Bath has seven Georgian crescents, each a graceful and uplifting symphony in creamy Bath Stone. This walk around Bath’s immensely beautiful steep northern slopes takes in five of the crescents, as well as the city’s most complete Georgian square. Most of the route is completely off the beaten tourist track, covering parts of Bath that visitors rarely get to explore and even many locals are unfamiliar with.
Led by qualified Blue Badge tour guides, the tour will explain the significance of the crescents in relation to Bath’s topography. There will be panoramic views across the bowl of the city to enjoy, and residents’ associations private gardens to snoop on. You’ll see a host of eye-catching architectural details – ornate pediments and keystones, decorative wrought-iron overthrows and snuffers, and much else besides. You’ll also hear about some of the Upper Town’s significant former residents, including Sir William Holburne, whose collection formed the nucleus of the original Holburne Museum, and the enormously rich William Beckford, who built Beckford’s Tower high up on Lansdown Hill. You’ll also pass the highly unusual home of Thomas Barker, one of Bath’s best-known painters in Georgian times. Expect some literary links too, to Charles Dickens and Jane Austen.
Important note: the walk includes climbing a steep slope and flight of steps, so a certain level of fitness is required. However, the walking pace will be gentle, with frequent stops.
Organised by Fred Mawer Tours (https://www.fredmawertours.co.uk/).
Start: in the centre of The Circus, near the trees (BA1 2ET)
Finish: outside Bath Assembly Rooms (BA1 2QH)
Distance: around 1.7 miles
Not suitable for wheelchair users
This walk will be repeated several times throughout the festival. When booking you will be asked to select the date and time of the walk you wish to book.
Fred Mawer Tours offers entertaining and informative guided tours of Bath and the South West of England, for individuals and groups. The tours are led by Fred, a Bath resident and award-winning, professional Blue Badge-qualified tour guide, or by another expert local guide. In Bath, tours range from introductory explorations that are ideal for first-timers to the city, to off-the-beaten-track itineraries, and thematic tours such as looking at the city’s all-important spa history, its royal links and TV and film locations.
More information: www.fredmawertours.co.uk
Contact: +44(0)7941 371439 ; fred.mawer@btinternet.com
