You can’t go wrong with a holiday in Bath. The world-famous UNESCO city is well-known for its glorious architecture with magnificent historic buildings housing shops, pubs and cottages to rent. Bath was a fashionable destination for the Romans, and its appeal has only strengthened over the intervening millennia. It is town and country, old and new, stylishly tasteful and also a little bit twee. There is nowhere more British and certainly nowhere better for a romantic escape, fun family holiday, an inspiring writer’s or artist’s retreat, or a shopping weekend with friends. Settle back and keep reading to find out why Bath rates so highly on our list of places for a self-catering cottage holiday. Read more
Set in 55 acres of stunning woodlands and meadows, this pretty cottage on Upper Vobster Farm has been lovingly restored to provide a luxury holiday cottage close to the small village of Mells in the gorgous Somerset countryside. With miles and miles of woodland walks to explore from the front door, an abundance of wildlife to spot and wild flowers to admire, it is easy to kick back, relax and unwind whilst staying at Lavender Cottage. Day trips include visiting the Roman City of Bath, Longleat Safari Park, Babington House and Stonehenge. Sleeping six guests in three bedrooms with an ensuite bedroom on the ground floor, a wood burning stove and large garden, it is ideal for families, friends or couples. Lavender Cottage is one of several self-catering holiday cottages on Upper Vobster Farm also making it perfect for family get togethers, special occasions and large gatherings of friends.
This large holiday cottage in the Cotswolds sleeps up to 15 people and is newly refurbished throughout. Mews Cottage is just over a mile from the market town of Bradford on Avon, where you will find everything you need for a relaxed self-catering holiday, including pubs and restaurants if you don't want to cook! Bath, Stonehenge and Longleat are all within easy reach, as are beautiful walks through the Wiltshire countryside and along the Kennet and Avon Canal. There is plenty of space whether you're a big family, on holiday with your extended family or catching up with friends. Bookings, including short breaks, are available all year round.
Luxuriate in the comfortable surroundings of Merryfields Barn. This sweet holiday cottage is in the Cotswolds AONB, six miles from Bath and within easy reach of Laycock, Castle Combe, Lucknam Park and Box Hill. It's dog-friendly and within walking distance of Colerne's village shop and friendly Fox and Hounds pub. The cottage is ideal for couples, with chic interiors and an open-plan layout. The mezzanine bedroom sleeps four people in one king and two single beds, so it's also good for families. There is lots to do in the surrounding area, including country walks, picnics and bike rides.
There is plenty of space for everyone to relax and have fun in this lovely period house in the Derwent Valley. The five-bedroom property comfortably accommodates up to 14 (+1) guests and comes with two-acres of outdoor space and beautiful views. The shops, pubs and other amenities of Matlock Bath are within walking distance, while the boundary of the Peak District National Park is close by. Local attractions include the Heights of Abraham, Alton Towers, Chatsworth House and miles of footpaths and cycling routes leading to stunning views. Crow Pie Cottage is available for midweek and long-weekend breaks all year round, making it ideal for a fun holiday with extended family and friends.
This lovely holiday home is made from beautiful honey-coloured stone and provides comfortable accommodation for up to seven people in three bedrooms, including an ensuite master bedroom with a four-poster bed. The Old Coach House is on the edge of the Wiltshire village of Holt, within walking distance of two pubs, the village shop and green, and National Trust Courts Gardens. The River Avon, Lacock, Bath, Bristol, and Longleat are all within easy reach for a day out, and there are lovely countryside walks from the doorstep. The cottage is available all year round, with short breaks possible depending on availability.
A delightful contemporary self catering cottage positioned by the side of the river on the fringes of the Somerset village of Coleford. Leat Cottage is ideal for walking, cycling, relaxing or visiting the many attractions this area has to offer.
Cholwell Hall is just made for entertaining large parties. Located close to the Roman City of Bath, this impressive Victorian property nestles amongst its own grounds, providing holiday accommodation for large groups of 15-30 guests in 10 bedrooms. If you are planning a celebratory weekend, hen/stag night, reunion of friends or even a corporate team building event, take a look at this impressive holiday rental.
These two semi-detached cottages connect to provide comfortable self-catering accommodation for large groups of up to 10 people in four bedrooms, with a layout that suits big or extended families and groups of friends. The location is perfect, being about a mile from the shops, cafes and market in beautiful Bradford-on-Avon, and only half-a-mile from the nearest dog-friendly pub. The River Avon and Kennet and Avon Canal both flow close by, while Bath and the Cotswolds are within easy reach. There are excellent opportunities to walk, cycle, play golf, horse ride, shop and sightsee, making this charming barn conversion a fantastic choice all year round.
