Bathwick Area Guide

Bathwick lies on the east side of the river Avon. By the end of the 18th century, Bathwick was a tiny village, separated from Bath, but now has some of the best streets and most elegant Georgian buildings of the city, including Sydney Place, Laura Place and Great Pulteney Street. The district became part of the Bath urban area with the 18th century development of the Pulteney estate: in 1788 Argyle Street, Laura Place, Henrietta Street and Great Pulteney Street arose in rapid succession, largely the work of John Pinch. Pulteney Bridge, the work of Robert Adam, is one of only four bridges lined with shops in the world.

The first terrace of Sydney Place was completed in 1795, and the second terrace in 1808. Sydney House (later Sydney Hotel) was built in 1796-7. The hotel also provided coffee, tea and card rooms for people using the Sydney Gardens; there was a ballroom on the first floor as well as a public house in the basement for the use of the chairmen, coachman and other servants who were not allowed in the pleasure gardens themselves. The Sydney Hotel became Bath Proprietary College (later Sydney College) in 1855 and is now the Holburne Museum of Art, well known for its ground breaking exhibitions as well as its friendly café and gardens. No 5 Great Pulteney Street Hotel has a lavish cocktail bar and offers glamorous afternoon teas.

The Pulteney Arms is very close to the Recreation Ground, and when there’s a match on, it is a hub for loyal supporters.

The Forester Road area, with its family friendly Victorian houses, is very popular with a flat walk into the centre of town and the proximity of the outstanding Bathwick St Mary Primary school and the excellent King Edward's School.