6 Sleep tight


With new attractions and hotel openings, Bath is fl ying high this year. Here’s where to rest your head next time you’re in town. Words: Pat Riddell


While Bath has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, its quiet renaissance in recent years has made the South West’s most storied city more appealing than ever before. With over 5,000 listed buildings, many of handsome Georgian design, Bath preserves its distinct 18th-century character at every turn. But rather than stand still, it’s been reimaginging and polishing its best assets. T e latest developments include


headliners such as the new Bath World Heritage Centre, the restoration of Cleveland Pools — Britain’s oldest lido — and the Bath Abbey renovations. And now there are various new and revamped hotels in town, too.


Hotel Indigo Bath T is stylish boutique opened in September 2020 on quiet South Parade, close to the city centre. T e 166-room property is largely disguised on the honey-stoned Georgian terrace, hidden in 12 adjoining town houses — and the


history and heritage of the buildings has been meticulously maintained. No two guest rooms are the same, but all are designed around fi ve themes refl ecting the infl uences of local architects and novelists. Service is friendly, welcoming and unfussy while the intimacy and comfort of the building is reason enough to return. T e Elder restaurant, which


is part of the hotel but run independently by restaurateur Mike Robinson, is a refi ned yet relaxing dining experience. Produce is sourced sustainably, and every course displays a simplicity that still comes with a fl avour-packed punch — the roast pave of fallow deer and herb-roasted chicken breast are particular standouts. From £149. bath.hotelindigo.com


The Bath Priory Set within four acres just outside the city centre, T e Bath Priory is reminiscent of a country house hotel. Its pristine grounds are home to a garden spa with an indoor pool, sauna and steam room, while the


THE BATH PRIORY


hotel has garnered a stack of awards for its restaurant. T e 33 rooms off er comfort and all the mod cons. From £199. thebathpriory.co.uk


No.15 by GuestHouse Situated on Great Pulteney Street, one of Bath’s grandest thoroughfares, No.15 is a distinguished address with aff ordable prices. Its 36 rooms, in three townhouse buildings and a separate coach house, are modern and stylish and there’s a bar, restaurant and spa. From £164. guesthousehotels.co.uk/no-15-bath


The Bird A short walk across the River Avon from central Bath — close to T e Holburne Museum, featured in the TV series Bridgerton — this


12TH JUNE 2023 THE TRAVEL GUIDE DISTRIBUTED WITH


NO.15 BY GUESTHOUSE


Georgian manor is a quirky yet comfortable boutique hotel. T e 29 rooms feature hand-crafted wallpaper, original artwork and avian-themed decor while Plate, the restaurant and terrace overlooking Bath Abbey, is popular with guests


HOTEL INDIGO BATH


and locals alike. From £120. thebirdbath.co.uk


First published in the May 2023 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). Read the feature in full at nationalgeographic.com/travel


All aboard


Make like a pro this summer and get stuck into the rising trend of paddleboarding with the help of these clever products. Words: Nora Wallaya


2 1 RED ULTIMATE


ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT THREE-PIECE SUP PADDLE Choosing a paddle is as important as picking a board. This carbon- crafted option is light as a feather and superbly streamlined. Height adjustment is straightforward, and the model collapses into three separate pieces for transportation. £349. red-equipment.co.uk


2 FINISTERRE WOMEN’S NIEUW-


LAND 4S YULEX® WETSUIT Don’t let the sunshine fool you: it’s the water temperature that matters, and protection is required should you fall off the board. This wetsuit is crafted from Yulex natural rubber, an alternative to neoprene, and features taped seams, fl exible shoulder panels and secure wrists and ankles for zero fl ushing. £360. fi nisterre.com


3 DRYROBE ADVANCE


LONG SLEEVE Made from 100% recycled materials, this classic dryrobe comes in a range of colours. Plenty of room inside offers privacy while changing, while the large waterproof pocket is great for storing valuables. £160. dryrobe.com


3 5


4 ITWIT X100 10FT 4


TOURING INFLATABLE SUP At 9kg, this 32-inch-wide infl atable stand-up paddleboard is light to carry and conveniently folds away into a backpack for hassle-free transportation. It’s quick to swell, too, reaching 15 PSI and provides great stability on the water. The 10ft board, which comes with a detachable fi n, is for paddleboarders between 60-80kg. £299.99. decathlon.co.uk


5 TWO BARE FEET 20PSI HT-782


INFLATE / DEFLATE ELECTRIC 12V SUP PUMP Compatible with all 12V car power outlets, this pump will infl ate your SUP alongside other common infl atables, including ribs, towable tubes, lilos, air beds and more, thanks to its range of nozzle attachments. It’s quiet and compact, can fi ll up to 350ml per minute of airfl ow, has a long cable for easier handling and switches off at the desired PSI setting. £69.99. twobarefeet.co.uk


6 VIBRAM FIVEFINGERS V-AQUA 6 1


As well as keeping your feet protected from sharp shingle, water shoes will give you extra grip on slippery surfaces and provide a layer of warmth, too. This barefoot-style option is sturdy and comfortable, with the silicone print in the lining increasing friction between the skin and shoe, allowing for a more secure fi t. It also air-dries within a day and, importantly, won’t damage the surface of your paddleboard. £100. vibram.co.uk


First published in the May 2023 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). Read the feature in full at nationalgeographic.com/travel


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32