Wednesday 28 August 2013

Romantic Breaks Bath

Whether you want to enjoy a quiet weekend away with your loved one, or to choose a dreamy destination to pop the question to your future spouse, for romantic breaks, Bath is a beautiful location to be. In fact Bath is quite possibly one of the most attractive cities in England and indeed, its architectural history is one of the reasons why this city has become a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. With its meandering lanes, hilly walks and pretty river, it has an air of romance about it. Just steps away from Dukes bed and breakfast in Somerset is the Pulteney Bridge, a structure based on a design that was originally earmarked for the Rialto Bridge in Venice, a place that has been inspiring starry eyed couples for centuries.

In fact Dukes boutique hotel is a great setting for romantic breaks in Bath, and if you want to go all out to impress a partner, we have rooms especially for this, such as our deluxe double rooms, or the magnificent four poster bedrooms such as our Athol or Buccleuch room. Treat your date with the ultimate in luxury and pre-arrange with us to have champagne, flowers and chocolates carefully laid out in the room ready for your arrival. Your loved one will simply melt at your thoughtfulness, and it will start you on an idyllic weekend away that will be perfect from beginning to end. After a day packed with highlights, you can have a lazy Sunday morning with a wonderfully prepared gourmet breakfast, before enjoying another day of romance in this stunning city.

Romantic Breaks in Bath –  click here to find out more

If you have your heart set on a dreamy weekend, the city is the perfect destination, and whether you like sightseeing, shopping, theatre, or something more spectacular, here are just some of our ideas for couples enjoying romantic breaks in Bath.

Eating Out – Bath is teeming with good eateries and upmarket restaurants where you can enjoy a quiet candle-lit dinner for two and talk about the day’s most special moments. Bath has a number of AA Rosette winning restaurants in the city centre including the Dower House Restaurant, behind the famous Royal Crescent. Or, if you want to impress your loved one on arrival, you can request our sumptuous – and very British – afternoon tea, with tempting finger sandwiches and scones.

Long Walks – A long, romantic walk gives you the chance to  spend some quality time together. As well as the meandering pathways, there are also wonderful gardens and parks to explore in Bath. Prior Park is simply stunning and allows for amazing panoramic views of the city; and the Palladian bridge is a great place to pop the question. Another superb park is the award-winning Peto Gardens at Iford Manor, which are simply magical.

Sightseeing – Romantic breaks in Bath wouldn’t be complete without a spot of sightseeing. Enjoy a picnic on the grass while marvelling at the splendour of The Royal Crescent. Or, if you like to visit ancient buildings, the Medieval Bath Abbey is the destination to head for; you and your partner can climb right to the top of the tower to enjoy fabulous views over the city.

Shopping – If you have an urge to splurge you can surprise a loved one by looking at fine jewellery stores, and maybe even ask your partner to choose a ring! Central Bath has a plethora of jewellery shops including E P Mallory Jewellers which sells several big name designs and is situated not far from Pulteney Bridge, so it is within easy reach of Dukes boutique B&B.

Theatre – An evening of theatre can top off a momentous day, and The Theatre Royal is a romantic building in itself as the auditorium has been likened to a wedding cake. From drama, to comedy, dance and ballet, all sorts of shows are laid on throughout the year. At Dukes we can offer you pre-theatre drinks, and after your evening you can pre-arrange to be presented with our impressive cheeseboard, which can be washed down with vintage port.

Pampering Weekends – If you love the idea of a romantic weekend away to be pampered top to toe, then Bath is the place to be. Just head for the incredible Thermae Spa where you can enjoy single treatments or even a full-day’s spa. It is perfect destination to relax and unwind completely.

Out on the River – Rivers go hand in hand with romance, and you are in for a treat in Bath as you can charter a boat for two hours, or even longer if it takes your fancy. Surprise your partner with a high tea, evening meal, or a champagne cruise and enjoy total privacy and tranquillity on the water.

Balloon Rides – What could be more memorable than a balloon ride? Your partner will literally be blown away by your preparations and who knows, a marriage proposal could be on the agenda? It is the perfect way to round off your day and will be one of the highlights of your romantic weekend breaks in Bath.

Romantic Breaks in Bath -  Find out more about what we have to offer or make a booking on 01225 787960

Monday 26 August 2013

Boutique B&B in Bath

Dukes boutique B&B offers elegant and stylish accommodation right in the heart of Bath, a destination known for its romance, history, bustling cafe bars, and vibrant night life. This UK city is simply bursting with culture, music and art; it is also a place of beauty, where you can walk hand in hand with your loved one, or team up with a friend for a girls’ weekend away and enjoy shopping, relaxing at one of the pavement cafes, or winding down completely with a spot of pampering at the spa.

