Stothert & Pitt Crane

Bath's industrial heritage isn't all about Georgian terraces and Roman baths. Down by the riverside sits the Stothert & Pitt Crane, a Victorian engineering marvel that once dominated the local landscape. It's a proper piece of working-class history - a massive steam crane built by the local engineering firm that spent decades lifting heavy loads along the canal.

You're looking at cast iron and Victorian ingenuity in its rawest form. The crane itself is impressively tall and imposing, the kind of thing that makes you realise how different the city felt when this was actually in use. It's free to view from outside, which is just as well since access details are thin on the ground.

History buffs and industrial archaeology enthusiasts will get the most from this. Kids might find the sheer scale interesting for five minutes, but it's not a hands-on experience. Walkers doing the canal path will pass it naturally - which is probably the best way to encounter it, honestly.

If you're staying at Bath Mill Lodge Retreat just up the road, it makes sense to wander down and have a look while you're exploring the city. The location means you can pair it with a riverside walk rather than making it a separate trip. CAMPWELL FARM and Stowford Manor Farm offer decent bases for anyone keen to explore Bath's less obvious attractions alongside the famous sights.