Bath is one of those cities that effortlessly blends history, architecture and a gentle pace of life, making it the perfect destination for a short UK getaway. During our recent visit, we stayed for one night at the charming Hotel Indigo Bath, a boutique hotel that perfectly captures the spirit of this elegant Georgian city. Please click here to see my Instagram post, packed with lovely photos and videos of this gorgeous hotel.
Located on South Parade, the hotel sits within a beautiful honey-coloured Georgian terrace built in the 18th century, part of Bath’s historic architectural heritage. These buildings were originally designed by renowned architect John Wood the Elder and later hosted notable historical figures, including Sir Walter Scott and William Wilberforce. Today, the restored terrace houses the stylish 166-room hotel, which opened in 2020 after a major renovation.
The hotel manages to feel both historic and contemporary. Many of the design details reflect Bath’s past, with themed rooms inspired by literature, architecture and romance, while still offering modern comforts and boutique-hotel luxury. Its location is ideal, just a short walk from the river, the shops, and the city’s famous landmarks. The communal areas are just gorgeous, lots of seating areas and cosy corners to read a book or play chess.
We had supper next door at Brasserie Beau and the service was exceptional. We had the trio of beetroot for starters, Tom had chicken and leek pie for main course and I chose the wild mushroom risotto. Polished off with rhubard and apple crumble and the selection of artisanal cheese.
Why Bath Is Such a Special Place
Bath is one of the UK’s most beautiful historic cities and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is famous for its Roman Baths, elegant Georgian architecture and sweeping crescents of honey-coloured stone. The entire city feels almost like an open-air museum, yet it remains vibrant and full of culture.
One of the most interesting aspects of Bath is its literary history. Jane Austen lived here and used the city as inspiration in novels such as Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Mary Shelley also lived nearby and completed Frankenstein while staying in Bath in 1816.
Visiting Bath During Festivals
Bath is lively throughout the year thanks to its fantastic festivals. If you plan your visit around one of them, the city feels even more magical.
Some of the most popular include:
- The Bath Festival (May) – a celebration of music and literature with concerts and talks across the city.
- Jane Austen Festival (September) – where visitors and locals dress in Regency costume and celebrate the author’s connection to Bath.
- Bath Christmas Market (November–December) – one of the most beautiful festive markets in the UK, set against Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths.
During these events, staying somewhere central like Hotel Indigo makes exploring on foot incredibly easy.
Getting to Bath
Bath is very accessible whether you’re travelling by car or public transport.
By train:
Bath Spa railway station is only about a five-minute walk from the hotel, with regular direct trains from London Paddington taking around 90 minutes.
By car:
Bath is about 10 miles from the M4 (Junction 18) via the A46. Parking is available nearby at the Southgate multi-storey car park close to the train station.
By air:
Bristol Airport is around 19 miles away and offers frequent bus connections to the city.
Final Thoughts
For a stylish city break in one of England’s most beautiful destinations, Hotel Indigo Bath is a wonderful place to stay. With its rich history, boutique charm and fantastic location, it’s the perfect base for exploring the timeless elegance of Bath — whether you’re wandering through Georgian streets, visiting historic landmarks, or enjoying one of the city’s many festivals.
