jane Austen. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable!!!
Thank you very much Sara. It was a pleasure having you both on the Tour Ulrich
Ulrich was amazing! Very knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend! The tour was a good mix of the history of Bath and the history of Jane Austen.
Thank you very much Christine All the best Ulrich
This tour was very enjoyable! It was a blend of the history of Bath with the story of Jane Austen's life. I would highly recommend it!
Man thanks indeed Ulrich
Outstanding walking tour of Austen highlights with great Bath history as well. All the spots were interesting and Ulrich was an exceptional guide.
Thank you so much Holly It was a pleasure having you both on the Tour!
really a walking tour of some parts of the city. not what I had expected. I probably misunderstood the event description.
Indeed Keith, I had the impression . However the tour you booked ‘Jane Austen’s Bath and History Trail ‘ includes different locations significant to her time in Bath while also includes major Bath historical sites as you have experienced . Kind regards Ulrich
We had a great time with our guide Ulrich! He had so much great knowledge and we got a great knowledge of Bath and Jane Austen! A lot of fun and would recommend:)
Nice, interesting visit. Wonderful guide that adapted to our questions and interests
Ulrich was very knowledgeable and gave us all sorts of historical information about Jane Austen and other trivia as we walked through the beautiful streets of Bath. We covered a lot of ground.
Thank you Colleen
The three of us had a great time on this tour. It was more than we expected. Ulrich even accompanied us to special places that we specifically wanted to see in Bath and weren't part of Jane Austen's life. I highly recommend!
Hi Rosemary All 3 of you were highly inspirational and thanks for this review.
We really enjoyed the Jane Austen walking tour and found it both informative and engaging. Ulrich brought Austen’s world to life with thoughtful commentary, historical context, and well chosen locations.
Many thanks. Ulrich