So, what can you expect from your stay in Bath at Dukes? Boutique hotels and B&Bs rose to prominence in some of the most fashionable cities in the UK and North America some 25 years ago, and offer chic and tasteful furnishings in a quirky, intimate setting where attention is all in the detail. From the warm greeting, to the spacious Georgian rooms attractively furnished for the comfort of our guests, the champagne which you can order in advance of your stay, and the delicious gourmet breakfast created using only the finest ingredients, we, at Dukes boutique B&B, Bath, are on hand to make your city break memorable.

Boutique B&B in Bath –  click here to find out more

Bath is a picturesque, historic city that simply oozes charm, and has been attracting tourists for centuries. Nowadays an incredible four million people visit Bath every year and its splendid architecture and cultural significance are just some of the reasons why this wonderful city gained the title of a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. Dukes hotel B&B is located in central Bath, so it is within walking distance of all the main attractions; and whether you want to find out more about the city’s history, or just simply enjoy a restful stay, we are here to make your visit run smoothly.

The History of Bath

The healing properties of Bath springs were discovered in ancient times, and as well as using the springs to supply water to the public baths, the Romans built a temple here devoted to the Goddess of healing.  The Bath of the Roman era eventually fell into disrepair, but saw a revival in Mediaeval times thanks to the wool trade, and people still came to the town hoping to be cleansed from their illnesses in the hot springs.

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries Bath remained a draw for healing, even receiving Royal visitors, including the wife of James I who had dropsy; which is an abnormal swelling of the tissues. Even in the late 17th century, bottled water was sold from Bath for its healing properties.

The town grew rapidly in the 18th century when it became a fashionable place to be and many fine buildings were constructed for the upper classes including the Royal Crescent, built by John Wood the Younger.  Summer brought many wealthy tourists who headed for hotel breaks in Bath to enjoy parties, sporting activities and fine dining. It remained a tourist destination, and in the late 19th century it received an added boost when the old Roman baths were discovered.

Throughout the 20th century, the destination remained a popular place to visit with various places to stay in Bath, along with a number of museums ranging from art, photography, and even a postal museum! However, it was this century that saw the opening of the most recent attraction, the Bath Spa, which has become a major tourist draw; and if you a looking for a pampering weekend at the Dukes boutique B&B, the Bath Thermae Spa is the place to go!

The Bath Spa

The New Royal Bath opened to the public in the summer of 2006 and is a magnet for tourists, developed at an incredible cost of £45 million. The main building, which is glass, was designed by architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw – known for his modernist buildings – and adjoins the traditional Georgian spa buildings.

The famous Bath’s spring waters are one of a kind as they are the warmest to be found in the United Kingdom. The spa itself comprises an indoor pool, open air pool, thermal baths, a steam room and a large number of treatment rooms. If you are thinking of spending at least some of the day here during your stay in Bath, you can choose from 50 health and beauty treatments on offer. Packages vary from twohours to a full day spa session - and there is no need to worry about booking in advance as you just turn up on the day. It’s the perfect finish to your short break away or weekend break in Bath.

One of many things that makes Dukes boutique B&B, Bath, so special is that, along with the elegant decor and friendly, personal service, our guest house is centrally located so everything is nearby. After a Saturday visiting the museums, theatre, pavement cafes or baths, you can enjoy a lazy Sunday in total relaxation at the spa, which is within easy walking distance from Dukes.

Boutique B&B Bath –  Find out more about what we have to offer or make a booking on 01225 787960

Saturday 24 August 2013

Boutique bed and breakfast in Bath: Shopping Breaks

Staying at a boutique bed and breakfast in Bath for a shopping break gives the chance to discover a host of interesting and unusual retailers. These range from designer clothes outlets to independent and quirky shops where you can pick up unique gifts. The city also stages several popular markets, including a Christmas market, which give still more opportunities to find alternatives to the usual high street fare and buy items you are unlikely to find anywhere else.

Dukes is the ideal place for shoppers to stay because of its location in the city centre, within easy walking distance of all the major stores. We have deluxe rooms which will easily accommodate families, as well as guest rooms with canopied four-posters for a touch of romance. And, before you set out shopping, our chef will serve a breakfast of your choice to set you up for the day.

Boutique Bed and Breakfast in Bath  – click here to find out more.

Dukes boutique bed and breakfast in Bath has compiled a guide to some of the unusual and interesting shopping venues around the city which are well worth visiting.

