The Gainsborough

Bath has been known as a spa town since the 1st century AD, when the Romans revelled in its natural hot springs. But where to take the water today? The splendid Roman Baths are sadly not open to swimmers, and the Thermae Bath Spa is notoriously busy on weekends and holidays.

Instead, stay at this luxurious Palladian townhouse. It’s crowning glory is a spa that taps into the city’s thermal waters, just as the Romans did, and includes pools, saunas and a steam room, all currently exclusively for guest use.

Once you’ve got your kit back on, the rest of the hotel is a rather elegant affair. Rooms are pleasingly pared-back and modern, painted in cool blues and sporting big beds and sweeping views of the city. The Bath Spa rooms are an extra treat, with rolltop baths to luxuriate in if you haven’t quite done enough relaxing of a day.

You’re in the centre of Roman Bath here (which is happily also the city centre today), next to the Thermae Bath Spa and around the corner from the Roman Baths. Milsom Street, Bath’s best address for shopping, is also close by.