Plan Your Ideal At-Home Spa Experience with These Essential Bath Staycation Tips
Bath, England, is a historic city that offers a wealth of attractions, but its proximity to other fascinating destinations makes it an ideal base for day trips as well. Here's a list of some of the best places to visit near Bath:
- Stonehenge About 35 miles southwest of Bath, Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. The mysterious stone circle dates back thousands of years and is a must-see for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
- Cotswolds Just a short drive from Bath, the Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known for its charming villages, rolling hills, and quaint cottages. Towns like Castle Combe, Bibury, and Bourton-on-the-Water are especially popular.
- Bradford-on-Avon Only 7 miles from Bath, this picturesque town offers beautiful architecture, quaint streets, and the scenic River Avon. It’s a great spot for walking, exploring antique shops, and visiting historic sites like the Saxon Church of St. Laurence.
- Westonbirt Arboretum Located about 15 miles from Bath, Westonbirt is one of the most important arboretums in the UK, with thousands of tree species and beautiful walking trails—especially stunning in autumn.
- Avebury Stone Circle Around 20 miles from Bath, Avebury is home to the largest prehistoric stone circle in Europe. This less crowded and more expansive site offers a unique experience compared to Stonehenge.
- Salisbury About 30 miles away, Salisbury has a magnificent medieval cathedral with the tallest spire in the UK and houses one of the original copies of the Magna Carta.
- Lacock Village and Abbey About 13 miles from Bath, Lacock is a beautifully preserved medieval village owned by the National Trust. The village and Lacock Abbey have also been used as filming locations for movies and TV shows.
- Longleat House and Safari Park Approximately 17 miles from Bath, Longleat is a grand stately home with beautifully landscaped gardens and a safari park featuring exotic animals.
If you're visiting Bath, these nearby sites make excellent day trips to enrich your experience of this historic region. For those interested in activities or dining in Bath, here are some suggestions:
- The Bizarre Bath Comedy Walk is a daily tour starting at 8pm every evening (between April 1st and November 1st) at the Huntsman Inn, costing £8 per adult.
- Sally Lunn's is the oldest building in Bath, houses a museum for just 30p, and is famous for the Sally Lunn Bath Bun, a favorite of Bath's famous citizen, Jane Austen.
- For the best Sunday roast in town head to Garricks Head, or out into the country to The Wheatsheaf at Combe Hay, which has fabulous gardens and views.
- Cheddar, a few miles up the road from Bath, offers attractions like the large natural Gorge, two beautiful stalactite caverns, a traditional sweet shop, the hair-raising open-top bus ride through the gorge, and cheese tasting at one of the many local shops.
- The Olive Tree restaurant serves up Michelin star inspired food at reasonable prices, and is famous for its venison.
- Opium, The Circus, and The Firehouse are all Bath favourites.
- Acorn, a vegetarian restaurant tucked into the cobbled alleyways behind the abbey, is famous for its delicious and inventive veggie menu.
- The Royal Crescent Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in one of Bath's most iconic architectural sites.
- The Queensberry Hotel is a beautifully British and fabulously quirky 4-star hotel located in the centre of town, just a few minutes from Gay Street and the Assembly Rooms.
- The Hilton Bath Spa is one of the best hotels in Bath, located in the heart of the city on the River Avon.
- The YHA Bath is a hostel housed in an old mansion just outside the city centre, and is a really nice space for relaxing and cheap.
- The Bath Backpackers is the cheapest place in town, starting at around £12 a night for a dorm room bed.
Lastly, for a more adventurous day out, consider Longleat Safari and Adventure Park, nearby Bath, which has over 20 attractions including Longleat House, a huge Adventure Castle playground, an enormous hedge maze, Gorilla Island, and a drive-through safari. Homewood Park Hotel and Spa, near Freshford, offers blissful luxury in a quiet location about twenty minute's drive from town. Whether you're seeking history, nature, or fun, there's something for everyone near Bath.
- After exploring Bath's historic city, consider staying overnight at The Royal Crescent Hotel, one of the city's iconic 5-star hotels.
- For those seeking adventure, Longleat Safari and Adventure Park, located near Bath, offers over 20 attractions, including a drive-through safari and a large Adventure Castle playground.
- To indulge in wellness and relaxation, home-and-garden enthusiasts can visit Homewood Park Hotel and Spa, a blissful luxury retreat nestled in a quiet location near Freshford, about a 20-minute drive from Bath.
- If you're interested in exploring nearby food options, The Olive Tree restaurant serves up Michelin-star inspired cuisine at reasonable prices, while Acorn, a vegetarian eatery, is famous for its creative and delicious vegetarian menu in Bath's cobbled alleyways.
