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Circus, Bath

Enjoy browsing our great guided tours…
Private Stonehenge Tours
Combine with:
Alton Barnes
Amesbury
Avebury Stone Circle
Bath
Cherhill White Horse
Cotswolds
Durrington Walls
Glastonbury
Lacock
Lockeridge Dene
Marlborough
Oxford
Portsmouth
Hampton Court Palace
Salisbury
Silbury Hill
West Kennet Long Barrow
Winchester
Windsor
Woodhenge
The terraced Georgian architecture with caption 'Step right up'.

Built between 1754 and 1768, the Circus is a 200-metre-long street of townhouses in the city of Bath with a luscious garden space in the centre. Not to be confused with a modern circus, the name derives from Latin, meaning circle; for the buildings form an oval. Designed by John Wood the Elder, who also worked on the Roman Baths, the building is inspired by Stonehenge. The reason for this was John Wood believed Bath to be the centre of Druid activity. Three months into the project, however, John would unfortunately die in Bath and never see the building completed. His son, John Wood the Younger, continued his father’s efforts so today his legacy could live on.

Palladian architectural style of the facade.

The Circus was a part of a larger effort undertaken by John Wood to recreate a Palladian (an architectural style named after Andrea Palladio) landscape of the city. Of all the works John Wood designed, the Circus is widely regarded as his masterpiece. Historian Dan Cruickshank even selected it as one of his choices for Britain’s Best Buildings.

The beautiful mix of Doric, Roman, and Corinthian architecture attracts thousands of modern tourists. It was also popular when constructed. Famous painter Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), known predominantly for his portraits, lived in number 17, and made use of the space for a portrait studio.

Aerial view of the terrace.

Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton, a naval officer who fought in the Napoleonic wars, also lived in the Circus at the start of the 19th century. During the Blitz of Bath in 1942, the Circus was damaged, along with the Royal Crescent (designed by John Wood, the Younger) and several houses were destroyed. Not wanting to lose John Wood’s vision, the houses were rebuilt in the original style. The Circus is a must see attraction of any tour of Bath.

Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour
Whispered stories in colossal stones await. Stand within Stonehenge's sacred circle, and get up-close and personal with the enigmatic momument. Combine your prehistoric pilgrimage with Salisbury's soaring spire, Bath's timeless elegance, Windsor Castle's royal grandeur, historic Lacock or Neolithic Avebury.
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Stonehenge & Bath Tour
From prehistoric whispers to Georgian grace, this Wiltshire day trip time-travels in style! Unravel Stonehenge's mysteries, stroll Bath's crescents, and bask in Roman whispers. Relax in chauffeured comfort - timeless beauty awaits. Book your escape today!
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Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath Tour
From royal splendour at Windsor Castle to Stonehenge's giant megaliths, this epic tour unlocks England's secrets! See the guards in traditional uniform, ponder prehistoric puzzles, stroll down Roman Bath's Georgian terraces, and take in timeless beauty. Your escape to history awaits!
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