Bath's Top 5 Most Beautiful Hidden Gems

A popular destination for weekend breaks, Bath is famous for its thermal bathes, cobbled streets and afternoon teas. England’s most charming city is the perfect place to enjoy quintessentially British experiences, but there are also lots of beautiful places concealed amongst the Georgian architecture in Bath. Here are five hidden gems not to be missed.

1. The Gainsborough Bath Spa

Spa Hotel, Hotel

In step with Bath’s spa tradition, this honey-stoned hotel, set in a twin set of Grade II-listed buildings, places wellness at its heart. Indeed, we can well imagine the Georgian gentry taking in the thermal spring, whose mineral-rich waters once healed aristocracy as they do hotel guests today. Sure, they might not have had massages on the menu (the signature sees you lathered in rosemary and pine essences), or West Country chef Dan Moon’s fine dining to look forward to, but the waters still stretch back to the source and the sense of place remains.

2. Bath Aqua Theatre of Glass

Theatre

Ever fancied trying your hand at glass blowing? Set in the heart of Bath’s Artisan Quarter, Bath Aqua Theatre of Glass runs workshops where you can learn the basics of glassblowing from a professional glassblower and even produce your own exquisite glass paperweight for £85 (Saturday mornings only). Offering a demonstration Monday-Saturday at only £4.50, this workshop is a steal. You can then have a go yourself and blow your own bauble for an extra £12.50.

3. Topping and Company Booksellers

Bookstore

Topping and Company Booksellers Bookshop in The Paragon, Bath, Somerset, UK

Beautiful handcrafted bookcases hold more than 45,000 titles, including signed first editions, in this independent bookstore. Topping & Company Booksellers always have a pot of coffee on the go and bibliophiles are welcome to wile away their afternoon browsing the collection. Passionate booksellers are always on hand if you’re after something particular, and events are held regularly.

4. Timber Treasures

Shop

Handmade wooden gifts are the specialty of this family-run store on Bath’s Abbey Green. Timber Treasures is the perfect place for finding a beautiful keepsake to take home after your weekend away in Bath. From oak barometers to hang on the wall to quirky cheese boards with wooden mice, there’s something to suit all tastes.

5. Artbar

Bar, Cocktails, Coffee

With artisan coffees and glamorous cocktails in an elegant Georgian townhouse setting, Artbar won’t fail to impress. With over 64 gin and tonic combinations, skillfully crafted by expert mixologist Andrew Fisher and his team, knowing what to order takes a little bit of time. Whatever you choose, though, you won’t regret it.

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