On to Bath! In the middle of the Cotswold and from London you can get there in no time
Bath is located in the middle of the always-goodnever-boring Cotswolds and is therefore already a favorite. But hey, the city itself has in itself There is also plenty to offer, not just the location among all that greenery. If you think Bath is a strange name for a city and you were actually thinking of a bath: that is possible and correct, because Bath is called that because of all the Roman baths that you can still visit. There are also plenty of spas and wellness areas (fortunately they have had an update). Also many museums, theatres, galleries and festivals all year round. Wild swimming in the River Avon and paddle boarding in the Kennet and Avon Canal. Nothing is too crazy. Bath is also ideal for eating, drinking and sleeping, because there are more than enough places and they are all nice and close together. They come!
From London it is really a piece of cake: less than an hour and a half by train and you are in the heart of Bath.
You can find tips for the Cotswolds here. Or just an England freak like here? Then you have to come here just browse through all the fun things in England.
We'll start off right with this location: Guesthouse No. 15. This monumental building can be found in one of the most beautiful streets in Bath (and that says quite a bit). The interior exudes warmth and luxury, with a touch of Roman flair and cool modern details. A mix of different times without a clash of excess. They have a restaurant and, how could it be otherwise in Bath, a very nice spa. What we like most about No. 15 is that they take into account the children who may also come along, without mom and dad having to compromise on luxury, beauty or space. Everything has been devised to keep them busy all day long, such as teepee shelters in the room, their own menus and ready-to-go cameras for practice. And, and, and: dogs are also welcome. Only love for this place.
This fourteen-room hideaway on Monmouth Street is just a ten-minute walk from Bath's most famous street, the Royal Crescent. The founders of The Yard, Ed and Esther, started this new adventure without any experience and it has certainly paid off. They have designed the rooms with the help of local craftsmen and designers, so expect funky wallpaper (from Lewis & Wood, all beautiful) and lots of quirky details. Favourite room is the kingsize, which has its own terrace and freestanding bath. Breakfast is hung on the door in the morning, so no worries there either.
Something about eights here. Eight in the name, eight bedrooms, eight dishes on the menu in the restaurant. These dishes change often, but always something with meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan, so that everyone can enjoy it here. That this beautiful townhouse Eight worth an overnight stay is certain. All rooms have their own charm and piece of history and man: they are all beautiful. History is built into the fabric of the place, with a deep blue, candlelit bar that was once a medieval refectory for the monks of Bath Abbey. Here, regulars and visitors sip cocktails side by side next to cozy fireplaces. You won't find them much more central and that is very convenient, because it is only a five-minute walk from the station. You jump straight into the bar... er... into bed.
The menu at OAK is constantly changing, because the folks in the kitchen only cook with what is available. Brunch, lunch and dinner are always a surprise. Don't feel like/have time to dine? Then you can also pick up surprising vegetables or a bottle of natural wine to eat/drink at another time. If you read the menu, you would almost overlook that they cook purely vegetable here (with the occasional addition of butter or cheese, but really minimal). Don't feel anything about it, because it's fair. The growers, grocers and chefs behind OAK thoughtfully sell and serve simple dishes (that really aren't that simple) that also come from land that has been properly farmed, without chemicals or over-cultivation.
Hop over the River Avon from the train station and within minutes you can be drinking beer in the walled garden of The White Hart. The relaxed atmosphere in this pub has been carefully curated; Cozy fairy lights have been hung outside, the flower beds are strewn with herbs and the walls are full of local artwork. The changing menu is lighter than normal pub grub (and a bit more inspired), but the portions are no smaller. We think it's rustically chic.
Noya Pawlyn's Vietnamese café finally has a permanent home after four years of pop-ups in Bath. The lunch menu is simple with not too much choice, just the way we like it (choice stress is part). Expect Vietnamese salads, fresh summer rolls and chicken pho. Also see if you can get a seat at Noya's Supper Club: five courses of delicacies where the steamed pork belly sandwich steals the spotlight.
