For the last decade or two, with increasingly reasonable air travel, brilliant house swaps and inventive boutique hotels to be booked at first swipe, Instagram inspo and some of the best city guides ferreting out secret sources of joy and relatively undiscovered charm, travelling the world has become a widely undertaken and easy rite of passage.
Now, with fuel prices and an awareness of our own environmental responsibilities on most of our minds - and the pandemic further reignited our love of a trip on our own isle. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of our habitual trip across the world, staycationing around the UK has become a lifeline for those who can’t live without a dose of escapism. We’ve sought out the best glamping sites in the UK for getting back to nature, explored which of the sea front coastal cottages are worth booking ASAP, for those short on time, just looking for a night away to be completely pampered, we’ve identified some of London’s most luxurious hotels, and for the few who actually can’t leave their houses at all, we’ve even brought you the means for virtual tourism.
World Heritage site Bath is an incredible option for a weekend jaunt. The city is one of the UK’s most beautiful and charming short-stay destinations, with plenty of sweeping views, antiques markets, cute shops, Roman-built pieces of history and grand hotels to fill up your time with. It’s high time you booked a stay.
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Need further encouragement? Below you’ll find five great reasons to hop in the car and head West.
The Glorious History Of It All
Thermal springs? In the UK? As we stare down the barrel of a bleak Autumn and Winter, it seems farfetched that Britain might have hot springs to rival Turkey’s Pamukkale or Mexico’s Hierve El Agua, but we do. And we’ve been taking advantage of them since as far back as 60–70 AD. These days, you can still visit the original Roman Baths or take a dip in the more modern Thermae Bath Spa.
Naturally hot water isn’t Bath’s only historical draw. For those planning to keep their clothes on, the centre of the city is home to Bath Abbey, a church and former Benedictine monastery, founded originally in the 7th century. It’s not quite the Duomo di Milano, but it’s an incredibly impressive structure and in it you can spend time scanning The Great East Window, which tells a bible story in 56 stained-glass scenes.
Beyond the Abbey, Bath officially became a World Heritage site in 1987 for various other reasons too. And one of those other reasons is the neo-classical architecture which characterises the city. Beginning in the mid-18th century, prominent architects including Robert Adam, John Wood the Elder, Thomas Baldwin and John Eveleigh began to shape the framework for how we now see the city, local limestone to create buildings of great grandeur and shapely, dramatic avenues like the Royal Crescent and the Circus.
The 5* Hotel Offerings
The historical sites aren’t the only Bath attractions with a bit of pomp and majesty. Bath’s hotel scene is rich with 5* offerings, from art-laden boutiques, through to the splendour of a place like the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa. Located, yes you guessed it, within the sweeping Georgian-built Royal Crescent, overlooking Royal Victoria Park, the hotel is the first word in luxury and pampering.
If you’re looking for a place to unwind with a partner, at total contrast to the chaos of home life, this is the place to come. The experience starts with the valet parking. There’s something indescribably perfect about pulling up to a richly green arbour framing a stately set of doors and handing over your keys to a trusted custodian, so that you can saunter straight in and begin your stay without delay. It’s a wonder more UK hotels don’t offer this service.
The rooms themselves are abundant in 18th century spirit, but with modern character and elegance. A stay in one of the various suites is a particularly delicious experience, with the private living room and writing desk making it a home away from home – if your home were extravagantly designed and immaculately clean.
The real draws of this hotel though are both the spa and the Dower House restaurant. The spa, especially during Covid-times, provides an excellent place to escape to. Abiding by the strictest of social distancing rules, you have to book a slot to use the main pool and the vitality tub, which has the handy effect of all-but guaranteeing you’ll have the whole thing to yourselves, if you’re early to rise.
The restaurant is, as you might expect, a fine dining experience, with tasting menu designed by Executive Head Chef, David Campbell and sommelier chosen wine. For prices, take a look at the hotel’s main website.
Another great option we visited recently and loved was The Bird. In an incredible central location, but with breathing space to spare, the hotel is the official luxury hotel partner of nearby Bath Rugby, and it's easy to see why.
If you love hotels with character, this is one for you. The beautifully decorated reception area instantly lets you know what you're in for. Each room is separately decorated in vibrant tones that mix classical Bath Georgian interiors with maximalist joy that will have you smiling before you're even handed your keys.
The warmth extends beyond the walls and is echoed in the hospitality of the staff who are proactive without being overbearing - when we visited as a family on a hot day, the bed was set up for us, with a fan waiting in the room. It's those extra touches that let you know you're in good hands - that you'll want to return to again.
The icing on the cake of The Bird is the bar and restaurant area, which is well worth a visit even if you're staying elsewhere. A neighbourhood restaurant with added class and edge, you can enjoy everything from afternoon tea to a steak while basking in the sun. The inside seating area is luxuriously beautiful too - and breakfast served there the next morning after an excellent night's sleep from the a la carte menu was a real treat.
For prices and availability, enquire at thebirdbath.co.uk.
The Boutique Shopping
What weekend away would be complete without a spot of shopping? For all your high street needs, the town centre plays host to the usual major chains, including H&M and Urban Outfitters. But if you’re in the market for something a little different, heading North up the hill, towards Walcot street and beyond, has many benefits to reap.
If thrift store rummaging or vintage vinyl are your bag, Walcot street houses a couple of excellent charity stores and a record shop too. There’s also Grace & Ted, a second hand designer boutique on Kingsmead square.
Walcot street also houses Graham and Green which, if you’re into interiors, you probably already follow on Instagram, for their quirky animal candleholders, kitsch doorknobs and plush poufs.
To the south of Walcot street, on Saturdays you’ll find Bath’s Antiques and Flea market – a series of stalls full of trinkets and bonafide bargains, a small walk from Pulteney bridge.
Exhibitions In Art And Fashion
Shopping over with, you might find yourselves keen to take in a different sort of culture, by exploring one of Bath’s many exhibitions and galleries. Look out for Bath's Fashion Museum and The Holburne Museum on Great Pulteney Street. You can also visit Gray M.C.A. and have a mosey around their fashion illustrations – with masterclasses and interactive events scheduled regularly – more information here.
The Proximity
Bath's handy proximity to London and major roads is ideal. Depending on whether you’re Chelsea, Stoke Newington or Brixton based (or further afield), you can get to Bath from London in just two to three hours.
Happily for drivers, the A36 and the A303 are both scenic and quiet, plus provide much in the way of excellent pub lunches as pit stops for your journey.
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