From ancient Roman Baths, the Cotswolds on to the nature reserve of the Hambleton Peninsula

The first spa in England, Bath already had natural hot water before the construction of its first thermal baths by the Romans. Used for nearly four centuries, the baths were then neglected and forgotten. It was finally the arrival of Queen Anne in the early 18th century that made Bath a fashionable water city. The incredible Roman baths were also rediscovered in 1870. 

It would be ideal to be able to (re)read Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen here, a novel which so admirably describes the atmosphere of the Assembly Rooms. In the ballroom in the basement of this prestigious building, a stunning costume collection traces the history of 16th century fashion to modern times. Corsets, crinolines and dresses of all kinds are on display in a museum that brings together nearly 30,000 original pieces.

The foundations of this imposing Elizabethan manor house dates back to the mid 16th century, but it was two centuries later that Paul Methuen discovered the more classical contours and decided to house his incredible collection of paintings. Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, Veronese, Rubens and Van Dyck are still on display to the delight of visitors. A tour here extends into the gardens of the estate, where you can walk among the peacocks. 

Less known than the famous megalithic Stonehenge, the Avebury site comprises some hundred monoliths erected on nearly 11 ha. Erected around 2500 BC. AD, the Avebury Stone Circle was likely a sacred site, and most of its stones were shattered by superstitious villagers. Located near High St., the Alexander Keiller Museum provides insight into the construction of this old circle.

Architecture lovers will not want to miss Bristol Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture dating from the 12th century, then remodelled and reinvented over the intervening years – the nave was rebuilt in the 19th century. Today, the cathedral remains one of the finest examples of what is known as a ‘hall church', where the nave, chapels and choir are all the same height. On your tour, take a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet of the cathedral's beautiful gardens.

The stunning baroque manor house of Dyrham Park in South Gloucestershire is set in an ancient deer park dating back to the 17th century. Spanning more than 110 hectares and complete with lake, orchard, and centuries-old trees, William Blathwayt's former country house is now home to furniture, works of art, and an important collection of Delft pottery. Owned by the National Trust since 1951, Dyrham Park is featured in The Remains of the Day starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson.

We can no longer distinguish the nave and the former southern gate of the ancient abbey of Malmesury, and yet the building remains very impressive for those who visit. With construction beginning in the 12th century, the famous abbey remains associated with the scholar Saint Aldhelm (shown in a window) and the great historian William of Malmesbury. It was here in the 11th century that a monk experienced one of the first flights, springing from the top of a tower on a hang glider. 

Designed by Lawrence Johnstone, these beautiful gardens were created in the 1910s as a series of 'rooms' in the open. Each has a beauty rivaling the previous. Even today, this enchanting maze is extensive at more than 5 hectares and consists of various plants, colorful flowers and aromatic herbs, remaining one of the most beautiful gardens in Britain. Twelve gardeners and dozens of volunteers work here year round, diving their time between topiaries, stream, trees and hedges. 

Owned by the same family between 1612 and 1991, Charleston House has crossed the decades without major changes. It is this respect for tradition and the unique mark of the past that led the National Heritage Memorial Fund to acquire this large house, still dominated by massive towers. Its furniture and period pieces, stables and a French garden provide an exceptional testimony to England in the 17th century.

This amazing castle belonged to Sir William Cecil (1520-1598), the highly influential Lord High Treasurer to Elizabeth I. It is even said that he designed the plans himself. The stately home features finely worked chimneys and pinnacles that tower high into the sky and is today home to an impressive collection of paintings. The Hell Staircase and the Heaven Room painted in the 17th century by the Italian Antonio Verrio are worth the trip alone.