From the elegant architecture of Bath Spa University and the mineralised warm waters of the Thermae Bath Spa to the 18th-century Bath Assembly Rooms, this is a city where you can truly relax and bask in the beauty of the surroundings. As its name suggests, Bath is famous for its ancient bathing complexes. The Roman Spa dates back to the 5th century and the ruins are well preserved and a spectacular sight.

Famed for its Georgian architecture, the city has more than 5,000 listed buildings. You can take a stroll along Pulteney Bridge or drive over to the Theatre Royal, which lies just behind the so-called Circus, a stunning Georgian Grade I listed building whose construction began in 1754. Not too far away is another row of the city's most famous houses, the Royal Crescent, designed by John Wood. Bath is recognised as a World Heritage Site, the award acknowledging its exceptional beauty and historical and cultural significance.

The nearest airport is Bristol (BRS), about 20 miles from the city. When visiting Bath, car hire is a good option for those who want to explore the local area fully.

Book your hire car in advance to save money and choose where you would like to collect your rental; there are handy locations in the downtown area of Bath. To find the best price on car hire in Bath, use TravelSupermarket's search tool.

The beauty of car hire in Bath is that it gives visitors the opportunity to explore not only the city itself, but also the surrounding areas of north-east Somerset, such as the thriving city of Bristol.

This hub of creativity and energy is known for excellent nightlife, elegant architecture, family attractions and landmarks such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The worldwide fame of street artist Banksy draws visitors to Bristol, too. This anarchic and unconventional artist created many early works around the city and it won’t take long before you spot one.

The Old City and Harbourside also demand time in Bristol and reward tourists with museums, eateries and medieval architecture. It takes around 40 minutes by road to reach Bristol from central Bath.

Other towns worth a visit include Midsomer Norton. History lovers will revel in the delights of the museum in Radstock, which celebrates the fascinating lives of those who lived through the industrial era.

At the southern tip of the Cotswolds region, Bath is also perfectly located to see more of this beautifully bucolic slice of Britain.

For a taste of the British seaside, drive from Bath to the flat sands of Weston-Super-Mare. It’s a journey of around an hour by road. When the sun shines there’s nothing nicer than strolling along the sand with an ice cream or a salt-and-vinegar-laden portion of fish and chips.