Bath owes its importance to its hot springs, which are unique in Britain. The Romans built a great bathing complex here, and the marvellous Roman Baths Museum comprises the most impressive Roman remains in Britain, superbly preserved and presented.

It was during the 18th century, though, that the city really bloomed, made fashionable by Richard 'Beau' Nash and made beautiful by the architecture of the two John Woods (father and son), working with the local honey-coloured Bath stone.

One of the city's most famous landmarks is the 18th-century Pulteney Bridge, still lived with tiny shops and dubbed 'Florence on Avon' for its Italianate apprearnce. A short walk due north leads to the Assembly Rooms, an architectural masterpiece, which, along with the Pump Room, was the hub of 18th-century social life. The highly acclaimed and extensive Museum of costumee now resides in the basement. Close by is the Circus, a tight circle of three-storey houses and a perfect appetiser for the Royal Crescent.

The latter is the tour de force of John Wood the younger, built in 1767, comprising a majestic curved terrace of 30 houses. Number One has been splendidly restored to show visitors how it would have looked 200 years ago.

Length of the walk: 1 hour - plus time in the market and museums. It is an easy walk.

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