Queen Square
The whole north side of the square was built as seven separate houses in Palladian style which together resembled a palace.
The majestic obelisk in the middle of Queen Square was erected in 1735 by Beau Nash. The square is an ideal city-centre retreat to sit out and relax in the sun.
This is the heart of Bath’s professional district. If you’re looking for prestigious but discreet offices, this is the place – if you can afford it.
The obelisk has an inscription by Alexander Pope.
Cyclists can feel smug. A cut-through allows easy access from the south, while cars have a long detour round Bath’s bizarre one-way system.
The square is perfect for a picnic: take your hamper and sit on the grass under one of the cherry trees. In July it is filled by marquees for Bath’s International Food Festival.
The obelisk used to have a needle point, but was blunted after being struck by lightning in the 1830s.
Picnicking here is the cheapest way to eat in Bath. Stock up on bread, cheese and wine in the supermarket in the Podium.
Jane Austen wrote Northanger Abbey in No. 13 Queen Square, now a solicitors’ office.
In summer this is popular with locals as well as tourists, and office lunch hours can stretch to several times that length.
The best time to photograph it is in May when the cherry blossom is out.
This is the venue for an annual Boules tournament.
