In Where to stay

Bath's surrounding landscape is as beautiful as the city itself, and home to several idyllic places to stay. Here are some of our top picks for a peaceful countryside retreat near Bath... 

1. Homewood

Nestled just a few miles east of Bath on the scenic border of Somerset and Wiltshire, this boutique hotel is a wonderfully eclectic blend of old and new. Set within the grandeur of a Georgian country house, you'll find creative modern artworks, a spa, an outdoor swimming pool, the award-winning Olio Restaurant with its unique dining domes, and much more. Take your pick from the 21 individually styled rooms within the main house, or the 10 in the recently refurbished Mallingford Mews, many of which offer spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. For the ultimate indulgence, be sure to book one of the hotel's stunning spa suites or hot tub rooms.

Image: Homewood

2. Lucknam Park

Situated in the serene Wiltshire village of Colerne between Bath and Chippenham, Lucknam Park was named the best hotel and spa resort in the UK in Condé Nast Traveller's 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. At this 18th century Palladian mansion, you can live like a true lord or lady of the manor, with 42 luxury bedrooms, a state of the art spa featuring eight treatment rooms and five thermal cabins, the Michelin starred Restaurant Hywel Jones, and an equestrian centre. There's plenty for families too, with traditional country activities such as pony rides, falconry, and duck herding to enjoy, as well as cycling trails and archery. 

Image: Lucknam Park

3. The Newt 

This breathtaking 17th century estate one hour to the south of Bath is the perfect destination for a soothing countryside escape. Stay in your own beautifully appointed suite within the main house, offering magnificent views over the acres of surrounding greenery, where you'll never be too far from gardens, orchards, lakes and woodland. Unwind in the spa, where you can take a dip in the indoor-outdoor pool, relax in the steam room and sauna, or choose from a range of treatments. There's also the chance to sit back with a good book in the Library, play croquet on the lawn, enjoy a game of badminton in the 'Old Knobbly,' and savour delicious dishes fashioned from produce grown and reared on-site in the Farmyard Kitchen. It's no surprise that The Newt was named one of the top 50 boutique hotels in the world in 2023! 

Image: The Newt 

4. Campwell  

If you're looking to go completely off-grid on your rural getaway, Campwell is the place to be. Located between Bath and Bradford-on-Avon, this campsite offers you a chance to leave all the distractions of the modern world at the gate and enjoy a digital detox by reconnecting with nature.

The site offers two main areas: Campwell Farm and Campwell Woods, both of which are perfect for families, friends and other groups. Make lasting memories at Cotton Breeches, where you can fill your days with fun countryside experiences including wild swimming and sheep herding, followed by lazy evenings around the firepit savouring food cooked on the barbecue, before bedding down for the night in your own bell tent. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, stay in your own cabin in the nearby Fry's Wood, where you'll find only the bare essentials for wild living.

As its name suggests, Campwell Woods offers even more woodland accommodation, with handcrafted yurts, log cabins and cob roundhouses making a small village - there's even a community sauna seating up to 10 people! 

Image: Campwell Woods 

5. Bishopstrow Hotel  

Half an hour south-east of Bath is Bishopstrow Hotel, a lavish country house hotel set on 30 acres of Wiltshire countryside. Bishopstrow boasts 36 elegant rooms, including one mews house and two hot tub suites, all of which offer remarkable views of the gorgeous countryside vistas surrounding the hotel. Wander the expansive grounds and gardens, including a Doric temple and access to the pretty River Wylye, then indulge in one of the spa's many Elemis treatments or thermal experiences. 

Image: Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa

6. Montigo Resorts Somerset

Based within the charming Charlton House on the edge of market town Shepton Mallet, Montigo Resorts Somerset incorporates the concept of Asian hospitality into a traditional British rural retreat. Stay in one of the 28 minimalist yet luxurious designer bedrooms, including peaceful courtyard suites offering easy access to the gardens, dine alfresco amidst the beauty of the hotel's surroundings at the on-site grill restaurant TIIGO, and while away the hours in the comfort of your room or the Olive Room lounge. 

Image: Montigo Resorts Somerset

7. The Pig - Near Bath 

This relaxed hotel based a few miles west of Bath in the peaceful Somerset village of Hunstrete offers a range of characterful bedrooms. Expect welcoming and homely accommodation with a sprinkling of luxury, both inside the main manor house and the newly restored Orchard and Nuttery Stables. Nestled within two of the estate's orchards, the latter are perfect for countryside getaways with family or friends. Wherever you stay, you'll always be close to scrumptious food in the Kitchen Garden Restaurant, where the dishes are either created using ingredients freshly grown on-site, or with the finest produce from local suppliers. 

 Image: The Pig - Near Bath 

8. Beechfield House

This country house hotel situated half an hour east of Bath is the perfect spot for laidback countryside breaks, offering 24 elegant rooms and 8 acres of magnificent grounds. Enjoy a leisurely wander around the splendid gardens and woodland, go for a swim in the heated outdoor pool, play croquet on the lawn, or have a kick about on the football pitch. 

Image: Beechfield House

9. Sykes Holiday Cottages 

If you're after stunning self-catered countryside accommodation near Bath, look no further than Sykes Holiday Cottages. Browse their extensive collection of picturesque rural cottages and find your perfect home from home...

Image: Sykes Holiday Cottages

10. Lilycombe Farm

Get a large group of friends together or bring the whole family for a rural getaway in Somerset. The three 5* luxury cottages on the farm can be rented together or independently, and can sleep a total of 22 people between them. There's also plenty to keep you busy between venturing out to local attractions, including an indoor heated pool and a games barn with table tennis, table football, and even a cinema projector screen.

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