Pittock Reunion events info
There is so much to see in and around Bath and we hope we have found something to suit everyone.
To begin, on Wednesday, join us for a 1 ¼ mile walking tour with the Mayor’s Corp of Honorary Guides. In groups of 15 or so, we will be taken to see the medieval centre of Bath and the famous 18th Century city. Highly recommended, these tours are said to be “Chatty, gossip-filled joy - essential for your understanding of the Georgian Scene”
Follow that with a City Tour by open topped bus. Staying on the bus for the whole ¾ hour ride, will take us all around the city and to the hilltops for some panoramic views. The City Tour Guides will tell us about the history of the city, it’s buildings and some of the famous people who lived here. Get on and off the bus as you please, at any of the 16 stops en route, as often as you wish. Your ticket will also give you concessions at some of the sights and museums.
Eating places are many and varied in Bath, so you should find something to suit your taste.
On Thursday we will go by coach to Bristol’s Great Western Dock to visit the “ SS Great Britain” in the place where she was built in 1843. Long distance voyages made in wooded sailing ships were hazardous to say the least. Sea travel took a great leap forward when Isambard Kingdom Brunell designed this iron and steam masterpiece. Now undergoing a £10m development, the ship is being restored. Hopefully the replica sailing ship “ Matthew “ will be in dock nearby for us to see.
The coach will then take us through the Mendip Hills to The Kings Arms in the village of Litton, for a generous pub lunch. (Bring doggy bags). Litton was mentioned in the Doomsday Book in1084, and the pub is thought to be one of the oldest buildings in the village. Charles II is reputed to have hidden in the inn, and it is said to have 2 ghosts, a noblewoman and an unknown gentleman.
We go on to the delightful city of Wells, England’s smallest city. Granted it’s Charter in 1201 by King John, Wells has a famous Cathedral with a C14th mechanical clock. Nearby is Vicar’s Close, also built in the C14th, Europe’s oldest complete street. The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, home to the Bishop of Bath and Wells, is open to the public and is a moated house which contains the wells after which the city is named.
Back at the hotel at about 5pm you will make your own arrangements for dinner and the evening.
On Friday morning our coach driver will take us, via one or two picturesque Cotswold villages to our destination, Stourhead. Built in early 1720’s the lovely house was home to the Hoare family, owners of Britain’s only surviving independent Bank. The contents of the magnificent interior were once family possessions, and include an outstanding library of 5000 books, 482 paintings as well as the lovely furniture.The Garden, created in the C18th is a masterpiece of landscaping and a model for the growing English Landscape style. A self contained and timeless paradise.
We should be back in Bath by 3pm so that you may have time to shop, continue to sightsee, or simply crash out until dinner time.
I know that some of you intend to hire a car for your visit especially if staying longer that the reunion. We are looking into the various ways of travelling to Bath for those of you needing public transport. Costs and timetables for the summer are not yet available, but we will send details as soon as we can.
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