Please note the following blog post has been written as part of a collaboration with Visit Bath. All opinions are my own.
Bath is a city famous for its beautiful architecture, sandy-coloured Bath stone buildings and amazing cultural and historical significance.
In fact, the city of Bath is a UNESCO world heritage site and with the famous Roman Baths being some of the most well-preserved Roman remains in the world, it’s no surprise that the city’s status as a wellness destination still continues today.
A weekend in Bath, England is the perfect option to spend 2 days in the city, whether you’re looking for a romantic city break to Bath or a spa weekend in Bath for some mother-daughter time or a hen-do!
Why is Bath the perfect destination for wellness, restoration and relaxation?
Thermae Spa
The city of Bath is still fed by three natural hot water springs which are a natural resource around 2km below the earth’s surface. These are the Cross Spring which supplies the Thermae Spa, the Hetling Spring and the King’s Spring which supplies the historic Roman Baths
The rocks below the surface heat the water to high temperatures and the mineral-rich water is pushed to the surface with a temperature of 45C. The mineral richness of the water is also a reason why Bath became associated with wellness as historically people believed this water had healing properties.
In modern day Bath, these hot water springs still flow and produce around 1 million litres of water a day, despite the exact source of the water still remaining unknown.
The hot water springs make Bath a perfect spa destination and the city’s development means there are many associated wellness activities, boutique hotels, independent restaurants and vibrant bars which all make the city an ideal UK wellness destination.
Planning your weekend in Bath itinerary
Bath Abbey
The beauty of a wellness break in Bath is that there’s a real feeling of preserving history but also embracing indulgence, with opportunities to treat yourself to great food and drink, wellness activities and boutique hotels, plus plenty of history and sightseeing too.
This means you can make your Bath itinerary as jam-packed or as relaxed and slow-paced as possible.
This two days in Bath itinerary handpicks the best of both, combining a relaxing spa weekend in Bath with the best things to do in Bath - both the popular and lesser known spots!
How to get to Bath
Bath Circus
Getting to Bath from London by train
There is a London to Bath train route that connects the two cities directly and takes just 1.5 hours from London Paddington Station.
Getting to Bath by car
By car, Bath is just over two hours from London or 30 minutes by car from Bristol.
Where to stay in Bath
Bath has no shortage of beautiful places to stay, some of the best hotels in Bath are boutique hotels which are perfect for a luxurious Bath city break.
For overnight spa breaks in Bath, check out these Bath boutique hotels.
The Roseate Villa Bath
Located just a 5 minute walk from the famous Pulteney Bridge, Roseate Villa Bath is a boutique hotel which prides itself on guest wellbeing.
The hotel is two converted Victorian houses tucked down a residential street, giving you the feeling that you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of the city, when in fact it’s just a 5 minute walk to the city centre.
I stayed at the Roseate Villa and was struck by the welcoming, homely feeling of the hotel. I was offered cake and tea on arrival, both of which were delicious!
The room I stayed in was HUGE, with great storage space, super comfy beds and a modern bathroom. I loved the vibrant splashes of colour in the room decor (if you’ve seen my Instagram and blog you’ll know I love colour).
The room also had tea and coffee facilities as well as a fridge which I realised had been supplied with dairy-free milk and dairy-free biscuits (I’m lactose intolerant) - this attention to detail really put a smile on my face and it’s why I 100% recommend a stay at The Roseate Villa.
Also if you’re a dog owner, you might be pleased to know that The Roseate Villa is a dog friendly hotel in Bath!
Attention to detail, great location, free parking on site, beautiful rooms, breakfast and afternoon tea are all available (more on the afternoon tea later!). It’s the ideal place for a romantic stay in Bath or a girls weekend trip to Bath.
Rooms start from £140 per night.
The Abbey Hotel Bath
If you’d prefer to stay in the city centre, then look no further than the Abbey Hotel.
With the characteristic Bath stone frontage and just steps away from the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the famous Sally Lunn’s and Parade Gardens, you’re really in the heart of the action here.
With chic, modern rooms with contemporary decor and the option to include afternoon tea and dinner in your package, staying at the Abbey means you can easily plan a weekend away in Bath.
Rooms start from £120 per night.
The Z Hotel Bath
Compact Room at Z Hotel
If you’re planning cheap weekend breaks in Bath and you’re looking for nothing more than a bed for the night, then the Z Hotel might be for you.
With capsule rooms similar to those famous in Japan, the Z Hotel manages to be chic but minimal to keep your costs down.
Rooms come with a double bed, bathroom, tv and tea and coffee facilities but they are very small rooms, a tight squeeze if there’s two of you sharing but perfect if you just want somewhere to lay your head.
Located in the centre of the city, opposite the Theatre Royal, you’re within walking distance of all the main attractions.
Rooms start from £41 per night.
How to spend 2 days in Bath, England
When it comes to a weekend break, Bath is a great option because the city is so walkable and easy to get around.
Use this Bath itinerary to plan and make the most of your 48 hours in Bath.
