On a cold November day, we ditched our plans and headed to the beautiful city of Bath, the UK’s most famous spa retreat, with our dog Winnie happily tagging along for the adventure. All we wanted was to sink into the steaming waters of Thermae Bath Spa — exactly the kind of escape you crave when the weather is cold and miserable. Luckily, dog-friendly Bath proved to be the perfect destination. With its elegant streets, rich heritage, lively modern culture, leafy green spaces and a few unexpected delights, Bath ticked every box for a memorable short break.
Built for pleasure and relaxation, Bath has been a go-to wellbeing destination ever since Roman times. Its famous waters continue to draw visitors today, whether to the historic Roman Baths or to the sleek, modern Thermae Bath Spa, home to the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain where you can actually take a dip. It’s no surprise that Bath is one of just two UNESCO World Heritage cities in Europe, welcoming over six million visitors each year and ranking among the most popular English cities for overseas travellers.
Bath has also been home to some celebrated names, including the much-loved English novelist Jane Austen, who lived and wrote here between 1801 and 1806. During her time in the city, she revised and completed two of her most famous novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, both closely linked to Bath’s social scene and atmosphere.
Here’s our detailed itinerary for a two-day break in dog-friendly Bath, featuring some of our favourite places to explore with our cockapoo Winnie — and, of course, our much-needed spa visit to Thermae Bath Spa.
1. Explore dog-friendly Bath with The Mayor of Bath’s Honorary Guides (free walking tour)
This excellent walking tour is a fantastic way to learn about the city’s history and see its main attractions, all in the company of a knowledgeable guide with plenty of fascinating stories to share. Their classic city-centre tour runs every day of the year except Christmas Day. The route covers the heart of the city, including highlights such as the Royal Crescent and The Circus.
Tours details:
From Sunday to Friday: at 10:30 and at 14:00;
On Saturday: at 10:30;
Duration: approximately two hours;
No booking required — simply turn up and join the group;
Important:
This is a free walking tour, so guides do not accept tips or gratuities, but they greatly appreciate online feedback.
The meeting point is outside the Roman Baths — just look for the sign reading Free Walking Tours Start Here.
Our guide, Anne, was born and bred in Bath and laced her commentary with personal anecdotes, which made the experience all the more enjoyable. Winnie the Cockapoo was warmly welcomed and treated like a proper little tourist, happily sniffing out facts and stories about the city along the way.
2. Relax at Thermae Bath Spa (and leave your best friend at a dog-friendly hotel)
Address: The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath Street, Bath, BA1 1SJ.
www.thermaebathspa.com
After a long walk around Bath, we left our fluffy gentleman at the hotel and headed to Thermae Bath Spa in search of some well-earned relaxation. Bath’s hot springs, from which the city takes its name, are a remarkable natural resource, delivering over one million litres of mineral-rich water every day. Uniquely in the UK, this mineral water is naturally hot.
For centuries, Bath and its waters have been closely linked with health and wellbeing. The word spa is thought to derive from the Latin phrase Salus Per Aquam, meaning ‘health through water’. The city’s reputation for the healing properties of its waters was further enhanced in 1687 by the visit of Mary of Modena, wife of King James II. After struggling to conceive an heir, she was advised to bathe in the waters of the Cross Bath and soon afterwards gave birth to a son, later known as the ‘Old Pretender’. The thermal water contains more than 42 minerals and trace elements and today feeds all four bathing experiences at Thermae Bath Spa: the Cross Bath, the Hot Bath, the Minerva Bath and the open-air rooftop pool.
Details:
Open every day from 09:00 to 21:30 (excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and from 5–16 January for scheduled maintenance);
Session duration: two hours;
Please note that Thermae Bath Spa is adults-only. The minimum age for entry is 16, while treatments are available to guests aged 18 and over. Mobile phones and cameras are not permitted to be used in the Spa. Upon arrival, you will be asked to place your mobile phone inside a lockable pouch and place it inside your locker for the duration of your visit.
We opted for the Twilight Package (£100 for two in 2025), which included two two-hour spa sessions, access to the indoor Minerva Bath, the multi-sensory Wellness Suite and the rooftop pool, plus time in the café. Towels and robes were provided, and the package also featured a generous sharing platter with a seasonal side, accompanied by two drinks of choice.
3. Stay at Grosvenor Villa , a Downton Abbey-style accommodation in Bath
Address: Grosvenor Bridge Road, Bath, BA1 6BB.
www.grosvenorvillabath.co.uk
Grosvenor Villa has that unmistakable old-world charm that instantly brings Downton Abbey to mind. Your stay feels all the richer once you hear the story behind the house — something the owner, Richard, loves to share with every guest.
This Grade II listed Georgian villa was added to one end of a grand terrace designed by John Eveleigh, one of Bath’s best-known architects. The house owes its existence to Thomas Shew, a painter, collector and art dealer, who originally planned to build a home and gallery for his collection. When Bath Abbey removed its carved marble altarpiece in the 1830s, Shew bought it and built Grosvenor Villa around it, creating the striking entrance hall seen today.
Dogs are welcome everywhere, including the dining room — and without any extra charge! A small, fully enclosed garden is another bonus, where Winnie enjoyed a good run around.
4. Eat at one of the many dog-friendly pubs and cafés
Our choice for lunch: Café Lucca, a dog-friendly café
www.cafelucca.co.uk
Address: 1 Bartlett Street, Bath, BA1 2QZ.
After a walk around Bath, pop into Café Lucca for fresh, flavourful food served in a warm, stylish atmosphere. Don’t be surprised by a queue at the entrance — it’s hugely popular with both locals and visitors. The menu includes excellent panini, bruschetta and salads. The light, airy room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a sunny terrace perfectly captures the relaxed pace of Bath life.
Open from Monday to Saturday: 09:00–17:00;
On Sunday: 10:00–16:00;
No reservations required.
Our choice for dinner: The Huntsman, a dog-friendly historic pub
www.huntsmanbathpub.co.uk
Address: 1 Terrace Walk, North Parade, Bath, BA1 1LJ.
If you’re exploring dog-friendly Bath, we recommend The Huntsman without hesitation. We came across it while walking from the Roman Baths towards Pulteney Bridge. The pub is housed in a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian building designed by John Wood the Elder. The interior is stylish and full of character — we recommend heading upstairs to the first floor. Here, the atmosphere is just as important as the food, which was excellent. Friendly, professional staff made us feel especially welcome.
Open daily, 10:30–23:00.
5. Explore dog-friendly Bath and don’t miss the most recognisable landmark: the Royal Crescent
When visiting dog-friendly Bath, don’t miss the opportunity to stroll around the Royal Crescent and take photos of one of the city’s most iconic locations. This sweeping row of 30 terraced houses was designed by architect John Wood the Younger and built between 1767 and 1774. It is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the UK.
Interesting fact: John Wood designed only the façade. Each original owner purchased a section of it and hired their own architect to build behind it, resulting in a perfectly symmetrical front and a wonderfully varied rear.
Many notable figures have stayed here, including Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany. Following his visit in the late 18th century, the building — originally known simply as The Crescent — was renamed The Royal Crescent. Today, it includes a hotel, a museum and private residences converted into flats and offices.
Our conclusion: If you’re planning a short break that combines history, relaxation and four-legged companionship, dog-friendly Bath is an excellent choice in every season.
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