Both nestling on the banks of the River Avon, but with very different facades, can be found the cities of Bath and Bristol.

The golden stone of Bath, where Roman and Georgian architecture coexist, creates living museum. With such rich history and presence it is of no surprise that Bath was beloved by the wealthy who visited to take the waters but, they were centuries behind the Romans who built Aquae Sulis spa making it a fashionable town and leading health resort of the times.

Bristol, by contrast, was a Norman port and a great trading centre for Britain. Water still plays a large part in the daily life of the City and whether you happen to be by the river or admiring the Avon Gorge you cannot fail to be impressed by the sheer majesty of so much water.

Both cities are renowned for the splendour of their buildings and here we can only give you a brief taste of some that should be visited. Foster's Almshouses in Bristol although designed in Burgundian-Gothic style, are actually Victorian buildings. Harvey's Wine Museum where wine has been stored in the cellars since medieval times.

Built in 1482, Bath's oldest house, Sally Lunn's, still produces the famous buns to a 17th century recipe. The Palladian Holburne Museum can be found at the end of Great Pulteney Street. Once the Sydney Hotel it now contains many fine collections. In this small extract we cannot do full justice to the beauty and culture of Avon and its towns and cities but when you take time to visit you can experience at first hand the true splendour and elegance around you. With many attractions in and around the cities you will be spoilt for choice.

There truly is something for everyone in this beautiful part of England.