Planning a Trip

Getting There

Trains leave London's Paddington Station bound for Bath once every half-hour during the day. The trip takes about 1 1/2 hours. For rail information, call tel. 0845/748-4950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.

A National Express coach leaves London's Victoria Coach Station every 90 minutes during the day. The trip takes 3 1/2 hours. Coaches also leave Bristol bound for Bath and make the trip in 40 minutes. For schedules and information, call tel. 0870/580-8080 or visit www.nationalexpress.com.

Drive west on the M4 to the junction with the A4, then continue west to Bath.

Visitor Information

The Bath Tourist Information Centre is at Abbey Chambers, Abbey Church Yard (tel. 09067/112000 toll call 50p/95¢ per minute; www.visitbath.co.uk), next to Bath Abbey. It's open May to September, Monday to Saturday 9:30am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm; off season, Monday to Saturday 9:30am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. It is closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Getting Around

One of the best ways to explore Bath is by bike. Rentals are available at The Bath & Dundas Canal Company, Brass Knocker Basin at Monkton Combe (tel. 01225/722292; www.bathcanal.com). Daily rentals go for £14 ($27).

Special Events

Bath's graceful Georgian architecture provides the setting for one of Europe's most prestigious international festivals of music and the arts, the Bath International Music Festival. For 17 days in late May and early June each year, the city is filled with more than 1,000 performers. The festival focuses on classical music, jazz, new music, and the contemporary visual arts, with orchestras, soloists, and artists from all over the world. In addition to the main music and art program, the festival offers walks, tours, and talks, plus free street entertainment, a free Festival Club, and opening night celebrations with fireworks. For information, contact the Bath Festivals Box Office, 2 Church St., Abbey Green, Bath BA1 1NL (tel. 01225/463362; www.bathmusicfest.org.uk).