Kickstart Your Thermal Getaway At These Airbnbs in Bath, England

Founded by the Romans in the 1st century, Bath originally went by the Latin name of Aquae Sulis after the Celtic deity of healing and water. The setting was chosen for its thermal springs which later saw Bath evolve into a fashionable spa resort. Grand terraces were constructed during the Georgian era using honey-colored limestone from the surrounding downs. Nowadays, Bath remains a stellar destination for romantic getaways, family vacations, spa weekends, and bachelor/bachelorette parties (locally known as stag and hen dos).

As the only city in the UK designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath is flooded with cultural attractions, historical sights, and a steady line-up of festivals. Straddling seven hills on the edge of the Cotswolds, Bath is well-placed for hiking and cycling in the West Country. Vacancies don’t hang around for long so you’ll need to shake a leg to land the best digs. Soak up the views – and the mineral waters – at these blissful Bath Airbnbs in and around the city center.

Traveling to the United Kingdom? Check out Matador’s UK accommodations guides:

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• The 8 Best Hotels in Edinburgh Close To the Must-See Sights
• The Top Glasgow Airbnbs Across the City’s Coolest Neighborhoods

We hope you love these Airbnb Bath vacation rentals! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Swanky penthouse with Bath Abbey views

 

See more photosThis upmarket rooftop penthouse is one of the best Airbnbs in Bath for a summer escape. Those accordion doors are ideal on a balmy evening while the terrace grants a direct view of the monumental parish church plus insane sunsets. The pad is fabulously equipped with a Nespresso machine, a goose down comforter, and fluffy bathrobes. You’re spoilt for choice in terms of walkable sights, cafes, and bars.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $285 per night

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Bright and funky townhouse near Roman Baths

 

See more photosThis gleefully decorated Airbnb in Bath City Center is steps from the Roman and thermal baths and handy for the train station. The property spans three floors of a Grade II listed Georgian building and culminates in a huge roof terrace where you can follow the ebb and flow of the streets. All rooms are individually styled and there’s a wood-burning stove for cooler months.

Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $516 per night

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Jane Austen’s family home in Bathwick

 

See more photosBuilt in 1794, this Grade I listed townhouse was briefly the home of Jane Austen where her dabblings with the elite influenced her writing. The apartment is furnished with a leather-topped Victorian partner’s desk in case you feel inspired to put pen to paper. Classic Georgian features include flagstone floors and paneling whereas the furnishings and decor span the past few centuries. It’s thoroughly modernized and across the street from the Holburne Museum.

Three guests, two bedrooms
Price: $241 per night

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Garden apartment in Camden with epic views

 

See more photosRetreat to hilly Camden for a peaceful retreat which is still walkable from the city center. This elevated apartment is beautifully appointed with contemporary furnishings and a wood stove. The yard overlooks the spa town and its green hills and is decked out with a grill and a dining table. This is one of the best Airbnbs in Bath for couples who value solitude and enjoy cooking on the road.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $124 per night

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Dreamy townhouse for large groups near Milsom Street

 

See more photosThis family-friendly Airbnb in central Bath is around the corner from the Jane Austen Center and the trendy cafes of Milsom Street. A private hot tub is set up on the terrace, festooned with fairy lights and a spot to eat al fresco. The comfort of the rooms can’t be faulted and the location is golden for a mix of sightseeing and planning day trips via train.

Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $314 per night

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Countryside Airbnb in rural Somerset with a spa

 

See more photosChuck a pair of wellies in the trunk and bring Fido along for the ride: this pet-friendly Airbnb in Bath sits on the Cotswold Way and is two minutes from the Park and Ride bus stop for Bath. It’s luxuriously appointed to a country style with buckets of sunlight, a smart kitchen, and a brand-new wood burner. The host family has a friendly Weimaraner who might make an appearance on your patio.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $234 per night

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Play Airbnb in Bath with a cinema and sauna

 

See more photosThis Georgian townhouse is chock-full of entertainment including a games den, movie lounge, bar, and sauna. There’s even a gym if hiking in the Mendip Hills isn’t enough. The bedrooms and lounge are illuminated with natural light and views of Bathwick Hill while the private courtyard is available to guests. Walcot is a central neighborhood within walking distance of the main sights.

Sixteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,505 per night

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House with pool halfway between Bristol and Bath

 

See more photosEquidistant from Bath and Bristol, this Airbnb sits on the southwest boundary of the Cotswolds. The villa has a Californian vibe with its cantilevered glass walls and modern interiors spilling out onto a manicured backyard with a swimming pool and hot tub. There’s an outdoor kitchen and pizza oven compete with a sunken dining area ideal for spring and summer evenings in Somerset.

Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,041 per night

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Castle Airbnb near Bath for large groups and families

 

See more photosLive like royalty at this 18th-century folly on a private estate in the picturesque Midford Valley nine minutes south of Bath Spa Station. The rental is inclusive of the chapel and the stables where decor is a mixed bag of old and modern. A sun-drenched patio overlooks the rolling hills and is turned out with a Jacuzzi and barbecue. Elsewhere, you can challenge yourselves to the calisthenics course.

Twelve guests, five bedrooms
Price: $2,125 per night

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Boutique bolthole with outdoor bath

 

See more photosIt’s about as central as you’ll find yet this romantic Bath Airbnb is tucked away in a surprisingly quiet courtyard off Alfred Street in bohemian Walcot. The copper bath is fully secluded and best experienced in the evening with a glass of wine as the stars twinkle above. All of the coolest restaurants and bars are within walking distance but the kitchen has you covered if you fancy flexing your culinary skills.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $227 per night

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Romantic stay in Bath’s Artisan Quarter with a hot tub

 

See more photosSpare yourself the schlep to Thermae Bath Spa at this one-bedroom hideaway with a private spa in the courtyard. There’s no kitchen in the apartment which gives you the perfect excuse to dive into Walcot’s gastropubs, cocktail lounges, and tea rooms. Remember to message the host if you want to toast your stay with an arrival bottle of chilled Veuve Clicquot.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $256 per night

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What is there to do in Bath, England?

Considering the humble size of the city, there is an astonishing mix of things to do in Bath. This is a short list of what to see and do locally.

• Wash away your worries at the adult-only Thermae Bath Spa. A two-hour session grants access to Minerva Bath, the rooftop pool, and the sensory wellness suite complete with steam rooms and an ice chamber. Walk-ins are accommodated where possible but advance booking is recommended.
• Prelude your mineral soak by touring the original Roman Baths and learning about the ancient bathing rituals practiced by Romans in Aquae Sulis.
• Live out your Bridgerton fantasies in front of John Wood’s Royal Crescent – costume optional. No. 1 Royal Crescent recreates a typical elite Georgian residence tricked out with furniture, paintings, and trinkets.
• Light a candle and marvel at the fan-vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows in Bath Abbey. Tickets are sold on the door if you want to enter the nave and chapel.
• Munch your way through traditional afternoon tea at the Pump Room Restaurant as a live pianist plays. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
• Learn about the life and works of the Regency writer at the Jane Austen Center.
• View the vast collection of oil paintings, sculptures, and porcelain ware at the Holburne Museum.
• Track down the Temple of Minerva in the Bath Botanical Gardens.
• Accessible via bus or a 30-minute walk, the National Trust’s Prior Park Landscape Garden comprises gentle hiking trails, 18th-century monuments, and awesome views.
• Embark on a day trip to the Cotswolds Area of Natural Beauty (AONB). Chippenham is a 10-minute train ride while Castle Combe is half an hour behind the wheel. Stonehenge and Bristol are two other easy day trips from Bath.
• Convince yourself that you’re in Italy while dining at Ponte Vecchio with a view of Pulteney Bridge. The design was inspired by its namesake and the Rialto Bridge.
• Take a backstage tour or see a play at Theater Royal.
• Find out what’s on at Komedia, the Forum, or the Little Theater.
• Plan your trip to coincide with the Bath Comedy Festival (April), the Bath Festival (May) of literature and music, or the Bath Children’s Literature Festival (September/October).

Where to stay in Bath?

Bath City Center refers to the area on the north bank of the River Avon from the train station to the iconic Royal Crescent. Home to the best hotels and Airbnbs in Bath, this is where to stay in Bath for a first-time visit or weekend. All the main sights are within walking distance while outlying attractions are reachable on foot, by bike, or bus.

Owing to the number of bars, restaurants, and concert venues, Bath gets busy on Friday and Saturday nights. If you’re an early bird, you may prefer to stay in the neighborhoods of Bathwick, Walcot, or Camden. These enclaves are quieter yet within walking distance of the abbey and baths.

If you are planning a longer vacation in and around Bath and the Cotswolds, it’s worth considering the outskirts. In this case, you can consider using the 24/7 Park and Ride bus service for nipping into town. It’s free to park your car for the day – all you have to pay is the bus fare.