The Bath Priory

Wellbeing comes naturally at The Bath Priory. Guests can borrow a yoga mat and step‑by‑step guide from reception, then head out to the manicured lawns for a mindful solo practice with birdsong as the soundtrack. The estate even has its own croquet lawn and an authentic French boules court tucked between the flower beds – a little nod to its Provençal‑inspired spa.

With both indoor and outdoor pools, swimming is an all‑season ritual here. And when you’re ready to stretch your legs further, there’s no need to navigate traffic or hunt for a route. A private gate at the edge of the grounds opens straight into Royal Victoria Park, with 57 acres of tree‑lined avenues perfect for a morning jog.

If you’re craving something more adventurous, the hotel makes an ideal base for countryside hikes. Lace up your boots and head towards Kelston Round Hill for sweeping views, or cross the valley to join the six‑mile National Trust Bath Skyline walk for panoramic vistas.

Is there anything nicer than getting glammed up for a cocktail (or two!) and an elegant evening meal after a day spent spoiling yourself? We don’t think so. Luckily The Bath Priory is home to some extravagant spaces that let you do just that.

The Restaurant

The hotel’s fine‑dining restaurant is a three AA Rosette knock-out, so you know you’re in for something special. Tables sit beside grand arched windows overlooking the gardens, while the walls showcase an impressive collection of 20th‑century art. The kitchen focuses on a highly seasonal modern European menu, with French‑leaning dishes that champion the best local produce. Much of the herbs and vegetables come straight from the hotel’s own kitchen gardens.

The Pantry & Terrace

For something more relaxed, The Pantry & Terrace offers a cosy, easy‑going alternative. The menu leans into seasonal, lighter flavours, with satisfying small plates and hearty mains like slow‑cooked Old Spot pork belly. It’s an ideal spot for breakfast, a laid‑back lunch or a comforting supper. When the weather warms, the experience spills onto the garden terrace – a peaceful oasis framed by wisteria‑clad walls in early summer. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a chilled glass of Champagne, a seasonal spritz or a leisurely lunch after a spirited game of boules on the lawn.

Like to double-dip? You’re in luck, because there are two distinctly beautiful ways to soak away your worries here! 

Inside the light and airy Garden Spa by L'Occitane, the indoor pool spans 8.9m by 4.7, It feels beautifully intimate and is flanked by large French doors that let the sunlight stream in while you swim. It sits right next to a poolside sauna and a futuristic elliptical steam pod for the ultimate pre- or post-swim steam.

Step through those French doors and venture past the hotel’s famous croquet lawn to find the spectacular outdoor pool. Measuring a generous 11m by 4.3m, this heated oasis is open seasonally from April to October. Tucked away in its own peaceful, stone-bordered rock garden, it feels like a secret, sun-drenched sanctuary.

The Bath Priory is tucked away on Weston Road, a leafy and peaceful residential street on the western outskirts of the city. The location gives you the absolute best of both worlds because the property feels like a secluded country house estate, yet it sits just a mile and a half from central Bath – a scenic 20 to 30-minute stroll.

Even better, the walk takes you directly through the sprawling greenery of Royal Victoria Park, past the beautiful Botanical Gardens, and right up to iconic landmarks like the Royal Crescent. If you are carrying heavy shopping bags or simply don't fancy the walk back up the gentle hill, a taxi or local bus from the city centre will whisk you back to your quiet retreat in a mere five to 10 minutes.

The story begins way back when the land it sits on was owned by the Priory of Bath Abbey. Fast-forward to 1835 and a grand, Gothic-style private villa was built out of the city's signature honey-coloured stone. It served as a swanky private residence for well-to-do locals who wanted to be near the fashionable spa town but away from the city grime. 

The building took a thoroughly unexpected turn in the 1960s when it was converted into a dormitory wing for the girls of The Park School. The property finally stepped into the hospitality world in 1969 when it opened as a tiny, intimate boutique hotel with just seven bedrooms.

But the real magic happened in September 1994, when it became the very first property purchased by the hoteliers Andrew and Christina Brownsword. Over the decades, they carefully expanded the house to 33 rooms while filling the lounges with their own spectacular private collection of 20th-century British art. 

While the Garden Spa is robed and relaxed, the dress code for the three AA rosette winning dining room is smart casual. 

Absolutely! The Bath Priory has 33 beautifully characterful bedrooms and suites waiting to welcome you. They’re all named after flowers, so you might find yourself sleeping in Bluebell, Foxglove, or Honeysuckle. 

Each space is individually designed with a clever mix of classic elegance, rich fabrics and antique furnishings, balancing that heritage vibe with contemporary comforts like ultra-plush Vispring beds, a constant supply of homemade biscuits, and luxurious L'Occitane toiletries.

You can check in anytime from 3pm, while checkout is by 11am. For spa days, arrival times vary. It’s best to check your booking confirmation.

The hotel welcomes families. Not only will children love the board games, croquet and boules, there are two family suites with living rooms and separate bedrooms. One even has bunk beds. 

Children can eat in the restaurant until 8pm and order from The Garden Menu for V.I.L.P (very important little people). They can even have a splash in the pool, from 9.30am to 11am and 3.30pm to 5pm daily.

It’s partially accessible, because the historic nature of the property does present a few structural limitations. For example, entry down to the lower-ground Garden Spa facilities is currently step-only. And, while the level front lawns are easy to explore, parts of the remaining four acres of award-winning gardens feature terraced sections, steps and uneven gravel paths that restrict complete wheelchair access.

Guests with limited mobility can navigate the reception desk, the plush drawing-room lounge and the 3 AA Rosette restaurant entirely on level stone or short-pile carpeted floors. There is also a dedicated disabled parking bay located directly next to the front doors. One beautifully adapted ground-floor bedroom (the Foxglove Room) features accessible bathroom grab rails and a private terrace.

Time to pack their little doggy suitcase, because well-behaved pooches  are welcome. The hotel has a selection of gorgeous Premier Deluxe Rooms that are specially designated for canine companions. Upon arrival, your pooch will be greeted with their very own dog bed and water bowl.

The real paradise for them, though, is right outside the door. Your pup will be utterly spoiled for choice with four acres of award-winning, scent-filled gardens to explore on-lead, plus a secret garden gate that pops you both straight into the massive expanse of Royal Victoria Park for the ultimate morning walkies. Just be sure to give the hotel a heads-up when booking, as they charge a boutique fee of £25 per dog, per night to ensure your room is pristine and paw-mark free.

No, there is no golf course at The Bath Priory, but you won't have to travel far for a round! The spectacular Royal Victoria Park Golf Course (famous for its relaxed 18-hole short course and stunning city views) is located just a stone’s throw away on Weston Road.