No. 15 by Guesthouse, Bath
21st-century Austen romance
Georgian heroines’ heartland
A whimsical addition to Bath’s boutique hotel scene, No. 15 by Guesthouse, Bath appears the picture of 18th-century discretion on the outside: the listed Georgian façade is virtually unchanged since Jane Austen lived not all that far away from its elegant Great Pulteney Street setting. Inside, however, it’s a different story — murals, mish-mashed patterns and modern art are an exercise in charming (Non)Sense and Sensibility. Head straight to the welcoming bar for Bath chaps, dirty burgers and doughnuts served on jewel-encrusted tables; then mosey up to your art-clad trompe-l'oeil-bearing suite. Traditionalists searching for a witty city stay will need no Persuasion to make themselves right at home chez No.15 — after a few days here, you’ll be feeling all the Pride, and none of the Prejudice.
Planes
Bristol Airport is a 45-minute drive from the hotel. If you’re flying internationally, go to Heathrow, from which it’s a two-hour car journey to Bath. The hotel can organise transfers from both airports (from Bristol, transfers start at £40; from Heathrow, prices are available on request).
Trains
The hotel’s closest railway station is Bath Spa, just a five-minute drive from the hotel. The station is well-served by Great Western Railways, and direct services frequently run from London, Bristol and Cardiff. The hotel can organise transfers from £5, or — if you'd like to explore straightaway — a member of staff will meet you at the station to take your bags back to the hotel.
Automobiles
You won’t need a car for exploring the city, which is compact and best discovered on foot. If you’d like a set of wheels, there are car-hire booths at Bristol Airport; follow the A368 to reach the hotel. If you’re coming from London, the journey along the M4 will take just under three hours. The hotel does have charged on-site parking, subject to availability; pre-booking is essential, and guests must vacate the car park by 11am on their day of departure.
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
Best known for its hot springs and 18th-century Georgian architecture, honey-hued Bath has long been a destination for socialites, artists and people-to-know. Stroll along Royal Crescent – arguably the city’s most famous locale – to get a feel for its epochal grandeur, and visit the Holburne Museum (just minutes from the hotel) for a dose of culture: you’ll find Dutch masters, fine English beadwork and intricate tapestry housed there. For an afternoon’s pleasurable card-swiping, wander down Walcot Street in the centre of town to browse independent craft, pottery and antique shops. For a spot of rejuvenation (tired, sightseeing feet can only take you so far), head to the iconic Roman Baths, where the spectacular columned courtyard is lit in the evenings by flickering torchlight. Those left slightly miffed that you can no longer ‘take the cure’ at this historic spot should make their way to Thermae Bath Spa, where the mineral-rich waters are open to the public for a dip. And, if you really think you'd feel the benefit of a shot with 43 minerals, you can purchase a cup of spa water in the Roman Baths' Pump Room for 50p. If you get the vapours at the thought of a wet frilly shirt, pay your respects to Bath's most celebrated former resident at the Jane Austen Centre; or see costumed parades, learn how to cotillion like a pro, then flirt with your fan at a Regency-style ball during September's Jane Austen Festival.
