I had to pick my time carefully to visit the ancient English city of Bath. I wanted to go before the bulk of the tourists, but after the rush of Christmas crowds. But, that’s the way it’s always been, for visitors have been coming to Bath since before the  came, over 2,000 years ago. This is the only place in Britain with natural hot springs. They aren’t of volcanic origin, but heated by water passing over the limestone of the nearby Mendip Hills. The waters flow at 13 litres a second, at a constant temperature of 46ºC (115ºF) and contain 43 minerals. So, in addition to a refreshing soak, they’re also medicinal, whether bathed in or drunk. In the Pump Room, I tasted some of the water … and wished I hadn’t. It was slightly warm, and tasted as if someone had boiled up a handful of old  in it...  keep reading