There’s a certain kind of weekend you book when everyone is tired, no one wants a packed itinerary, and the goal is simple: to come home feeling better than when you left. That’s exactly what our girls’ spa weekend in Bath was about.
Bath has a way of slowing you down without isolating you. Bath has a charming city centre which is perfect for exploring in between periods of peak relaxation at the spa. In the blog post, I’ll share where we stayed, where we went to eat, plus nice places to see and shop at in Bath. If you want additional travel tips for sightseeing, I’ll also leave my blog post on my day trip to Bath with other resources at the end.
Let’s jump in!
Getting to Bath from London
Bath is one of the easiest day trip or weekend escapes from London. Trains from London Paddington take just over an hour, and the station drops you straight into the heart of the city.
For a spa-focused trip, I recommend staying two nights. One night feels rushed once you factor in travel and treatments, while two nights gives you enough time to properly unwind without overcommitting.
Where to Stay: Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
For a girls’ spa weekend, the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel is a strong choice (Expedia, Hotels.com). Set a short stroll from the city centre, it offers the feeling of a countryside retreat while still being walkable to Bath’s main sights.
The hotel itself is grand but comfortable rather than showy. The rooms are spacious, well appointed, and designed for lingering. The real draw, though, is the spa.
The spa experience is calm and unfussy, with thermal facilities including saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas, and an outdoor pool. Treatments are well executed and professional. My one piece of advice is to book spa slots and treatments as soon as you book your stay. This is a popular hotel, especially on weekends.
There’s something deeply satisfying about spending a morning moving slowly between spa facilities, followed by lunch, a nap, and no obligation to do anything else.
Eating Well Without Overthinking It
One of the things Bath does particularly well is dining that feels special without being overly formal.
Clayton’s Kitchen (Lunch)
Lunch at Clayton’s Kitchen was a standout. While the dinner menu can look expensive at first glance, the set lunch menus offer excellent value and generous portions. On my visit, I enjoyed a crispy goats cheese with squash, basil oil and seeds as a starter (appetizer for my Americans). For the main, I had a delicious grilled sea bass with fregula pasta, roasted celeriac and white wine sauce. Both were washed down with a lovely Sauvignon Blanc.
The food is refined but comforting, the service relaxed, and it’s the kind of place where a long lunch feels entirely justified. If you’re only visiting one restaurant in Bath, this would be a strong contender.
Dinner and Brunch at the Hotel
For a spa weekend, there’s something lovely about staying in for dinner. The hotel restaurant delivered a flavorful meal with beautifully plated dishes and thoughtful flavors. I started with whipped goat’s cheese and beetroot starter served with freshly baked bread, followed by pan-roasted hake with mashed potatoes and samphire, which was a surprisingly lovely pairing. We added a side of halloumi fries because it felt necessary, and finished by sharing desserts including treacle tart with ice cream, a molten chocolate cake, and a berry crumble. Everything was well cooked, comforting, and exactly what you want after a day spent in the spa. It was the perfect end to a day spent moving slowly.
Breakfast at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel was exactly what you want on a spa weekend. I kept it simple both mornings with scrambled eggs, bacon, a large grilled mushroom one day and a hash brown the next, plus brown bread toast with butter, fresh fruit, and a very generous latte.
Gentle Exploring: Bath at an Unhurried Pace
Even on a spa weekend, it’s worth getting outside. Bath is a city made for walking.
The Royal Crescent and The Circus
A walk through the Royal Crescent and The Circus is essential. These Georgian landmarks are iconic for a reason, and they’re especially lovely when you’re not rushing. There’s a calm elegance here that sets the tone for the whole weekend.
Shopping and Wandering
Bath has a great mix of independent boutiques and familiar favorites. Stores like The Loft and Vinegar Hill are perfect for thoughtful gifts and homeware. This is browsing without pressure, not a shopping marathon.
As evening falls, the city takes on a softer glow. Bath Abbey lit up at night is particularly beautiful, and it’s worth lingering in the square to take it in.
Bath Abbey and Sunday Strolling
On our final day, we wandered through Bath Abbey, which remains one of the most striking churches in England. The soaring ceilings, intricate details, and stained glass make it a place you want to spend time in rather than rush through.
From there, we walked across Pulteney Bridge and discovered a quieter riverside path below. It’s a small detour, but one that offers a different perspective on the city and feels like a local secret.
Who This Weekend Is Perfect For
This girls’ spa weekend in Bath is ideal if you’re looking for:
- A restorative break rather than a busy itinerary
- Quality time with friends without constant plans
- A spa experience that still allows for good food and city walks
- A refined but relaxed alternative to countryside spa resorts
If your idea of a perfect weekend includes robes, long lunches, scenic walks, and early nights without guilt, this trip makes a lot of sense.
Final Thoughts
Bath is a city I return to when I want balance. It offers rest without isolation, indulgence without excess, and beauty without effort.
For a girls’ spa weekend that feels thoughtful, restorative, and genuinely enjoyable, Bath remains one of the best options in the UK.
If you’re planning a more sightseeing-focused visit, I’ve also written a detailed guide to a day trip to Bath, which you can find here:
https://thesavvybostonian.com/2017/02/travel-a-daytrip-to-bath-uk/
Between the two, you’ll have everything you need to plan the kind of trip that suits you best.
To watch my Bath travel adventures vlog style, check out my YouTube videos on Bath:
Jessica Gioglio founded the travel and lifestyle blog, The SavvyBostonian and is the co-author of The Laws of Brand Storytelling and The Power of Visual Storytelling. Professionally, Jessica has led innovative marketing and public relations programs for Dunkin’, TripAdvisor, Sprinklr, and more. Today, Jessica is a keynote speaker on brand storytelling (book her here) and founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content strategy consultancy.
Affiliate Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend places, products or services I genuinely love and think you’ll find useful. If you’d rather not use my links, you can always search for the places, products or services directly.
No Comments