Bradford-on-Avon is the perfect choice for couples, families or friends wanting to explore Wiltshire, Bath and the southern Cotswolds. These pretty holiday cottages are is in the grounds of a farmhouse, a mile from the market town's shops and cafes, and just half a mile from The George pub. The River Avon and the Kennet and Avon Canal are both close, while nearby attractions include Longleat Safari Park, Stonehenge and Wookey Hole. Both Cow Byre 1 and Cow Byre 2 sleep up to five guests in each and are rented separately (or together to accommodate larger groups of up to ten).
Town and country combine most delightfully at Pig Wig Cottage, which is in the grounds of Beeches Farmhouse on the fringes of Bradford-on-Avon. There is plenty of scope for walking and cycling through the countryside, next to the River Avon, or beside the Kennet and Avon Canal. The cottage is a mile from the town centre with its lively Wednesday market and excellent variety of places to eat drink and shop, and close to favourite attractions like Longleat, Lacock Abbey, Bath's Royal Crescent, and Wookey Hole and Caves. With two bedrooms sleeping up to five people, the cottage is perfect for couples, families and friends.
Sightseeing - It seems as if everywhere you turn in Bath, there is something pretty to see. Even modern buildings are attractive, having been carefully designed to fit with the age and quality of the existing architecture. A fantastic way to gain understanding and appreciation for the scope and layout of the city is by taking the waymarked Skyline Walk that starts at Bath Visitor Information Centre and progresses through the city and meadows until you reach the top of the hill that overlooks the bowl in which Bath sits. Alternatively, book a free (they don’t even want tips!) walking tour with the Mayor of Bath’s Guides. Other picturesque spots include the park in front of the grand Royal Crescent, and beside the beautiful Pultney Bridge and v-shaped Pultney Weir.
Famous Residents - Although the Romans enjoyed the healing qualities of the spa waters, it was the Georgians who transformed Bath. They took a quiet rural town and turned it into one of Britain’s leading holiday destinations where the fashionable flocked to shop, party and find a spouse. One of the most famous of all former residents is Jane Austen, inextricably linked with Bath due to her use of it as a setting in Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. Austen’s Bath home at 4 Sydney Place is not open to the public but fans of her work and this era should visit the Jane Austen Centre to see how she would have lived. Bath is liberally sprinkled with Blue Plaques commemorating everyone from the siblings Sir William and Caroline Hershel, who discovered Uranus and infrared radiation, to politicians such as William Pitt (Senior and Junior) and Admiral Lord Nelson, along with various members of the royal family.
Shopping and Eating - Your credit card may go into shock, but it will be worth it for the quality of shopping in Bath. The city’s small size means it is easy to visit every retailer, if that’s your wish, even if you are only there for a short visit. If you arrive by train, then the first place you will see is the four-storey Debenhams department store, beyond which is the Southgate area lined with favourite High Street names. Union Street and Stall Street are lined with shops selling books, homewares, fashion and jewellery, and leading to the galleries in the Artisan Quarter. Bath is the sort of city where you should always duck down an alley or stroll through a small arcade as it is in these places where you may find your favourite purchase of your holiday.
Bath is full of fantastic places to eat and drink. The oldest pub in Bath is the Saracens Head although, with its wall-mounted TVs showing sport and news, it’s not the most olde-worlde place for a pint. Instead, try the comfortable Raven on Queen Street for a great choice of food (especially pies) and ale and a relaxing atmosphere. You can’t beat Cafe Retro for a delicious breakfast that will set you up for a day of sightseeing and shopping - head upstairs to nab a table overlooking the Abbey. Wine lovers should try Corkage, a relaxed wine bar where the wine menu is as important as the food, while the set lunch menu at The Bath Priory Restaurant is an affordable way to enjoy Michelin starred dining.
Historic Bath - You can’t move for landmark buildings and museums in Bath. The Roman Baths and Bath Abbey are two must-sees, as is a walk along the Royal Cresent and around the Assembly Rooms (both of which are free). Have tea and a bun at Sally Lunn’s and admire the window display in Charlotte Brunswick’s Chocolate Shop a few doors down. The Fashion Museum, Museum of Bath at Work, American Museum and Holborne Museum all have a specific focus, as do the Museum of East Asian Art and the Victoria Art Gallery.
Bath is a city you can go to once and never forget or visit every year and still find new views, shops or places to eat that will surprise and delight.
