An enjoyable interlude in the Roman/Georgian city of Bath is in order today. There is so much to see in Bath, but make your starting point the Roman Baths. Actually discovered in 860 BC, the Romans created an incredible temple and formal baths around the natural hot spring in the 1st century AD. In use through the dark ages and Renaissance, it was Queen Anne in the early 18th century who elevated Bath to a fashionable spa retreat. The hot springs still produce hundreds of gallons of hot water every day. Archaeologists continue to discover more baths, more artifacts and more ruins. Save 2 hours for this fascinating tour. Open daily except December 25,26. Tel: (0)1225 477784.

Before going to Bath, ask Hunstrete House for their Bath walking map. The walk route takes you past most of Bath's outstanding features, including:

1. Bath Abbey, Abbey Churchyard open daily except during services. Tel: (0)1225 422462.

2. No.1 Royal Crescent, a magnificent 18th century house in Bath's\most salubrious terrace. Open Tuesday-Sunday and public holidays. Closed December, January, Good Friday. Tel: (0)1225 428126. 3. Bath Museum, located on the Paragon. Excellent history of Bath. Open Tuesday-Sunday and public holidays. Close end of November-mid February. Tel: (0)1225 333895.

4. Assembly Rooms and Museum of Costume, Bennett Street. Open daily except December 25,26. Tel: (0)1225 477789

For lunch try:

Hole in the Wall, a well known restaurant at 16 George St. Tel: (0)1225 425242. Closed Sunday. OR No. 5 Bistro at 5 Argyle St. Tel: (0)1225 444499. Closed Monday lunch, December 25-29 and Bank Holidays.

Directions from Hunstrete House to Bath: There is an excellent "park and ride" system from outside the city of Bath. Turn right out of Hunstrete's drive and proceed 100 yards to the A368. Turn left and follow this road, merging to the A39, for approximately 5 miles to the A4/A39 junction roundabout. Take the second turning off the roundabout towards Bath and the first left turn. Within a short distance, this will take you over a small bridge and within 100 yards to your left will be a sign for the Park & Ride. The parking is free and the buses run every 10 minutes into the centre of Bath. Fare: GBP 1.20 round-trip. For those who wish to drive to within walking distance of the Bath's centre, stay on this road and follow the signs into the city and for the nearest Car Park signs.