No-one needs an excuse to visit Bath at any time, the city that actor Nicolas Cage has described as "the most beautiful city in the world". But then movie star Cage does live there so he might be biased. In 2010, though, there are several special events, new attractions and anniversaries, making it a good year to enjoy a vacation in this World Heritage City, which has fast and direct trains from London.
New Bath Hotel
The 5-Star boutique Halcyon Hotel opens in Bath in February 2010. It has 21 rooms and studio apartments in a Grade 1 Listed Georgian townhouse, right in the city centre. Look for special room rate offers, including three nights for the price of two, and introductory offers of rooms from £89 per night.
New Bath Shopping
The first phase of the development of the Southgate shopping area into a Georgian-style Bath shopping experience opened in 2009. The next two phases can be seen in spring and autumn 2010, adding to Bath's reputation for individual and independent shops.
The Lions of Bath
Street art has become popular in cities worldwide, where it's not unusual to see painted cows and other animals brightening up the pavements and public places. In 2008 Bath hosted over 100 pig sculptures, and 2010 will be the year of the lion. One hundred painted life-sized lions will be found around Bath, with a Lion Trail to help visitors find them all.
Kennet and Avon Canal Anniversary
The Kennet and Avon Canal opened in 1810 (the year before Jane Austen published her first major work, Sense and Sensibility). 2010 therefore sees its 200th anniversary, with many special events planned. These include a big street party in the Widcombe area of Bath on 13th June.
Bath Food and Drink Festival
The 3rd and 4th of July are going to be good days to be in Bath for those who enjoy their food and drink. Royal Victoria Park is home to a new food and drink festival when over 130 local and regional producers will be showing off their produce, and leading local chefs showing off their cooking expertise. Real ales and ciders will be highlighted too, and there will be a Wine Theatre where it will presumably be Curtains Up then Bottoms Up.
Bath Christmas Market
2010 sees the 10th anniversary of the Bath Christmas Market, recently voted 4th in a poll of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Held adjacent to Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, the 2010 Bath Christmas Market will be extended to run for 18 days, provisionally from November 25th to December 12th.
Bath Jane Austen Festival
2010 also sees the 10th anniversary of the annual Jane Austen Festival, held each September. Visitors are invited to stroll the city in 18th-century costume.
Further Information
For more information on what to do in Bath in 2010 and in any other year, visit Bath’s official destination website.
Suite Links
Read about Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Movie Location Tours
Read Ten Budget Bath Travel Tips.
Discover the Ten Best Things to do in Bath.
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Where to Stay Near Bath
Only 25 miles from Bath is the Old Bell Hotel and Restaurant in Malmesbury, Wiltshire: England's Oldest Hotel.
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Mike Gerrard - Mike is an award-winning travel writer who has worked for National Geographic, the London Times, and many other clients. ...
