There’s no better time to schedule in that weekend away you’re craving than now. And topping our must-visit UK staycations this summer is Bath. This historic city is where Bridgerton fans go to swoon, where troops of hens head in search of the best bottomless brunches and where architect admirers get an inimitable hit of Georgian architecture maintained to perfection.
And though a good old stroll around the city is more than enough to keep you occupied, Bath’s buzzing foodie spots and independent shops also shape up for a weekend of indulgence.
So whether you’re looking for a little bit of luxury in one of Bath’s many sumptuous stays, or you’re simply in the market for a dinner spot to add to your itinerary, we’ve curated a list of the very best places to visit while you’re there…
Where to stay
The Yard in Bath
Wrapping around a historic courtyard, The Yard offers a slice of luxury in the heart of the city. Promising king-sized beds, crisp linens, rainfall showers, Bramley organic toiletries and the non-negotiable Netflix, at The Yard you’re made to feel right at home. All stays include a signature breakfast hamper delivered to your room each morning, so you can feast on freshly baked croissants, fruit and granola in bed before hitting the town.
No. 15 by GuestHouse
Tucked down one of Bath’s most idyllic streets is No. 15 by GuestHouse. Boasting 36 townhouse bedrooms, where no two are the same, this boutique bolthole oozes personality. From bijoux guest rooms hiding in the attic, to the ultra-grand Pulteney rooms with vast ceilings and sash windows, each space is designed to balance its Georgian roots with a modern twist. We’d also recommend making use out of No. 15’s luxury eco spa for a treatment or two to really unwind.
The Bath Priory
For those seeking a little extra grandeur for their weekend away, turn your eye to The Bath Priory. Parked just outside the city centre, this hotel poses as an extravagant manor house with sweeping garden views. But to really make the most of your weekend, browse through the hotel’s array of offers and packages. Spa break? City guided tour? Wellness experience? They’ve got something for every vibe.
Where to eat
Beckford Canteen
Whether it’s a quick pit stop for a bite to eat, a refreshing aperitivo or a long indulgent lunch, Beckford Canteen is a luxe spot worth saving. Expect to find menus inspired by the seasons, local produce with a Mediterranean flair and an unbeatable roast on a Sunday. Up the road you’ll also find their sister space, Beckford Bottle Shop, where you can explore the most diverse wine lists in Bath, and maybe pick up a bottle to take home!
The Landrace
Both a local favourite and a Your Day must-see, Landrace is the spot to grab a mid-morning coffee (with a pastry, of course). After 12pm Tuesday to Saturday, upstairs also transforms into a restaurant for lunch and dinner. Serving delightful dishes and small plates, it’s a relaxed modern dining experience you can’t go wrong with.
Green park Brasserie
Providing the perfect outdoor terrace for an alfresco snack or glass of something sparkly, Green Park Brasserie would be our late afternoon pick in Bath. Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening you can also lap up some live music, ranging from modern funk trios to jazz. And with two for £15 cocktails everyday, it’s worth swinging by.
The Scallop Shell
Serving up crowd-pleasers including lightly battered fish and chips and seafood platters fresh from the coastal markets, The Scallop Shell is a traditional restaurant designed to unlock memories of childhood trips to the seaside. Accompanying the seafood is a carefully curated selection of wines, and alcohol free beverages.
Where to shop
Always Sunday
We love a little shop of everything and that’s exactly what Always Sunday offers – everything! From curated homewares and artisan treasures to your favourite independent brands, Always Sunday is stocked with all the trinkets and gift ideas you could possibly need.
Graham and Green
Located on Walcot Street in Bath’s artisan quarter, Graham and Green is the ideal place to continue your city mooch – particularly if it’s home inspo you’re after. With unique home accessories and furniture collections aplenty, the only hard part is having to pick your favourites!
Berdoulat
Packed with antique charm and rusticity, at Berdoulat you can expect to find herbs and spices, flowers (from one of Your Day’s fave florists, Nice Bunch), wines and beer, homeware and heirloom pieces. Only adding to the personality of the store, many of its offerings are designed by founders Patrick and Neri, or handmade by artisans within an hour’s drive of Bath.
What to do
Roman Baths
If there’s one thing to tick off your Bath bucketlist it has to be the Roman Baths. And from the 20th July to 31st August, you can experience this historical site in a whole new light with a visit at dusk for a torchlit tour (as well as a strategic dodging of the crowds).
Beckford’s Tower
Following careful restoration work, Beckford’s Tower has recently re-opened to visitors. Renowned for homing one of the greatest collections of art, furniture and books in Georgian England, you may be surprised to learn that the history that lies behind its stoney facade is not quite as idyllic…
No. 1 Royal Crescent
Though more recently setting the scene as the stately home of the Featherington family in Bridgerton, day to day Bath’s iconic Royal Crescent is open to visitors. Inside the first house to take to the Crescent, a museum has been designed to give you an authentic and immersive taste of what it would have been like to live here in the 1700s.
For more tips and tricks on planning a stay in Bath, click here
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