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Warm yourself this Winter at Bath's 'hot' spots
'A place for all seasons' is how Bath and beyond is described in a new Winter Breaks brochure just launched by the area's official destination marketing organisation, Bath Tourism Plus. The new 8-page A5 colour brochure stresses the area's year-round appeal whether for a romantic couple of days, a fun-filled weekend or even a fresh-air break 'where you can bring the dog'.
Recently voted third favourite British City in the 2005 Daily Telegraph Travel Awards, Bath and the surrounding area is one of the UK's favourite short break destinations. Just 90 minutes from London Paddington and easily accessible from both the M4 and M5 motorways, the area offers a range of quality accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from deluxe town-house hotels to self-catering country retreats, as well as leisure activities for all ages from exclusive shopping, theatre and fine dining to winter walks, cycle rides or even a leisurely browse through the areas many excellent museums and galleries.
A vibrant year-round calendar of events and activities, even during the traditionally quieter winter months, means there is always plenty to see and do in Bath and the surrounding area. The new Winter Breaks brochure not only has information on seasonal accommodation offers, but also contains shopping and musical highlights, as well as dates for the switching on of Christmas lights, carols and New Year's Eve balls.
Musical treats include the Bath Mozartfest, now in its 11th year, which this year runs from 11th - 19th November and is now acknowledged as one of the outstanding music festivals in the United Kingdom. Carols by Candlelight at the 18th century Pump Room alongside the Roman Baths from 13th - 16th December may provide the perfect opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit, whilst the year can be suitably rounded off with the annual Viennese Prom Spectacular at The Forum on 31st December.
Bath and the surrounding area also offers a diverse programme of events and activities in its museums and galleries over the winter period. With major venues such as the Roman Baths and Museum of Costume remaining open every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day, there are a host of special events at other superb attractions such as the fascinating American Museum in Britain, at Claverton in Bath. This year the museum celebrates its annual Christmas at Claverton with 'Dreams come True' from the 19th November to 14th December. The museum's period room-sets portray the dreams of early Americans as they wished for luxuries that existed only in their imagination, rich imported fabrics, extravagant desserts and longed-for toys. In addition, the museum's famous Christmas shop will once again be selling a fantastic array of original Christmas gifts and decorations.
The Museum of East Asian Art, which offers one of the most extensive collections of East Asian art outside London since opening to the public in 1993, is another of Bath's many specialist attractions which never rests on its laurels. With a lively annual programme of events, just some of the highlights this winter include the chance to meet and talk to the photographer Aaron Schumann, whose exhibition 'In China' is currently showing at the museum; or to play Mah-Jongg; make dragon sculptures or simply decorate your very own Chinese bowl.
If it's Christmas shopping with a difference you're really after, then the Bath Christmas Market from 1st - 11th December is definitely the place to get the wallet out. Nestling in the market square alongside Bath's medieval abbey and Roman Baths, 123 wooden chalets - in the very best tradition of German Christmas markets - will again be offering quality crafts and seasonal choice, together with festive food and drink.
For some sporting therapy, why not indulge yourself this winter and book a weekend in Bath to coincide with one of Bath Rugby's home games? Tickets to the match can be booked together with your accommodation at one of the featured establishments on the Rugby Short Breaks section of www.visitbath.co.uk. And if rugby's not to the whole family's taste, then the museums and shops will certainly be quieter whilst the match is on.
Further information for those planning a trip to the area over Christmas and the New Year period is available through a special 'Winter Breaks' section on the area's official destination website www.visitbath.co.uk. The site, which currently receives c. 60,000 visits per month, features a host of special winter offers, Christmas menus as well as winter and New Year's Eve events throughout the area. The site's online accommodation booking service also means that potential visitors can now make their bookings around the clock.
Giles Ingram, Marketing and Operations Manager for Bath Tourism Plus says:
'With its unique calendar of festivals and events, classic architecture and world-class attractions, Bath and beyond has something for everyone all year-round. Our new Winter Breaks brochure and special Winter Breaks section on the visitbath.co.uk website are there to remind visitors of the sheer range and diversity of the leisure and cultural activities available, the quality and choice of our accommodation and the fact that Bath is easily accessible not only from London and South Wales, but also from the Midlands and the South West via the M5 corridor.'
The new Winter Breaks brochure has been distributed to major employers in the Greater London area, as well as to regional Tourist Information Centres. Copies of the brochure can be obtained either from the Bath Tourist Information Centre by calling 0906 711 2000 (calls cost 50p/min), or online through the official destination website www.visitbath.co.uk
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Notes to Editors:
For further information please contact Fiona Humphreys at Bath Tourism Plus on 01225 477228 or by email on: fiona_humphreys@bathtourism.co.uk
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