10 things you didn't know about Bath

Fact number…

1. The Oliver. No, not Oliver Twist.

Bath has its own currency called the Oliver. Unfortunately, since the 2011 launch the discount voucher has proven unsuccessful and is now barely in use.

2. Rolling around the Sun on its side

William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus, the seventh planet from the sun, in his home on New King Street 1781. Now to honour his discovery, you’ll find the Herschel Museum of Astronomy.

3. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times

It’s said that Charles Dickens, one of the greatest novelists of all time, once visited the oldest pub in Bath, The Saracens Head which was established in 1713.

@his_story214

4. Enough of the tricks, where’s my drink?

There’s a bar in Bath called Sleight, where magicians perform live magic tricks. If you’re looking for a unique experience, this bar is definitely worth a visit. 

@sleightbarbath

5. Shop ‘til you drop

Pulteney Bridge is one of Bath’s biggest attractions, not only because of its fine architecture but because it’s one of only four bridges in the world to have shops across both sides.

@katiegwilt

6. Action!

Many big movies have filmed scenes in Bath, including Inspector Morse (1997), Les Miserables (2003) and The Duchess (2007). No surprise when a city has so many stunning spots.

7. UNESCO

The population of Bath and North East Somerset is almost 200,000 and that is down to its unarguable beauty. The city of Bath has been titled as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987.

@josh.perrett

8. Starting from scratch

Bath once wasn’t as pretty as it now. In 1942 The Baedeker Blitz destroyed over 19,000 buildings and injured many residents. Eventually the town came together to start Bath from scratch and thankfully built the gorgeous town it is now.

9. The Penny Black – sounds serious

The world’s first stamped letter was posted from Bath, known as the Penny Black.

10. Bath time

The city’s famous Thermae Spa is Britain's only natural thermal spa!