Weekend in Bath: Day 1
Thermae Bath Spa
Thermae Spa Rooftop Pool
Kick off your weekend in Bath with the quintessential Bath spa experience.
The Thermae Bath Spa is a thermal spa facility in the centre of Bath and it’s also the only spa in Britain using natural thermal waters.
The Thermae Bath Spa consists of 5 floors of spa and wellness facilities, including a Wellness Suite with five wellness rooms - infrared sauna, Roman steam room, Georgian steam room, ice chamber, Celestial Relaxation room and Experience Showers.
There are also treatment facilities to treat yourself to treatments such as massages, facials and body treatments.
The Minerva Bath is the main spa, a large indoor heated swimming pool with spectacular architectural features, a whirlpool and plenty of loungers.
The open-air rooftop pool is the spectacular gem on the top of the spa building, offering views of the city skyline from a pool heated to 38C.
You can purchase various levels of spa packages depending on what treatments you’d like to include.
But the most basic package for a 2-hour spa session includes access to the rooftop pool, indoor Minerva pool, Wellness Suite and a towel, robe and flip flops for just £38 Mon-Fri or £43 on weekends.
These sessions are not available to book online but you can book in advance by calling the reservations team on 01225 33 1234. You can also turn up and book on the day, but arrive early - these sessions are popular!
This is the ultimate spa weekend in Bath experience and for such an affordable price - you don’t want to miss it!
TIP: visit the spa at opening time to have the rooftop pool to yourself, or visit in the evening for sunset views over the city.
Toppings Booksellers
Toppings Bath
Book lovers - you don’t want to miss this stop!
If you need some more relaxation and time to decompress after your morning spa session, this is the place to be.
Is there anything more relaxing than wandering around the maze of bookshelves in a bookstore? Maybe that’s just me!
Toppings Booksellers in Bath have moved to a new location just behind the Abbey in Bath’s city centre and the new building is just spectacular.
With Bath stone pillars outside, a huge vaulted ceiling and mezzanine floor with reading nooks everywhere, plus a huge basement of bookshelves, you can spend hours curled up here with a book or two.
They also have frequent literary, author and signing events, check out their website for details.
Inside Toppings Bookstore in Bath
Climb Bath Abbey Tower
Crossing the roof of Bath Abbey
Most people know they can visit Bath Abbey, but did you know you can also climb the tower for incredible views over the city?
Tours of the Tower cost £10 and last around 1 hour with a very informative guide who not only talks you through the history, construction and information about the tower and bells but also Abbey’s history in relation to the city, religious history and the construction of the cathedral.
The steps are narrow and you will be walking along the roof of the Abbey so if you’re not a fan of heights then this might not be for you!
But it’s well worth the £10 for this tour and the epic view! No need to book, tours run on the hour and you can just turn up and secure your spot.
View of Bath from the Bath Abbey Tower
Drinks at The Ivy Bath
Spend your evening in luxury with some of the great food and drink offerings in Bath.
The Ivy in London is well-known, but there’s also a branch in Bath which is sumptuously decorated, as a beautiful outdoor terrace and offers a great range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and cocktails.
I loved their upstairs and outdoor terrace space, definitely a special way to start an evening if you’re treating yourself or your loved ones!
In keeping with the wellness theme, they also have a Stress-free sipping menu available Sunday to Thursday which consists of non-alcoholic or low-alcohol drinks as well as CBD-infused cocktails.
I’m a huge Aperol Spritz fan, so the CBD Spritz with Aperol and Prosecco was a yummy twist on the usual cocktail!
If you’re a fan of the Ivy you can also dine here, check out their menus!
Robun Restaurant
My personal favourite and my top recommendation if you’re looking for the best Bath restaurants is the contemporary Japanese restaurant - Robun.
Located in the heart of the city at the top of Milsom Street (famous for its boutique shops and outlets).
Robun has classic Japanese cuisine with a twist. If you’re a fan of sushi and Japanese cuisine, Robun is a must-visit independent restaurant in the city. The restaurant’s name is a nod to western BBQ in Japanese food and combines grilled meats, sushi, small plates and great cocktails.
I loved the atmosphere and the decor, the sushi was my favourite and I loved their cocktails! The staff were so helpful and knowledgeable about the cocktail menu, helping me pick a cocktail that suited my tastes.
I had mochi ice cream for dessert which was served on a spectacular rock of ice and looked truly almost too beautiful to eat! Check out the snaps below to see for yourself!
Weekend in Bath: Day 2
Brunch at Boho Marche
Interior at Boho Marché
Start your day 2 with brunch with a twist at Boho Marché, the restaurant attached to the MGallery Hotel in the heart of Bath.
You’ll find your brunch staples at Boho Marché but with a Moroccan twist, think Moroccan Eggs Royale, your classic English Breakfast or a Veggie version with falafel.
The bohemian style is gorgeous, with decadent, colourful and creative decor and furnishings I wish were in my own home!
