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A picture-postcard town with an authentic charm has been recognised as one of the world's top food destinations, thanks to its collection of exquisite restaurants and independent eateries. It really is a foodie haven.

The historic city of Bath and famed spa town, renowned for its Roman baths, stunning Georgian townhouses, Pulteney Bridge, natural thermal springs, and expansive green parks, was crowned among the top 10 destinations worldwide for its culinary offerings by the prestigious Michelin Guide. The Georgian gem in Somerset was the only UK destination to secure a spot on the list of the 10 most exciting places for foodies across the globe last year, and we can certainly see why.

As of today, 12 restaurants in Bath are featured in the Michelin Guide, including the city's only Michelin-starred restaurant, the Olive Tree. Located in the basement of the four-star Queensberry Hotel, the Olive Tree serves a British menu with Mediterranean influences, offering "creative combinations" for a unique culinary experience.

Japanese restaurant Robun also made the Michelin Guide, along with plant-based eatery Oak, and the charming Beckford Bottle Shop and Beckford Canteen, nestled mere steps from the stunning Georgian Circus. Additional highlights include the Upstairs at Landrace, Emberwood, The Chequers, Montagu's Mews, Menu Gordon Jones, Bath Priory and Wilks.

The city, comprising cobbled lanes, honey-coloured Georgian architecture, and Roman ruins, was used as a filming location for the hit Netflix series Bridgerton. It was also famously the home of the celebrated author Jane Austen, who resided in Bath between 1801 and 1806.

The Michelin Guide noted: "The picturesque UNESCO heritage spa town of Bath, known as England's prettiest town for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture, is set to host several costumed balls in honour of English writer Jane Austen, who called the quaint town home in 1801-06.

"The city's restaurants are also noteworthy, thanks to chefs and farmers putting the Somerset region's produce in the limelight, like at OAK, where the chefs plate up plant-led food prepared with ingredients plucked right from the owners' garden."

By road: Bath is situated 10 miles south of junction 18 of the M4 motorway. It can also be accessed via the M5 for those journeying from the north or south of the UK. The city operates a Clean Air Zone to combat congestion, and offers three Park and Ride services. Coach services to Bath operate from most major towns and cities in the UK.

By train: Bath Spa railway station is located in the city centre, and is served by Great Western Railway services. A trip to or from London Paddington takes around 80 minutes.

By air: Bristol Airport is the nearest to Bath, 19 miles away. An Air Decker bus service operates between the airport and Bath, taking around one hour to reach the city.

A regular coach service also runs from Heathrow Airport, which is 100 miles east of Bath, with a journey time of between two and three hours. Travellers landing at Gatwick Airport, which is 140 miles east of Bath, can take a train from the airport to Reading railway station, and then a connecting service to Bath.

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