Make the base for your next sojourn in the city somewhere special so that, when you’re not shopping at boutique stores or drinking in a chic wine bar, you’re relishing contemporary aesthetics and tip-top amenities. Discover some of our favourite finds in the South West for a festive city break
No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath
No.15’s Christmas package may be sold out, but that doesn’t rule out a festive stay at the glam Georgian townhouse to bookend the big day.
Whether you wish to gift-hunt at Bath’s indie retailers, bookshops, jewellers, lifestyle stores and famed Christmas market in the lead up to Christmas, or fancy treating yourself to a few days of city indulgence once the hosting duties are done, this central hotel is ideally located for immersing yourself in the smart city.
Guests of No.15 are pampered from breakfast to bedtime – and that’s even before check-in. Arrive by train and the team will meet you at the station to whisk your luggage back to the hotel so you can start exploring without the hassle of wheeling a suitcase behind you. The good vibes continue in the hotel: visit the bar for craft cocktails served in a sociable atmosphere, hit the basement spa for luxe treatments and a soak in the copper bath, or unwind in your uniquely designed bedroom complete with record player and a stocked pantry.
THE PIG–near Bath
This Grade II-listed Georgian mansion’s location, nestled between Bath and Bristol, makes it ideal for those who want to grab dinner and drinks in the city but prefer to repose somewhere peaceful, without Christmassy chaos, street noise and metropolis glow.
That said, any festive stay should absolutely include a hyper-local dining experience at THE PIG–near Bath. The buzzing restaurant with rooms puts homegrown produce at the heart of its 25-mile menus, utilising ingredients plucked from its own wildflower orchard, fruit cages, greenhouse, beehives and smokehouse. Anything not produced or grown on the PIG’s patch of land is sourced from local farmers and small producers. Somerset’s finest produce is showcased in creations such as 0-mile mushroom and celeriac pie with buttered garden greens, and Yeo Valley frozen yogurt terrine with poached garden quince and THE PIG’s raw honey. Visiting before December 19? Take advantage of the keenly priced set lunch menu offering two courses for £26.50.
In the shoulder months there’s nothing better than cosying up post-feast with a perfectly crafted sip, a pleasure made extra joyous when enjoyed in THE PIG’s eclectic bar and lounges complete with open fires and sinkable sofas.
The Alverton, Truro
If you’re after a fabulous and festive-dressed bolthole from which to explore Cornwall’s capital this season, The Alverton should top your list.
It’d be easy to forget you’re only a stone’s throw from Truro city centre when you’re sipping spiced cocktails in the grand hotel, gazing over the surrounding mature gardens. The former convent is tucked at the top of a hill on the main route into the city, making it the perfect base from which to explore the UK’s southernmost city and, if desired, nearby Cornish coastline.
There’s still availability over Christmas if you fancy hanging up the oven gloves this year and relieving yourself of the pressures of the yuletide period. Happily, The Alverton team go all out to create a traditional Christmas celebration that’s truly memorable. The break starts with a warm mince pie, classic mini cream tea and glass of mulled wine, then later a lavish five-course dinner in the Great Hall on December 23. Christmas Eve highlights include a cocktail masterclass and four-course dinner. On the big day, a Buck’s Fizz breakfast is chased by the classic festive feast. Boxing Day delights include a pasty-making workshop, a show from Screech Owl Sanctuary, board games and a three-course supper.
Eight Holland Street Townhouse, Bath
Creative types who judge accommodation based on the art hanging on its walls should check out the impressive Eight Holland Street Townhouse in Bath.
Originally a gallery and design studio, Eight Holland Street hails from Kensington in London but a second gallery with a unique guesthouse was opened in Bath in 2023. As expected, a distinctive art collection features in each of the three individually styled suites, complemented by dynamic interior styling. The team say the townhouse, ‘Sets the stage for an exuberant play of modern and contemporary artwork, twentieth-century European design, studio pottery, textiles and design.’
Every glance around the townhouse reveals a new perspective via eye-catching artwork, curios and far-from-standard household items. Guests are invited to inhabit the space as their own during their stay and the warm communal welcome continues from breakfast (in which seasonal fruits, homemade granola, yogurt and compote is served alongside a Swedish-style smorgasbord and cafetieres of freshly ground coffee) in the kitchen through to evening refreshments in the drawing room.
The one-of-a-kind destination is booked up over Christmas but there’s still availability during the festive months, including the opportunity to book the entire pad for a ‘townhouse takeover’.
The Bird, Bath
Planning a let-your-hair-down weekend of festive fun in Bath? This boutique hotel channels the lively energy of its exclusive central location through colourful interiors, statement artwork and bodacious styling.
The upbeat vibe and playful setting is reflected in the restaurant, where the kitchen team compose vibrant dishes crafted from local and ethically sourced ingredients. During the festive season it’s worth booking one of The Bird’s glass domes decked with fairy lights and blankets for feasting with a side of hygge vibes.
Want to push the boat out on an extra special festive weekend? Splash out on the fabulous Deluxe King which comes with a whirlpool tub.
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