Tag: Georgian architecture

24 Hours in Bath

Nestled in the heart of Somerset lies a city that’s a seamless blend of Georgian architecture, Roman history, and natural splendour—welcome to Bath. Despite the brevity of 24 hours, this city promises an enchanting journey through its cobblestone streets and noteworthy landmarks.

Arrive early in the morning and drop your bags at the iconic Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa (* see below for special perks) before taking a leisurely stroll around the Royal Crescent, a cinematic example of Georgian architecture. Marvel at the sweeping crescent of townhouses, a testament to Bath’s architectural heritage. We also suggest popping into No.1 Royal Crescent Museum.

Continue to make your way down through town via Landrace Bakery for a cinnamon bun and coffee to go. Trust us you won’t regret it. Afterwards we suggest stepping back in time by visiting the Roman Baths, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient Roman bathing complex and immerse yourself in the history and rituals of the baths. (Please note you can’t actually bathe there – it has been said people actually show up with their towels.)* Also, don’t miss a visit to the elegant Pump Room nearby for a taste of Bath’s thermal spa water (it’s no Evian but it’s worth a try) *If you would like to bathe we recommend the Thermae Bath Spa.

With a little bit of time to spend before lunch we suggest sampling some of Bath’s gorgeous independent shops. For homeware lover’s Hauslife and the Hidden Store are only a mere distance from the Pump Rooms. On your way to lunch you will pass the Bath Abbey, an architectural masterpiece with its stunning fan vaulting and stained glass windows. Climb the tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, offering a mesmerising perspective of Bath’s picturesque skyline. For lunch we recommend Walcot House which is independently owned and serves up a delightful mix of light bites and delicious farm to table style dishes. They also have a great beverage list. 

After a little indulgence, time to burn off some calories with a stroll down to Pulteney Bridge, one of the few bridges in the world lined with shops. A great coffee to go here would be Cortado (a firm favourite of ours). Continue to follow Great Pulteney Street, a location famed for its Jane Austen features. At the end of the street you will find yourself at the Holburne Museum which is not only architecturally stunning but houses many great art exhibitions. From here you can take a peaceful walk along the River Avon, soaking in the serene ambiance and picturesque views. Depending on the day of your visit we recommend taking the somewhat steep incline to Alexandra park (we can provide maps) to sample a much rewarded Choux bun from the Choux Box Patisserie – hands down the most delicious treat you will ever devour. The views are also incredible from here.

As the afternoon comes to an end we recommend making your way to your hotel to enjoy the spa and a bit of relaxation before heading out for the evening. At around 6.30 we suggest visiting the Beckford Bottle Shop for a glass (or two) of wine. Ask for their recommendations as not only are they supremely knowledgeable but they usually have wines of the week. A short stroll through more of Bath’s gorgeous streets is The Circus Restaurant – a softly lit venue serving seasonal British food, which we recommend for dinner. Post dinner meander around the crescent back to your hotel, and if there is fuel left in the tank definitely enjoy a nightcap at the hotel’s bar, Montagu’s Mews.

 

To conclude your 24 hours enjoy an early morning yoga class at Robyn’s Yoga Studio on Milsom street.

 

There are of course many things to see and do in and around Bath and we are happy to tailor make any itinerary. Get in touch with us on:

📩 [email protected]

📞 +447990824249

 

* You also get the following perks through us when staying at The Royal Crescent Hotel:
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
– $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilised during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
– Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

What’s NEWt in Somerset

Near the market towns of Bruton and Castle Cary a love affair between this exquisite working estate and Pippa Rose Lifestyle began…

The Newt in Somerset is a quintessential escape to the countryside kind of place. Within acres of gardens and woodland sits Hadspen House which dates back to the 18th century, and was the family seat of the Hobhouse family for two centuries.

There are 23 individually designed rooms which are laid out between Hadspen House and the Stable Yard buildings. There really is no such thing as a bad room (which makes our job a little easier). Rooms in Hadspen House offer a more Georgian fare with sash windows and serene colour palettes, whereas in the stable yard they are a little more playful and wonderfully eclectic in design.

South African owners, Karen Roos and Koos Bekker have put an equal amount of love, care and detail into this new property as they did into their wildly successful southern hemisphere estate – Babylonstorren (which we also adore). This attention to detail can be seen throughout the Newt with an artful mix of freestanding bath tubs, four-poster beds, bespoke shades of Farrow & Ball and quirky art pieces.

There are numerous country pursuits to be enjoyed across the estate – be it a game of croquet, stroll through the ancient woodland, cyder (Newt coined spelling) tour and tastings and a not to be missed garden tour (ask for Arthur he’s wonderful!). And if like myself you don’t come equipped for countryside pursuits, fear not as they have plenty of wellies and rain macs to borrow!

After a cyder or garden tour you can relax in the main house and enjoy an afternoon tea or head to their pretty wow spa. The spa houses a swimming pool, indoor-outdoor hydro pool, sauna, steam room, halotherapy room, authentic Hammam and a mud rasul chamber. There is also a gym which features ground to ceiling glass and overlooks the private kitchen garden

Food lovers will rejoice at their being no shortage of good dining options. The Garden café is another glass façade job and focuses it’s menu on what you see is what you eat. The Botanical Rooms comprises of two spaces – the immersive glass room and an intimate oak room, both of which carefully curate menus to showcase the lifecycle of the Estate and Somerset region.
We can also arrange a private dinner in the original vaulted cellar.

Treat yourself in their excellent farm shop and buy bottles of Newt apple* juice to take home, along with their own ‘cyder’, pressed in the barn next door as well as Babylonstoren wine, homemade chutneys, pates, honey, bread and other foodie goodies.

* FUN FACT – The newt has 267 varieties of apples

Why we love it: The complimentary larder in your room is stocked with the delicious Newt cyder which can be enjoyed in front of a cosy fire.

How to get there: The Newt is just 30 miles from Bath. GWR services arrive from London Paddington, Bristol and Exeter, direct to Castle Cary Station, from which transfers are available.

Rates start from £275 per night

(Guests have access to the gardens, entry for non-guests is £15)