I

t’s difficult to know where to start with Bath. Which is why it’s so handy that the city’s mayor has organised a series of daily guided tours. Completely and utterly free.

It all starts from the Pump Room, the social heart of the city since Jane Austen’s time. After meeting your guides, who are all volunteers – including policemen, secretaries and teachers – you’ll learn about Bath’s biggest characters. These include Sally Lunn, creator of the eponymous bun, which is still made today to a secret recipe – as you’ll find out when you swing by the house where she used to bake them back in the 1600s.

You’ll also learn about some of the city’s quirkier past, like the all-important art of “fan language”, which was used throughout the 19th century by ladies who wanted to communicate with potential suitors – without their chaperones noticing.

After the two hours, you’ll also have seen the Roman Baths, the 16th-century Medieval abbey, John Nash’s famous crescents and the Regency Assembly Rooms – all with their own fascinating back-story. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, though because you cover a lot of ground – and we don’tjust mean historically.

And, while the guides aren’t allowed to accept tips, we’re sure they appreciate a compliment or two at the end...