Taking a Bath in Bath: A Soak in Luxury and UK History

Nestled in the rolling hills of Somerset, the city of Bath is one of the UK’s most elegant and historically rich destinations. Famous for its natural hot springs, Georgian architecture, and literary connections, Bath offers the perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and charm — all within easy reach of London. We recently spent two nights in the heart of Bath, staying at the stunning Gainsborough Bath Spa, and the experience left us feeling both pampered and inspired. Located just steps from the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, the Gainsborough Bath Spa is a gem among luxury hotels. Its design effortlessly merges classical elegance with modern touches — high ceilings, marble accents, and soothing color palettes create an atmosphere of refined calm. I particularly want to mention the service which was impeccable throughout our stay — warm, professional and super helpful. While the breakfast was more modest than we expected given the hotel’s price point, it was still fresh and well-presented. For a hotel of this caliber, a more generous or varied spread would have enhanced the start of each day.

What truly set The Gainsborough apart was its spa experience, which taps directly into Bath’s natural thermal waters. Relaxing in the warm, mineral-rich pools beneath a glass atrium was nothing short of magical. The Roman-inspired spa circuit, including saunas, steam rooms, and an ice alcove, was a treat we’d return for in a heartbeat. Here is my first and important tip: We booked a visit to the famous Thermae Bath Spa which was right across the road from the hotel and paid around 40£ per person. Should I had known in advance the free SPA experience in the Gainsborough was just as good if not more, I would have skipped the visit to Thermae. Final thoughts- Whether you’re seeking a relaxing escape or a deep dive into British history, Bath delivers. Our stay at The Gainsborough Bath Spa combined luxury with authenticity, and the city itself was a pleasure to explore. If you’re planning a short UK getaway, Bath deserves a spot on your list — and don’t forget to pack your swimsuit.

Accommodation Tip: We booked a room that opens up to the courtyard. This is a nice bonus on a sunny day however we ended up with a rainy two-day stay and did not really enjoy the option of an outside lounge. Having these courtyard rooms in the basement of the hotel means there is minimal view, and should I return to the hotel I might pick a higher floor room category. As mentioned, the hotel bonus is the luxurious spa, and I highly recommend saving some time during your city escape to enjoy the beautiful facility.

Excursion Tip: A delightful bonus was the free walking tour recommended by the hotel. Led by a knowledgeable and passionate guide, the tour took us through the city’s most iconic landmarks: Pulteney Bridge, the Royal Crescent, the Circus, and of course, the ancient Roman Baths. Along the way, we learned about Bath’s Roman roots, its 18th-century revival as a fashionable spa town, and its connections to Jane Austen. The tour gave us a rich sense of context and history, making every stroll through Bath’s honey-colored streets feel like stepping into a storybook. A strong recommendation is to visit the Ancient Roman Baths  towards closing time. Beyond having less visitors, the baths are lit by the soft sunsetting lights, and it also creates a heavenly scene for the photography lovers out there. Lastly, as we did get a chance to visit the famous “Thermae Spa” I do recommend trying out and appreciating all SAP facilities and especially the rooftop pool. We missed some experiences as its not so clear what is available in each floor and it’s a shame. Note you are not allowed to use your mobile during your stay so no picture posing for Instagram. A perfect opportunity to be mindfully present!

Gastronomy Tip: We decided to celebrate our Valentine’s day stay with a dinner at “The Giggling Squid”. Beyond having a funny name, this Thai inspired restaurant was beautifully designed, and the food was yummy should Thai cuisine be your thing.