Set within 10 acres of gorgeous parkland and gardens, Homewood Park Hotel & Spa is the perfect, peaceful escape from the city.
Location
Situated six miles outside of the historic city of Bath, Homewood Park is a short drive away from the centre of town. By train, Bath Spa is just an hour and a half from London, plus a quick taxi ride to the hotel or a connecting train to nearby Freshford.
Bath
Homewood Park is set against the beautiful Limpley Stoke valley but the real draw of the area is of course, Bath. A world-famous spa town, Bath has heritage and history around every corner. From the Royal Crescent and Bath Stone buildings to the museums, theatres and great restaurants, Bath is a hugely romantic city and perfect for both couples and families.
Rooms
Homewood Park has the character of a country farmhouse. Big, homely antique furniture and wood-burning fires in the drawing room make you feel right at home and the charm continues into the rooms.
The hotel offers 21 individually-designed bedrooms, all with views out onto across the gardens. Our bed was supremely plush and we were out in seconds for a fantastic night’s sleep.
At the end of the bed was a daybed, perfect for getting ready or relaxing in the room, while there was also a large flatscreen TV and desk in case you need to catch up on emails.
Bathroom
Our bathroom was recently renovated with modern fittings and a great shower/bath. The long countertop either side of a big basin was perfect for two people getting ready and a plentiful supply of bathroom products was a real plus too.
Spa
The spa is undoubtedly the hotel’s jewel in the crown. Free to access for all guests, the spa boasts an outdoor heated swimming pool and indoor hydrotherapy pool, plus sauna and steam room. After a few minutes with a book or relaxing in the pool, all your worries will be gone.
Though the spa doesn’t offer a couples room, two solo treatment rooms and an extensive list of massage treatments, facials, wraps, manicures and pedicures are all available.
Restaurant
Homewood Park’s restaurant, The Tides, occupies one of the larger rooms on the ground floor. Tables and booths are spread comfortably to allow privacy to dining guests, treated to Head Chef Wojciech Nowalka’s Modern English menu. To start we had the Pan Seared Langoustine, Pork Belly And Apricot Terrine and Caraway and the Sauté Scallop, Creamed leek, Samphire and Béchamel, both of which were excellent. The 6oz Beef Fillet, Mushroom Duxelles, Truffle Pomme Purée and Spinach was more than impressive for main course too, plus some great thick cut chips on the side.
However, the real star of the show was our sensational desert. The Banana Mousse, Roasted White Chocolate, Salted Caramel and Caramelised Banana was unique, clever and utterly delicious, with the thick mousse cut to hold its shape like segments of real banana. The roasted white chocolate was the icing on the cake, cutting through the tart mouse with a moorish, sweet flavour.
Venue
Homewood Park Hotel & Spa holds a civil marriage or partnership ceremony license and can be booked exclusively for weddings and events. The property boasts three function rooms and can cater for weddings of up to 150 guests, spilling out on to the terrace and private grounds.
Verdict
Homewood Park Hotel & Spa is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway within the UK. Nearby Bath is a romantic and interesting compact city, with much to do and explore within a relatively small town centre, although you’ll want at least a day to relax and crash out at the spa too.
The homely rooms and shared space were effortlessly welcoming, while fantastic food at the restaurant rounded off a fantastic experience. This is a place to be pampered and get away from the stresses and strains of life in the city.
For reservations and more, please visit: www.homewoodpark.co.uk
Homewood Park Hotel & Spa, Abbey Lane, Freshford, Bath, Somerset, BA2 7TB