by From Roman times to the present day, visitors have come to Bath to bathe in its natural thermal waters. The city was recently awarded a second UNESCO World Heritage Site list for being part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, a “transnational” inscription covering 11 historic spa towns in seven countries.
Most visitors to Bath who intend to soak in the waters head to the Thermae Bath Spa complex, which is open to the general public. But guests staying next door at the Gainsborough Bath Spa can soak in the thermal waters of the hotel’s own luxurious spa. Many other hotels in the city have high-quality spas, although they are not connected to the thermal waters. There are also some attractive country hotels a short drive from Bath with great spa facilities.
How we review
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, and is usually hosted on a free basis. They stay for at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have.
At a glance, the best spa hotels in and around Bath
The Spa Village is what sets the Gainsborough apart: it is the only hotel in Bath with access to the city’s natural thermal waters. There are three substantial wall-to-wall thermal pools (the largest is located under a glass-roofed atrium), as well as saunas and a steam room, as well as 11 treatment rooms offering a wide range of Asian-influenced massages and therapies. Guests who have not booked a treatment can access the baths during limited time slots – an effort on the part of the hotel to preserve the tranquility of the facilities.
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This luxurious hotel comprises two townhouses in Bath’s Georgian crescent – the best location in town. The elegant spa includes a relaxation pool, a vitality pool with massage jets, as well as a sauna and steam room. Each bedroom is individually designed, with your name handwritten on a card on your door. There are acres of pristine walled gardens, perfect for al fresco dining in the summer months – the hotel is renowned for its delightful afternoon teas with sweet and savory options.
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This 1830s ivy-covered stone mansion overlooks almost four acres of beautifully maintained grounds, including extensive lawns and a kitchen garden. The hotel has a L’Occitane Spa with treatment rooms and a salon and nail bar overlooking the gardens. There’s also a cozy restroom, sauna, steam pod, and smart indoor pool. An outdoor heated swimming pool – set in the garden – is open during the summer months. Most of the hotel’s rooms have a traditional country house feel.
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Lucknam Park is a refined 18th-century pile set in 500 acres of tranquil parkland, with a mile-long avenue of lime and beech trees leading up to the main Mansion. Its handsome spa is cut from polished cream stone – with a heated outdoor therapy pool overlooking the grounds. There are saunas, steam rooms, and a Japanese salt room, as well as a series of treatments. After your spa trip, retire to one of the country house-style bedrooms; all quiet flowers, mahogany furniture, and dashes of velvet.
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The 17th century house with extensive gardens is a favorite with families visiting Bath and the Wiltshire countryside. Offering country manor relaxation and kid-oriented fun, it proves the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Unlike many traditional spas, Woolley Grange welcomes children of all ages into its facilities – they even offer treatments for children. There is also a cot next to the pool, so parents can enjoy swimming and keep a close eye on the baby. Each room is different, but they are all homely and a few rooms are interconnected.
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This rural outpost of Soho House has two pools: one outside and overlooking the lake, the other set inside a cavernous stone barn. In addition you will find steam rooms, saunas, and a cinema that hosts free screenings every day. The Cowshed Spa – housed in (you guessed it) an old cowshed – offers somatic treatments and overlooks a pretty walled kitchen garden. Rooms in the main house are more sophisticated, with antique four-poster beds, roll top baths, open fires and an abundance of Cowshed potions.
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A revitalized country house hotel, a short drive from Bath, decorated with fun and engaging art and features. Many bedrooms have an Art Deco look; for recreation, splash out in one of the rooms with a private hot tub on the large outdoor terrace. The attractive, well-equipped spa has an outdoor heated pool all year round, as well as a hot tub and terrace laid out with daybeds and sunrooms. Inside there is a hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room, as well as treatment rooms.
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This hotel is situated within the large and beautiful grounds of the Bowood Estate, adjacent to the golf club. The spa and indoor pool have the usual amenities – with expansive views over the practice golf holes to the woodland beyond – including a sauna, steam room, and treatment rooms for massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Deluxe rooms are worth the extra cost as they include balconies. Attractions here include free access to Bowood House and its gorgeous gardens.
Contributions by Simon Horsford & Natalie Paris
