A Sophisticated London to Bath Itinerary
There is nothing quite like sitting at your desk after a lengthy day at work, a glass of wine in hand and booking a relaxing staycation away from fast-paced city life.
En-vogue escapes like the scenic Lake District, Cotswolds and Cornwall spring to mind - but Bath is our top newfangled land to visit.
The pretty city of Bath is set in a storybook corner of Somerset, surrounded by rolling hills in the valley of the River Avon.
The city is the epitome of pastoral elegance; it’s the set of Netflix’s rompy, unapologetically pompous show Bridgerton (producers use the historic city of Bath to form a suitably authentic, atmospheric backdrop to some of its scenes), the site of the original Roman Baths, the inspiration behind Jane Austen’s Persuasion and Northanger Abbey, and home to the imposing Bath Abbey.
Explore our specially selected things to do in and about the city.
Stay in the epicentre of the city at Hotel Indigo
If Jane Austen could have picked her Bath home away from home in the 21st Century, she would have had a ball at Hotel Indigo.
An InterContinenal Group-owned establishment, Hotel Indigo Bath can be found quickly and efficiently from Bath Spa train station along Bath’s South Parade, a sprawling Grade-1 listed Georgian terrace.
One of the city’s highest-rated restaurants, The Elder, calls the hotel home, and with a chic bar and 166 rooms under its roof, it is our first choice when visiting Bath.
Inside the hotel, staff are warm and welcoming and the hotel’s facilities are suited to cater for those who either prefer to make their way quickly up to their rooms or for those who would like to relax and play games in the lounge area, have a cocktail in the bar or a bite to eat at The Elder.
IHG Hotels promised to reflect the culture and city in which their boutique-style hotels reside worldwide and Hotel Indigo is no exception.
Walls are adorned with quirky, Regency-style paintings of animals clad in dresses, military attire and top hats. Expect contemporary art and rampant eclecticism throughout.
According to the hotel, rooms are decorated with four themes in mind: ‘Architectural Beauty’ rooms that feature traditional Georgian artwork and furniture, ‘Romance & Mischief’ rooms where abstract styling meets Georgian tradition, ‘Literary Hideaway’ rooms featuring walls of novels by many of Bath’s famous authors and a writer’s desk and ‘Garden Rooms’ overlooking the enclosed garden terrace.
The Vault Room
And finally, the ‘Vault Rooms’. Built in the 18th century underground, The Vaults are designed with soft lighting, black timber finishing and artwork reflecting the mischievous history of the era.
In each room, the ornate bathroom makes this hotel a standout for Société.
Tall, part-frosted windows allow for plenty of light and privacy, a large enticing roll top bath, walk-in rainfall shower and ornate print flooring add a chic touch to the room with a view over the grand South Parade terrace.
Down in the breakfast room, The Elder attracts businessmen and women, as well as hotel guests and tourists looking for a morning fill before taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
A buffet fit for a king (more specifically a Roman Emperor) features dining options including warm pastries, muffins, toast and a hot menu with eggs, full English breakfasts plus a few vegetarian and vegan options.
Even if you live in Bath, check in.
For more information visit the website and to book a room, visit the Booking.com link below.
2-8 South Parade,
Bath, BA2 4AB
Watch a movie in a 1930s theatre
The Little Theatre in Bath was built in 1935 by community theatre pioneer Consuelo de Reyes and her husband, and has stood strong through brutal world wars and chaotic pandemics.
In its infancy, the theatre showed hourly programmes of documentaries, newsreels and feature films.
During his time exiled in Bath, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie was a frequent visitor, watching news of the Italian invasion of his homeland.
In modern times, The Little Theatre hosts patrons at its two-screen picture house and bar and is a cosy, vibrant escape from the bustling city at night.
The Little Theatre Cinema
St Michael's Place
Bath, BA1 1SG
Photo by Richard Lewisohn
Savour a spring luncheon in the sun
One of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in Bath, only a 10-minute walk from the centre of town, the Garden Café at the Holburne Museum provides the perfect escape for a relaxing cream tea.
Located at the rear of the museum with the Georgian ‘Vauxhall’ Sydney Gardens behind, enjoy The Holburne High Tea – a pot of delicious loose-leaf tea, fresh homemade scone, jam, clotted cream, a cake slice for just £8.50, or with Prosecco £13.50 per person.
Additionally choose from a seasonal selection of light lunches, cakes and desserts to really add to the occasion.
Winner of the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards, the Garden Café will make your trip to the Holburne Museum a truly indulgent one.
Cafe opening hours: 10 am-5 pm (11 am-5 pm Sunday and Bank Holidays) Last orders: 4:30 pm.
Garden Café at The Holburne Museum
Great Pulteney St,
Bathwick, Bath, BA2 4DB
Admire the architecture at Bath Abbey
Dating back 1,200 years, Bath Abbey has undergone a number of restorations and renovations: three distinct churches have inhabited the site of today’s honey-coloured Bath Stone abbey since 757 AD.
First, an Anglo-Saxon monastery was assembled but then raised to the ground by the Normans; then work to construct an enormous Norman cathedral commenced around 1090 but the building lay in ruins by the late 15th century; and eventually, the present abbey as we now know it.
The abbey’s exquisite ceiling is considered one of the finest examples of fan vaulting in the country. The stone vaulting at the east end dates from the early 1500s and was created by master architects Robert and William Vertue.
The last great medieval cathedral to have been built in England, Bath Abbey and its commanding architecture are a sight not to be missed.
Bath Abbey, BA1 1LT
WANT TO SEE AND BE SEEN IN BATH?
Then head to The Pump Room on Stall Street for old-style glamour or The Ivy Bath Brasserie for a more contemporary treat.
A stunning neo-classical restaurant and the social heart of Bath for more than two centuries, The Pump Room sits just off the high street and connects guests to the Roman Baths. Take in Afternoon Tea and you’ll be serenaded by the Pump Room Trio or resident pianist. If it’s good enough for Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, who are we to judge?
The Ivy Bath Brasserie’s Winter Afternoon Tea
For a less formal more contemporary take on Afternoon Tea, pass by The Ivy Bath Brasserie and sample the Winter FAternoon Tea complete with a red velvet raspberry cake, Madeleine with winter berry and redcurrant compote and the more savoury Severn & Wye smoked salmon and cream cheese finger sandwich. An event not to be missed, an afternoon spent dining in Bath and taking in the sights and sounds of the city is well worth the hour-and-a-half train ride from London.
Stall Street,
Bath, BA1 1LZ
39 Milsom St,
Bath, BA1 1DN - see the menu here.
Société’s Top Bath Cafe
Tucked away unassumingly down the quaint Northumberland Place, Rosarios is a little Italian cafe and is rated one of Bath’s most-loved. Dubbed ‘childhood favourites’, nostalgic Italian foods adorn the walls.
The menu is an eclectic mix of British staples and Italian favourites (their selection of cannoli must be the best in Bath), with a robust selection of teas and coffees.
The cafe is cosy and the staff welcoming but the highlight of a visit is the lunch, lovingly made and authentically Italian.
18 Northumberland Pl,
Bath BA1 5AR
For more information about Bath and a comprehensive list of things to do in and around the city, explore visitbath.co.uk
