Sharon Parsons checks in to the five-star Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel, right in the heart of this heritage city.

Where is it? 

Bath is settled in a natural bowl on the southernmost tip of the Cotswolds, surrounded by seven hills, and it’s these that yield the honey-toned limestone used for much of the city’s famous architecture.   

The city is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its preserved Roman and Georgian heritage, and inscribed as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. It is – quite literally – a living museum. 

What’s The Gainsborough Bath Spa accommodation like?

With its Victorian and Georgian heritage, The Gainsborough is unashamedly grand, with a sweeping staircase, mosaic marble floors and stately colonnades.  

However, such splendour is cleverly combined with warm contemporary touches (and a delightfully smiley team): the sitting room and cosy bar are clubby and convivial, while the Gainsborough Brasserie with its striking wine wall and contemporary artwork is a distinguished spot for breakfast and dinner. 

Rooms and suites (plus a private Georgian townhouse) are calm and elegant with all the little extras that elevate a stay – from beautiful linens and Elemis toiletries to a Nespresso machine and cute Roberts Radio.   

What did you eat and drink? 

The dinner menu at The Gainsborough peps up the tastebuds with a clever fusion of east and west influences, and champions local ingredients. We couldn’t resist the signature starter of 'dancing prawns': hot, crisp and succulent wok’-cooked seafood finished with a citrus-spiked aioli and crystalised walnuts. I then went for super-fresh bream with a piquant caponata, while my partner fell unusually silent as he tucked into a fragrant, slow-cooked chicken rendang with a turmeric and chilli coconut sauce.  

It would have been rude not to have a pudding, so we did: a swoony chocolate medley for him (think brownie, ice cream and salted caramel sauce), and a silky crème brulee with an Asian twist for me, finished with crunchy honeycomb. 

What is there to do? 

If you can drag yourself away from the Gainsborough’s Spa Village (read on for more on this), you’ll find yourself slap-bang in the centre of the city – just along from the famous pump rooms, the restored Roman baths and the Gothic splendour of Bath Abbey. Take a stroll through Royal Victoria Park which leads to the famous Royal Crescent (and be sure to visit the circular Georgian masterpiece of The Circus close by). There are some notable museums, too – not least the Jane Austen Centre. 

If it’s retail therapy you want, you’re spoilt for choice. Walcot, is especially tempting, crammed with independent stores, boutiques and galleries (with plenty of pubs and cafes to refuel as necessary – make sure you pop into Landrace Bakery for a fresh cinnamon bun!).  

What do I need to pack? 

Swimwear – you can’t forego the spa! 

Lasting memory? 

This is the only hotel in the UK to offer guests direct access to natural, mineral-rich thermal waters, and the Spa Village – which forms the heart of the hotel – is a breathtaking reimagining of an ancient Roman bath house. Guests are invited to follow an ancient spa ritual with a circuit of hot and cold baths, saunas and steam room. I left my partner floating happily in the naturally heated waters, while I enjoyed an incredible facial using mineral-rich Omorovicza products (yes, I did fall asleep). 

Sainsbury’s magazine insider tip 

Set your alarm early and get outside before the crowds descend to truly appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the city’s incredible golden-hued architecture and famous sites. Wandering around the deserted streets and squares is so atmospheric at this time of day – like going back in time (and it builds up an appetite for a very generous breakfast back at the Hotel!).