If you're coming to Bath for the weekend and are looking for somewhere to stay, here are a few places in the city or surrounding area that I've seen or Googled that look good for a group. Once you've decided on a date or even have a rough idea, start checking availability as everywhere gets booked up in advance especially in the Summer and at Christmas/New Year. And don't forget Visit Bath is an excellent place to start looking.
By Mrs Stokes
In Bath
Laura's Townhouse apartments
Not an apartment as such but a whole host of them on this website which is dedicated to Bath properties. I've seen two on Lambridge, which is about 10 minutes from town and round the corner from the arty area of Larkhall which has the Rondo Theatre and a cute cafe called Emma's. The apartments I saw were beautifully decorated but if you are looking for peace and quiet they are not for you as they are set-back from the busy London Road into town. However, a party crowd will appreciate the gorgeous interior and close-proximity to the city so you can save on cab money and spend on cocktails instead.
The Georgian House
This glorious central Bath house is high up on a pavement off Walcot Street/London Road in Bath opposite an antiques shop. You can't pull up directly outside it but the property does have at least one parking space. It also has a large, downstairs kitchen and a largish lounge with adjoining room upstairs. A big house with a good location for walking in and out of the centre.
Allen's Cottage
Stylish looking cottage sleeping 6 just a mile from Bath city centre.
Rural locations
The Wilderness
This one is 30 minutes from Bath by car and therefore ideally situated not only for the city, but the pretty town of Bradford on Avon (I love the Victorian tearooms there) and also a trip to Longleat. It's not super-stylish by the looks of it, but it's big and has a private sauna in the garden. There's a train from Bradford on Avon to Bath so if you stayed there you could get a cab to Bradford and train to Bath and back.
Church Farm Country Cottages
These are a set of eight converted farm cottages just outside Bath (again nearer Bradford On Avon), mostly sleeping two but there's also one that sleeps 12, so you could book out a few. And the best bit? An indoor swimming pool! We've had lots of vintage makeover parties here.
Manor Farm House, Norton St Phillip, 30 minutes drive from Bath
Their website describes this house as imposing, but I think it's more of a hidden gem, just off a main road but tucked back from a quite lane and shielded from view by lots of foilage (in the summer). It can be hired for up to 14 people for exclusive use and has a large lounge with big dining table and also a large low coffee table and plenty of sofas. The kitchen is quite small but hey, get someone else to cook (like The Secret Tea Party!). The bedrooms are supposed to be fantastic and the landlady is accommodating too.
Welton Manor Farm
Popular with hen parties. A bit outside Bath so you will need cars or pay for cabs but it has a large dining room, comfy lounge and a big garden - plus plenty of parking as it's part of a farm. And of course you can always book The Secret Tea Party to come to you there.
Berkeley House, Limpley Stoke
This looks gorgeous. It sleeps 14-16 and looks clean, spacious and elegant.
Winkworth Farm, Malmesbury
Beautifully renovated farm cottages with stylish interiors. Again they are a little way outside Bath but worth it for a rural weekend with perhaps a trip in to the Spa one day. The Secret Tea Party is always happy to travel to you after all!
By Mrs Stokes
In Bath
Laura's Townhouse apartments
Not an apartment as such but a whole host of them on this website which is dedicated to Bath properties. I've seen two on Lambridge, which is about 10 minutes from town and round the corner from the arty area of Larkhall which has the Rondo Theatre and a cute cafe called Emma's. The apartments I saw were beautifully decorated but if you are looking for peace and quiet they are not for you as they are set-back from the busy London Road into town. However, a party crowd will appreciate the gorgeous interior and close-proximity to the city so you can save on cab money and spend on cocktails instead.
The Georgian House
This glorious central Bath house is high up on a pavement off Walcot Street/London Road in Bath opposite an antiques shop. You can't pull up directly outside it but the property does have at least one parking space. It also has a large, downstairs kitchen and a largish lounge with adjoining room upstairs. A big house with a good location for walking in and out of the centre.
Allen's Cottage
Stylish looking cottage sleeping 6 just a mile from Bath city centre.
This looks absolutely stunning and even has a library. It's just near the centre of Bath and sleeps up to 14 which is ideal for a big party.
Charleston House
Looks amazing and sleeps 17.
Charleston House
Looks amazing and sleeps 17.
Rural locations
New Leaf Farm, Bathampton
These one, two and three bedroom cottages are just outside the beautiful village of Bathampton which is two miles from the city and which has two amazing pubs nearby - The George and the Bathampton Mill. The cottages are smack bang in the middle of fields but the main road to Bath is just nearby - so you feel isolated when in fact you're not - although if you drive into town make sure you have money for the nearby toll bridge. The cottages were newly renovated and open for business in Summer 2011 and of a good modern standard.
The Wilderness
This one is 30 minutes from Bath by car and therefore ideally situated not only for the city, but the pretty town of Bradford on Avon (I love the Victorian tearooms there) and also a trip to Longleat. It's not super-stylish by the looks of it, but it's big and has a private sauna in the garden. There's a train from Bradford on Avon to Bath so if you stayed there you could get a cab to Bradford and train to Bath and back.
Church Farm Country Cottages
These are a set of eight converted farm cottages just outside Bath (again nearer Bradford On Avon), mostly sleeping two but there's also one that sleeps 12, so you could book out a few. And the best bit? An indoor swimming pool! We've had lots of vintage makeover parties here.
Manor Farm House, Norton St Phillip, 30 minutes drive from Bath
Their website describes this house as imposing, but I think it's more of a hidden gem, just off a main road but tucked back from a quite lane and shielded from view by lots of foilage (in the summer). It can be hired for up to 14 people for exclusive use and has a large lounge with big dining table and also a large low coffee table and plenty of sofas. The kitchen is quite small but hey, get someone else to cook (like The Secret Tea Party!). The bedrooms are supposed to be fantastic and the landlady is accommodating too.
Welton Manor Farm
Popular with hen parties. A bit outside Bath so you will need cars or pay for cabs but it has a large dining room, comfy lounge and a big garden - plus plenty of parking as it's part of a farm. And of course you can always book The Secret Tea Party to come to you there.
Berkeley House, Limpley Stoke
This looks gorgeous. It sleeps 14-16 and looks clean, spacious and elegant.
Winkworth Farm, Malmesbury
Beautifully renovated farm cottages with stylish interiors. Again they are a little way outside Bath but worth it for a rural weekend with perhaps a trip in to the Spa one day. The Secret Tea Party is always happy to travel to you after all!
