How to Plan a Luxury Stay in the Roman City of Bath
- Apr 29, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 15
Since the Roman city of Bath was founded some 2,000 years ago, it has been considered a luxury destination. People would travel from as far as the Mediterranean Sea to the heart of England’s West Country to visit Bath because of the beautiful Roman bathhouse built upon its hot springs. Today, the Roman Baths (the city’s namesake) are still there and almost completely intact making it one of the world’s best-preserved Roman ruins.
Now the ancient spring from the Roman Baths is fed into luxury thermal spas bringing people from further and wider than ever before. But while they come to Bath for the spa treatments, they stay for its distinct Georgian heritage, high-end shopping and dining, and luxurious English experiences. In this article, we share the best of the Roman City of Bath from its hotels and restaurants to the experiences that will make sure your stay is one to remember.
Stay in Bath’s Luxury Hotels
Having long been one of Britain’s most regal cities, Bath is populated with an infuriatingly fantastic selection of luxury hotels, making it almost impossible to decide where to stay. Many of them occupy Bath’s elegant Georgian buildings flouncing gorgeous period features that transport their guests to a Jane Austin novel and thermal spas that proudly uphold its Roman heritage. Since the small city is situated in the heart of the idyllic Somerset countryside, visitors can instead stay at a luxury country manor, estate, or farmhouse and still be in the city in 15 minutes. Below, we have shared a few of our favourite luxury hotels in Bath.
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Taking pride of place in Bath’s most coveted address, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa allows guests to sample life the high life of Regency England without even a glimpse of compromise on modern comforts. Every room is superbly designed with a classic yet modern sense of English elegance. A frolic through English gardens, afternoon tea at Montagu’s Mews, and a soak in the spa’s vitality pool are all in a day’s play at this stylish Georgian property. Meanwhile, the rooms overlooking the private gardens and Royal Crescent lawn offer a sense of country calm greater than any other hotel in the city.
No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath
From the record player in each room to the complimentary Coach House Pantry full of premium snacks and the spa’s signature copper bath, it’s all in the details at No.15 by GuestHouse. The modern boutique hotel occupies a row of regal Georgian townhouses just a moment’s walk from three leafy parks and the city’s iconic Pulteney Bridge, offering a sense of suburban bliss in the heart of Bath. While the renowned Martin Hulbert Design has transformed the townhouses into a modern haven, No.15 honours its heritage through its decidedly British bar and food menu.
Homewood
Combine city sightseeing with a local countryside stay at Homewood Hotel & Spa, a stylish country estate 7.5 miles (15 minutes) outside Bath. Accurately self-described as ‘eclectic, luxurious, and slightly eccentric’, Homewood uses avant-garde interiors and artworks to juxtapose its effortless sense of class splendidly. Boasting a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and heated outdoor pool with valley views, the estate offers one of the best spa & wellness facilities in the region, allowing guests to soak in Bath’s Roman heritage with ease. Such a calm and relaxing place inspires guests to slow down and stop a while, breaking up days spent getting some culture in the city with long countryside walks.
Bath’s Superior Food Scene
Between its extraordinary heritage and effortless sense of class, Bath has become a haven for foodies attracted by the woos of fine dining. Bath’s food scene is so big and juicy that it’s hard to narrow its best options down to a handful. However, we have created a short list to give you a small sample of our top recommendations for luxury dining. Just remember, no matter what dining experience you’re after in Bath, you’ll find it — and find it done well.
Sotto Sotto
Those craving Italian need look no further than Sotto Sotto, an experiential restaurant tucked quietly in the bare-brick vaults beside the River Avon. While the vaults, lit by candlelight, certainly add to the restaurant’s appeal, its fresh pasta dishes could easily stand alone.
Henry’s
Henry’s is a small and unassuming rustic restaurant along Bath’s Georgian mews with a stand-out British tasting menu that makes it a firm foodie’s favourite. Its five-course ‘farm and sea’ menu features classic flavours like Weymouth crab, Larkhall sirloin, and Bath soft cheese.
Menu Gordon Jones
The former head chef at The Royal Crescent Hotel has opened his own central Bath restaurant showing off his extraordinary skill for English-Indian-Asian fusion cuisine. The highlight is a tasting menu of fresh flavour-packed dishes which can be paired with a wine flight for extra oomph.
Hall & Woodhouse
For a great British pub experience, call in at the Hall & Woodhouse, a modern vintage gastropub with all the classics on the menu including burgers, pies, and Sunday roasts. The best seats in the house can be found at the top of the winding central staircase which leads out onto a rooftop bar with excellent city views.
Bath’s Most Luxurious Experiences
Soak in the Springs of the Thermae Bath Spa
While the actual historic Roman Baths are no longer open for public use to preserve the priceless heritage, its healing spring is still used to this day in the Thermae Bath Spa. The day spa is spread across two buildings, combining the historic spa with the modern spa forming one of Britain’s most coveted wellness centres. There are three main bathing facilities in Thermae Bath Spa including the curvy modern Minerva Pool, the palatial Roman-style Cross Baths, and the iconic New Royal Bath, a heated rooftop pool with unparalleled views over the city centre. Thermae Bath Spa offers several tempting spa packages which include a range of luxury treatments from aromatherapy massages to facials along with access to its thermal pools.
Spend a Night at the Theatre Royal
Built in 1805, the Theatre Royal Bath has grown to become one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the city making it a staple on every city tour itinerary. However, it’s more than just a pretty face, this historic theatre is one of the most reputable around with an ever-winning selection of age-old classics to contemporary plays. Between its established history, architectural significance, and artistic superiority, watching a play at the Theatre Royal is undoubtedly one of the city’s elite experiences. Enhance the occasion by putting on your finest rags and going for a gourmet meal at one of Bath’s top restaurants before the show.
Afternoon Tea at The Pump Room
The Pump Room, named in honour of the thermal spa fountain of the Roman baths beside it, is considered amongst Bath’s upper class to be the finest place for refreshments in the city. The gorgeous Georgian building has been at the heart of Bath’s elite social scene since it opened over two hundred yeard ago. Even prestigious historic British figures frequented The Pump Room including Jane Austin and Charles Dickens. Its tall ceiling, Corinthian columns, light and airy atmosphere, and sparkly chandelier make the perfect setting for a morning coffee and cake or afternoon tea.
Ride a Hot Air Balloon Over Bath
For a truly memorable and unique experience whilst visiting the Roman city of Bath, hop inside the basket of a hot air balloon in Victoria Park as it’s fired up ready to float effortlessly into the sky. As you do, get a breathtaking glimpse of the limestone city from above and spot its unmistakable landmarks including Bath Abbey and the Royal Crescent. Looking beyond the buildings, you’ll find yourself swooning over the romantic Somerset peaks and valleys that roll over to Bristol in one direction and the quaint Cotswolds villages in another. After landing back down to earth, be sure to stroll through the park’s blossoming Botanical Gardens on route back into the city.
Start Planning your Trip to the Roman City of Bath
With insight into all the most luxurious places to go and things to do in the Roman City of Bath, you’re ready to start planning your trip to this Georgian dream. Let Lore Luxury Travel know the things you don’t want to miss during your stay in Bath and our expert travel planners will use the information to create a bespoke itinerary that reflects your ideal stay in the city. To find out more, contact a travel planner today and start your luxury journey to the UK and Ireland. Call us on +44 (0) 2045 781 580 (UK)/ 1 (800) 707-5184 (USA) or send an inquiry here. Luxury stay in Bath
