Monday 18th July - Bath & Stonehenge

There is a joke that one should visit Stonehenge in bleak weather to experience fully its wildness.  We experienced its wildness today!

The clouds have hung over us for a while and today's journey to Bath was wet at times.  The Roman Baths are an exceptional slice of Roman history that always fascinates.  The early Roman invaders discovered the healing properties and warm spring water and began to build one of the great bath houses and temples of the northern empire.

                                                                        The Great Bath

The museum is well laid out and allows you to see how the citizens bathed and worshipped Sulis Minerva.  The hot springs still flow today and the Roman plumbing is still in use.  The baths were central to Roman life and it is interesting to read the individual stories that have been unearthed in this magnificent place.

                                         About to take the plunge?                            Some Roman workers?

Of course it was not just the Romans who made use of the hot springs. In the 17th century Bath became a very fashionable spa town and still remains so to this day.  We have the fashionable society to thank for the architecture of regency Bath; honey-coloured Palladian style buildings that make Bath one of the most beautiful English towns.

After visiting the Roman Baths we had some time to explore and do a little shopping and grab the odd snack!

Then we were back on the coaches for the drive to Stonehenge.  The skies were grey and the rain was wet as we walked around one of the most distinctive sights in the UK.  The massive stone circle continues to impress and mystify but there is no doubting its power on the landscape.

There were quite a few cold people as we got back on the coaches.  It is hard to think this is July at times! 

                                                             Windy day for putting on the waterproof ponchos!

Tomorrow we return to the capital.