Located in the heart of Bath, the Roman Baths of Aquae Sulis were dedicated to goddess Sulis Minerva whom Romans believed would protect them with her special healing powers. The ancient bathing complex hosts over 1.3 million visitors a year; however, there are ways to gain a more intimate, atmospheric tour of the site. You can book a personal guided tour for yourself or a small group throughout the year, or during summer months the Roman Baths offer Torchlit Tours of the complex followed by a delicious 3-course alfresco dinner at The Roman Kitchen. Both options present the perfect opportunity to discover viridian pools of the Great Bath and Sacred Spring, plus you have time to browse museum artefacts and wander elevated walkways flanked by Roman Emperors minus the crowds!

If you venture to Royal Victoria Park, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of the Royal Crescent. One of Bath’s many unique landmarks, the beautiful Georgian crescent was designed and built by John Wood the Younger between the years of 1767 and 1775. It was originally designed to keep cattle away from the garden areas and today it’s a popular filming location for period dramas. Bath Balloons offer a champagne balloon flight departing from the park so you can view stunning architecture of the city from above. However, if you plan to keep your feet firmly on the ground, visit No.1 Royal Crescent, a museum decorated with rooms emulating life in the late 1700s.

Bath’s healing waters have attracted visitors to the city’s Roman Baths for centuries. Although you can’t take the plunge in the Roman Baths you can feel the benefits of the same natural mineral waters in a more contemporary setting at Thermae Bath Spa. Guests can experience a wealth of facilities with 27 treatment rooms and gain a new perspective of Bath from the breathtaking rooftop pool. Spa Breaks offer a fantastic 3-hour spa session with full use of the multi-sensory wellness suite, indoor Minerva Bath and open-air roof top pool. If you’ve spent most of your time shopping and sightseeing during your Weekend Break in Bath, this is the perfect place in which to relax and enjoy some “you” time.

When you dine at The Pump Room Restaurant you’re in good company. Frankenstein author Mary Shelley once boasted that the restaurant was the place “where every creature in Bath was to be seen” and Jane Austen even mentions it in her novels Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. During the late 1700s The Pump Room was the destination for high society in the UK. People would travel miles to sample curative mineral waters from the spa, and today, it’s still as popular for this and its delicious West Country cuisine. 

The Pump Room opens for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, where you can choose from a selection of menus created by Searcy’s Executive Chef, Mark Pearson. Feast on delights such as chicken and fennel sausage roll with onion chutney, homemade cider and apple cake while the accomplished Pump Room Trio plays music in the background. During December, the restaurant offers a torchlit terrace dining experience for visitors, or if you plan to return to Bath on a regular basis, consider joining The Pump Room’s members-only society, Club 1847. It offers exclusive access to events at selected venues in London and Bath, along with preview menu tastings, champagne and cocktail offers.

Nestled in a beautiful Georgian building on Beau Street, The Gainsborough Bath Spa is perfectly placed for you to visit the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and more. The 5-star hotel is renowned for its exquisite accommodations, attention to detail and personal service. In fact, it recently featured in Condé Nast’s “Top 100 Brilliant Travel Experiences” in the world! Stunning guest rooms are created by Champalimaud design and its luxury spa village brings a contemporary vibe to the city’s Roman heritage. The 3 AA Rosette restaurant offers a sophisticated, yet informal atmosphere boasting a delectable à la carte menu and 5 and 7-course tasting menus for discerning cuisine connoisseurs.