The International Office
Choosing Bath
The City of Bath
Where is Bath?
Bath is located in the south-west of England, approximately 190 kilometres from the capital, London. London is one and a half hours by train.
Stunning location
Bath is spectacularly beautiful. It is an interesting, elegant and vibrant city and one of only three in the world to be on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. With a population of only around 90,000, Bath is compact enough to be friendly and manageable. Everything is in walking distance (although the hill up to the University is not for the faint-hearted!). It is an excellent choice for those moving away from home for the first time and wanting all the advantages of city-living without many of the pressures. Personal safety is rarely an issue in Bath as it might be in larger cities. Students receive a warm welcome and soon become part of the city
Why is it called Bath?
For more than 2000 years Bath's fame has been linked to its natural hot springs, whose waters are believed to be good for your health. It was the Romans who first developed the site when they built a complex of baths and a temple to the goddess, Sulis-Minerva. They called it Aquae Sulis – the waters of Sulis – in honour of the Celtic goddess already worshipped at the spring. This symbol is represented in the University logo:
In the 18th Century Bath became Britain’s leading spa town. Many of the city’s buildings date from this period and it is their glorious Georgian architecture, which gives Bath its distinctive appearance and historical feel. In the heart of the Georgian city the remarkable Roman Baths can still be seen today and the big news for the future is that Bath is at long last going to have a spa again. With a quarter of a million gallons coming to the surface each day and an average water temperature of 47 degrees, it might not be long before you are able to try the waters for yourself!
Entertainment
The city is rich in museums and sites of interest and has many parks, gardens and green spaces. The Bath Theatre Royal and Ustinov Theatre offer a varied programme throughout the year, and the city has three cinemas ranging from arthouse to mainstream. There are innumerable bars, cafes, pubs and restaurants catering for all tastes and price ranges, some of which also serve as venues for live music.
The celebrated Bath International music festival takes place in late May and early June each year, beginning with a free opening night firework display in Royal Victoria Park. The festival continues for two weeks and includes jazz, classical and contemporary music performed by international artists. There's also comedy and contemporary art exhibitions and a host of free entertainment on the streets and in the city's parks.
The surrounding area
Bath is a small, compact city and it takes little time to get out into the countryside. It is close to the Cotswolds, the Mendips, the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean, all areas of great interest and outstanding natural beauty. The fine old cities of Wells and Salisbury, and the ancient sites of Avebury and Stonehenge, are only an hour away, and for those seeking the shops and bustle of a major city, Bristol is less than half an hour, Cardiff one hour, and London less than two hours from Bath by train. So whether you’re looking to relax in the country, soak up some history or head for the big city lights, Bath is ideally situated.
If you want to go further afield, Bristol airport offers discount flights to many European destinations - perfect for short breaks during University holidays.