Bath Hereford Train

The city of Bath, located in the Avon Valley, lies at the southern edge of the Cotswolds which are a range of limestone hills which have been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The hills that the city lies on and are surrounded by have a maximum altitude of just under 800 feet.

The geothermal springs that rise up through the ground in the city, fell as rain in the Mendip Hills. The water percolates through the limestone aquifers at a depth of around 10,000 feet. At it as this depth that geothermal energy heats the water to a temperature of between 64 and 96 degrees centigrade (147 - 205 degreed Fahrenheit). As the water is under pressure it rises to the surface along fissures and fractures in the limestone rock.

The city of Bath has five theatres: Bath Theatre Royal, Ustinov Studio, the egg, the Rondo Theatre and the Mission Theatre. Between them they attract internationally celebrated companies and directors along with an annual season by Sir Peter Hall. Bath Abbey, home to the Klais Organ and the largest concert venue in the city, stages about 20 concerts and 26 organ recitals each year. The art deco Forum, which was originally a cinema, is another concert venue in the city and has a capacity of 1,700.

The city of Hereford, in the county of Herefordshire, straddles the banks of the River Wye and has been the commercial centre of Herefordshire farming communities for centuries. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll alongside the crystal clear waters of the River Wye or enjoy in the vibrant centre of High Town, where you can take in a show at The Courtyard Theatre. The magnificent Hereford Cathedral towers over the town. Take a moment to have a look at the stonemasons' work - the skill of these craftsmen is very evident. After exploring the cathedral make sure that you visit the Mappa Mundi, a thirteenth century map which shows Jerusalem as the center of the world. Christopher de Hamel, a leading authority on medieval manuscripts said "... it is without parallel the most important and most celebrated medieval map in any form ..." . Even though Hereford is a medieval town, it has progressed with the ages, adapting its traditional buildings to accommodate both residents and visitors alike. You can stay at anything from the most modern to the most antiquated buildings. Restaurants are plentiful with a wide range of cuisines. This really is a lovely place to stay while visiting the Marches and surrounding districts.