How to spend a weekend in Bath

A world-famous city overflowing with tourists, yet somehow still a tiny town you can call your own – there’s nowhere quite like Bath. With its Georgian architecture, great restaurants and niche boutiques, Bath captures the hearts of all who wander its cobblestone streets. Having studied there for several years, I’m admittedly a little biased thanks to my nostalgic attachment, but plan a visit and you’ll soon see for yourself. Read on for my guide to how to spend a weekend in Bath.

Where to stay

Leighton House

A restored Georgian townhouse just a short walk away from the city centre, Leighton House is a wonderful boutique hotel for a weekend in Bath. Contemporary meets classic throughout its lovingly decorated interiors and all rooms are stylish and spacious. Start each day with breakfast overlooking the city’s honey-coloured buildings before a busy day of exploring. End with a nightcap in the lounge as you leaf through one of the many design-led coffee table books at your disposal.

Rooms from £118 per night

139 Wells Road

The Curated Collection

For a unique stay in a real ‘home away from home’, The Curated Collection has three beautifully designed holiday lets for guests to choose from dotted around the centre of town. Moments away from Great Pulteney Street, there’s ‘The Aspiring Cook’ – a cosy space for two brimming with history. ‘The Curator’s Apartment’ is a peaceful retreat for up to four in Bath’s Artisan Quarter while ‘The Fairytale Writer’ is the perfect option for a weekend in Bath with the family just behind the Circus.

Rooms from £85 per night

Various locations

The Royal Crescent Hotel

If you’re visiting the city for a special occasion, or simply fancy being fancy, a stay at The Royal Crescent Hotel is in order. Situated along Bath’s most prestigious, crescent-shaped street, it oozes Georgian elegance and style. As you’d imagine, rooms are luxurious and service is second-to-none. Enjoy afternoon tea, croquet on the lawn or a few hours in the award-winning spa.

Rooms from £312 per night

16 Royal Crescent

Where to eat

Beckford Canteen

Within a former Georgian greenhouse towards the top of town, Beckford Canteen is an elegant, light-filled space that has quickly become one of Bath’s best restaurants since opening last year. Modern British cuisine is the focus of the menu here and, while dishes are creative, there are subtle nods to old-school classics. Somewhat of a signature, order the rarebit crumpet to whet the appetite and, whatever your main, make sure to get a side of confit potatoes to go with – they’re dangerously good.

11-12 Bartlett Street

Upstairs at Landrace

Inspired by the trattorias of Italy, Upstairs at Landrace is a relaxed space serving up rustic, seasonal dishes. Part of the acclaimed Landrace group, including the bakery just downstairs and flour mill over in Bruton, the menu is made up of simple, straightforward flavours that mirror its chic, pared-back setting. Once lunch is over, grab a sweet treat – I had an amazing cardamom bun recently – or a fresh loaf from the bakery on your way out.

Upstairs 61B, Walcot Street

Henry’s

For fine dining in a setting that remains laid-back, it has to be Henry’s. The concept is based around tasting menus, through which diners can get a taste of the team’s passion for locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients. Expect a journey of inventive combinations and contrasts. Example dishes include smoked potato raviolo with egg yolk, comté, truffle foam and lemon, or rosemary gnocchi with chilli, saffron aioli and herb crumb.

4 Saville Row

Where to drink

Beckford Bottle Shop

Brought to you by the same group as Beckford Canteen, stop off at this part-wine bar, part-wine shop for an afternoon apéro. Inspired by French caves à vin, Beckford Bottle Shop’s chalkboard-adorned walls, leather chairs and dark wooden furniture give the space a traditional, homely feel. Ask one of the knowledgeable team for help with the wine list, which showcases a variety of unique styles and if you’re hungry, there’s also a lovely menu of charcuterie and small plates.

5-8 Saville Row

The Bath Distillery Gin Bar

My favourite place for a pre-dinner drink, you won’t be short of choice when it comes to a G&T at The Bath Distillery Gin Bar. With over two-hundred gins on offer, let the bartender know your preference – citrusy, spiced, floral or herbal – and they’ll take care of the rest. It’s a popular spot that gets quite busy so seats aren’t always guaranteed, but that’s all part of the fun.

2-3 Queen Street

Colonna & Small’s

Since Colonna & Small’s opened its doors back in 2009, the coffee shop itself has become internationally renowned and the Colonna name is now an arbiter of all things coffee. Focused on the science behind the perfect brew, the team even went on to launch its own innovation-led roastery in 2015. Needless to say, the Colonna team are experts in their craft serving the best coffee in town for over a decade.

7 Queen Street

Where to shop

Topping & Company

Housed within a distinguished building designed by the same architect as that of London’s National Gallery, Topping & Company is said to be the largest bookshop in living English history. Just around the corner from Bath Abbey, get lost in its many floors and nooks. The bookstore also hosts great literary events and talks, so take a look at the upcoming calendar ahead of your weekend in Bath. For another fabulous bookshop in Bath, head to Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights.

York Street

Bartlett Street Antiques Centre

Aptly located within Bath’s antique quarter, Bartlett Street Antiques Centre is a trove of artworks, jewellery, glassware and more. With around sixty individual showcases, each expert dealer is on hand to share their knowledge but equally happy for you to browse to your heart’s content.

8 Bartlett Street

Berdoulat

Head to Margaret’s Buildings to find Bath’s finest collection of independent stores, with Berdoulat being one of these. Housed within a stunning building, original features have not only been retained but granted centre stage throughout. From antique furniture to store cupboard supplies, they’ve curated a wonderful collection of items you might not need, but will definitely want.

8 Margaret’s Buildings

What to do

Revel in historic architecture

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 largely owing to its Roman remains, a weekend in Bath wouldn’t be complete without a glimpse of the Roman Baths. Next door, the city’s imposing Medieval Abbey is one of its icons. For a small fee, you can join a tour that takes you up to the very top of the Abbey, where you can admire some of the city’s best views from its very heart. Take a stroll around the city’s collection of striking Neoclassical Palladian crescents too – most notably the Royal Crescent and the nearby Circus.

Discover the city’s artistic side

Alongside its impressive architecture, Bath is also home to a wealth of galleries and museums. Two of the biggest are The Holburne Museum and Victoria Art Gallery, both showcasing a permanent collection of fine arts and an annual calendar of interesting exhibitions. For contemporary art, head to Francis Gallery to discover emerging international artists in a handsome exhibition space. Other options include The Fashion Museum, No 1 Royal Crescent and The Museum of East Asian Art.

Step into nature

When the sun is shining down on Bath, there’s nothing better than making the most of one of its many green spaces. Just across from the Royal Crescent, take a stroll around Royal Victoria Park and its beautiful botanical gardens. Within the city centre, you’ve also got Henrietta Park, Sydney Gardens and Parade Gardens. A little further away from town, pack a picnic and spend a few hours exploring Prior Park Landscape Gardens – full of history, home to one of the world’s only four Palladian bridges and the perfect place to admire sweeping views across the city beneath you .

Planning a weekend in Bath? Start your request for a bespoke itinerary, designed to the traveller you are and the trip you want.