From Roman times until today, visitors have flocked to Bath to bathe in its natural thermal waters. The city was recently granted a second UNESCO World Heritage Site for being part of the Great Spa Cities of Europe, a “transnational” inscription encompassing 11 historic spa towns in seven countries.
Most visitors to Bath head to the public Thermae Bath Spa complex to soak in the waters. However, guests staying adjacent to the Gainsborough Bath Spa can enjoy the thermal waters of the hotel’s own luxury spa. Many other hotels in the city also have high-quality spas, although they are not connected to thermal waters. These include a number of attractive country hotels with impressive spa facilities, just a short drive from Bath.
How do we examine
Every hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are often hosted free of charge. They stay at least one night, test at least one meal, and try other experiences the hotel has to offer.
The best spa hotels in Bath and surroundings at a glance
What sets Gainsborough apart is its Spa Village: it’s the only hotel in Bath with access to the city’s natural thermal waters. There are three large thermal pools to swim in (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 massages and Asian-inspired therapies. Guests who have not booked treatments have access to bathrooms during limited time periods; This is an initiative by the hotel to maintain the peace of the property.
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This luxury hotel consists of two townhouses in the best possible location in the city, on Bath’s opulent Georgian crescent. The elegant spa features an indoor relaxation pool, vitality pool with massage jets, sauna and steam room. All bedrooms are individually designed and your name is written by hand on the card above your door. There is an acre of immaculately walled gardens, ideal for al fresco dining in the summer months. The hotel is famous for its delicious afternoon teas, which include sweet and savory options.
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This ivy-covered stone mansion from the 1830s overlooks nearly four acres of beautifully manicured grounds, including extensive lawns and a kitchen garden. The hotel has a L’Occitane Spa with treatment rooms, a shopping center and a manicurist overlooking the gardens. There is also a pleasant relaxation room, sauna, steam capsule and smart indoor swimming pool. The heated outdoor pool in the garden is open during summer months. The majority of the hotel’s rooms have a relaxing, traditional country house look.
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Lucknam Park is an elegant 18th-century pile set in 500 acres of tranquil parkland, with lime and beech trees extending all the way to the main manor house. The stylish spa area is made of polished cream stone and is crowned by a heated outdoor therapy pool overlooking the grounds. Saunas, steam rooms, a Japanese salt room and a variety of treatments are available. After your spa holiday, relax in one of the cottage-style bedrooms; it’s all muted flowers, mahogany furniture and velvet pieces.
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This 17th-century house with extensive gardens is a favorite with families visiting Bath and the Wiltshire countryside. Offering both country estate relaxation and kid-focused entertainment, this venue proves that the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Unlike many traditional spas, Woolley Grange welcomes children of all ages into its facilities; It even offers care for children. There is also a baby cot next to the pool, so parents can enjoy swimming while keeping a close eye on their baby. Each room is different, but all are simple and several rooms are connected to each other.
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This original rural outpost of Soho House has two pools: one is outside and overlooks the lake, and the other is set inside a cavernous stone barn. You’ll also find steam rooms, saunas, and a cinema that hosts free screenings every day. The Cowshed Spa – housed in a former (you guessed it) cow shed – offers luxury treatments and overlooks a beautiful walled kitchen garden. The main house’s rooms are sophisticated with antique four-poster beds, clawfoot tubs, open fireplaces and plenty of Cowshed potions.
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A stylishly revitalized country house hotel, a short drive from Bath, decorated throughout with fun and eye-catching artwork and features. Many bedrooms have an Art Deco look; For a real treat, dive into one of the suites with a private hot tub on the large outdoor terrace. The attractive, well-equipped spa features a year-round heated outdoor pool, a hot tub and a terrace with daybeds and sun loungers. It includes a hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room, as well as treatment rooms.
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This hotel is located in the extensive and beautiful parkland of Bowood Estate, next to the golf club. With sweeping views across the golf courses to the woodland beyond, the spa and indoor pool have the usual amenities, including a sauna, steam room and treatment rooms for massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Luxury rooms have a balcony and are subject to an extra fee. Stays here include free access to Bowood House and its magnificent gardens.
Contributions by Simon Horsford and Natalie Paris