Boho Marché also offers a la carte dining and cocktails if brunch isn’t your thing. Check out their menus here.
Stroll around the Circus and Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent is an icon of Bath, the curving Bath stone terrace is made up of 30 houses and it’s one of Bath’s iconic sights.
You’ll also find the Circus, a circular collection of houses, just down the road. Both are a short walk from Boho Marché if you want to snap a few photos of these famous streets.
Visit the Roman Baths, Jane Austen Centre, or Bath Fashion Museum
Of course no trip to Bath would be complete without visiting one of the city’s most famous attractions. Use your afternoon to pick an attraction or two that appeals to you!
The Fashion Museum is a must-visit for fashion-lovers and enthusiasts, while literary fans and book lovers might want to visit the Jane Austen Centre, as Bath was a significant influence on Jane Austen’s writing.
Find out more about the Fashion Museum opening times and tickets here.
Find out more about the Jane Austen centre opening times and tickets here.
If you’re not a fashion or literature fan, the Roman Baths are Bath’s biggest attraction and a great option for visiting if you have the time!
While these baths are not available for public bathing, you can still visit them, see the incredibly preserved Roman architecture and learn about the history of the Baths and the spa city in the Collection.
You can also enjoy a meal at the Pump Room Restaurant.
I will say that tickets are NOT cheap, £20 on weekends or £17.50 on weekdays.
It is a cool experience but if you’re not a big fan of history, it might not be worth the price for you.
I’d aim to visit on a weekday if possible to get the cheaper tickets. Book here.
Relax at a Restorative Sound Bath Session
After you’ve had a packed couple of days exploring, don’t miss the opportunity for a regenerative and restorative Sound Bath session with the Soul Spa in Bath.
If you’ve never heard of a sound bath, it’s a type of meditative experience where the sound waves and vibrations from sound bowls help you to deeply relax, release anxiety and de-stress.
Located right by the Thermae Spa, above the historic hot springs in the city, Soul Spa runs a range of therapies for the body and mind.
The Sound Bath sessions are just 1 hour, so a great chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, switch off and enjoy the restorative session from the comfiest reclining chairs and blankets!
I’d never experienced a south bath before and I typically do not enjoy trying to meditate, but the soundwaves aspect and the vibrations really helped me to focus on relaxing, rather than getting exasperated that I can’t switch my mind off - which is what usually happens when I meditate!
Sound Bath sessions are just £20, you can find out more and book one of the Soul Spa therapies here.
Enjoy an indulgent Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea is a must-do experience for any weekend breaks in Bath!
There are plenty of places that offer Afternoon Tea, but I enjoyed Afternoon Tea at my hotel - The Roseate Villa Hotel in Bath.
I loved afternoon tea here because they were very able to cater to my dietary needs (dairy-free, vegan). My afternoon tea barely looked different from everyone else's, there was even dairy-free clotted cream for my scones!
The house baked bread makes the sandwiches all the more delicious, the scones are still warm and the sweet treats are almost too pretty and decorative to eat!
You can choose from a selection of teas, coffee or treat yourself to a class of prosecco.
You don’t need to be a guest to enjoy afternoon tea at the Roseate, you can book it here, or if you do stay at the Roseate, you can include it with your booking.
If you have spare time on your Bath weekend away…
If you have longer in Bath, perhaps 3 days in Bath or more, here are some ideas for things to do in the surrounding area.
Visit Prior Park
Prior Park landscape garden is an 18th-century garden, owned and run by the National Trust just 10 minutes drive from Bath city centre.
With four picturesque Palladian bridges crossing the water, views of the Bath skyline, 6 miles of walking routes, woodland and meadows, Prior Park is a spectacular and charming landscape garden designed in part by the famous landscaper, Capability Brown.
Adult tickets cost £8, entry is free for National Trust members.
Visit Bristol
Bristol is just 30 minutes from Bath by car or 15 minutes by train and offers another beautiful city with a lot of vibrant culture and creativity. Here are a few ideas if you have time to explore Bristol.
See Banksy’s artwork in the city
See Brunel’s spectacular Clifton Suspension Bridge
Visit the SS Great Britain
Visit Spike Island
Visit the Mendip Hills
The Mendip Hills are a 40-minute drive from Bath and it’s no surprise that this spectacular area of rolling hills and valleys is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Home to the Chew Valley, charming Wells, Wookey Hole, Cheddar Caves and Cheddar Gorge (the largest gorge in Britain!)There's plenty to do if you’re looking for a more active and outdoors trip.
Read my full guide on how to spend a weekend in the Mendips.
Summary: the perfect Bath weekend away
Bath is the place to visit for a wellness city break in the UK, whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend break in Bath or a girls’ weekend away.
Hopefully this Bath itinerary has given you some inspiration for a weekend break in Bath with spa activities, what to do and what to see for the perfect wellness getaway weekend in Bath UK.
If you’d like to find out more about a wellness getaway to Bath, click here.
Pin this for later to plan your future trip!