Top Shopping Areas

Milsom Quarter: This is a great area to visit for designer fashion, with such an array of boutiques and top stores that it has in the past been voted Britain's “best fashion street.” Hobbs, Karen Millen and Reiss are just a few of the top names here, as well as department stores including House of Fraser and the independent Rossiter's of Bath. The shopping centre Milsom Place, created from a group of Georgian buildings, has a good mix of independent shops, with collections from Prada, Alessi and many leading designers, accessories, jewellery and many more luxury items. Alongside the shops are many restaurants and coffee shops.

City Centre: Bath has an enviable mix of high street stores and independent shops which makes it a top destination for shoppers. Set off down one of the many small alleyways, and you are almost bound to discover a hidden gem. The Silver Shop of Bath is full of unusual gifts, while Bijoux Beads offers designer jewellery from around the world. If you are looking for locally handmade quality gifts, Bath Aqua Glassware and Timber Treasures both specialise in this type of product, and Bath Abbey Shop offers a range of heritage souvenirs.

SouthGate: Situated next to Bath Spa railway station, this new shopping centre has more than 60 stores and restaurants, with Debenhams as the anchor department store. Fashion retailers include top names like Superdry and Calvin Klein, while there is also an Apple store complete with Genius bar, jewellers Fabulous and Pandora, and many leading high street names. The centre also boasts an 860-space car park.

Upper Town: Walk towards the top end of Bath, near the world famous Royal Crescent, and you will discover a mix of attractive independent shops, cafés and galleries. Among the cutting-edge fashion shops in Bartlett Street are Mee, a leading boutique stocking many sought after labels, and Lux, which sells top name shoes and handbags.

After a busy day out shopping, you might be feeling tired and ready to enjoy a well earned afternoon tea. Dukes boutique bed and breakfast in Bath offers this as a speciality, with delicious finger sandwiches, scones and cream. Just tell us slightly in advance and we will arrange it all.

Markets

Bath Guildhall Market: This historic market has been on its current site since the 16th century and has a famous dome which dates from the 1860s. The market now has a blend of shops and stalls, including many unusual and quirky retailers such as the Bath Humbug Shop, Dream of Olwen, which sells embroidered handbags and silk scarves, and various party and fancy dress shops.

Bath Farmers' Market: If you are looking for locally produced food and deliciously different items then this market, which is held every Saturday at Bath's Green Park, is worth checking out. Venison, wild boar, smoked fish and local fruit juices and vinegars are just some of the items sold here. There are also other markets held at the same venue, including monthly artisan and antiques fairs.

Bath Christmas Market: Running over an 18 day period starting in late November, this is a major event which sees more than 150 wooden chalets put up in the city centre, near the Roman Baths. All the retailers taking part sell unique handmade items, many of which have been produced locally. Items on sale range from chocolates, chillis and cheeses to handcrafted jewellery and Christmas decorations with a difference.

Anyone seeking a boutique bed and breakfast in Bath will find that Dukes is the perfect place to stay. The premises are sumptuously decorated in Georgian style, with period features and antique furniture, and has a wide choice of spacious accommodation.

Dukes Weekends in Bath
: To find out more about staying at Dukes, click on the link or call 01225 787960 now.
 

Thursday 22 August 2013

Bath Weekend Breaks - Culture Weekends

If you are looking to enjoy a feast of culture, Bath weekend breaks will provide you with a great choice of theatre, art, literature and music. In fact, the only problem you are likely to face is that one weekend is just not long enough to fit it all in. The city also has a programme of major festivals all through the year, offering even more to do and see.

Dukes is the perfect place to stay while you are enjoying this rich cultural mix, because of its   setting in the heart of the famous heritage city, which has been drawing visitors since Roman times. The boutique B&B has a superb central location amid the Georgian elegance of Great Pulteney Street, meaning you can easily walk to all the city centre attractions. It consists of two fine town houses which were built more than 200 years ago, and has 17 varied and luxurious rooms, boasting features such as sash windows and high ceilings. All are ideal for Bath weekend breaks, ranging from four-poster bed opulence for romantic couples to larger rooms with space for families to relax.

Bath Weekend Breaks – click here for more information.

Theatres: Bath has a selection of theatres catering for all tastes, so there is bound to be something appealing to you. The Theatre Royal, a Georgian theatre which has been refurbished in the last few years, offers a varied programme throughout the year. This includes visiting productions from the West End as well as everything from Shakespeare to comedies, farces and concerts. The Theatre Royal also runs the Egg Theatre for young people and the Ustinov Studio, which stages unusual and innovative productions. Other venues include the small and intimate Rondo Theatre, the Institute of Contemporary Interdisciplinary Arts (ICIA), which is based at the University of Bath but uses venues around the city, and the new Bath Spa University Theatre.

If you are heading out for an evening, you can enjoy pre-dinner drinks at Dukes, and we also offer a late-night cheese board with a glass of port for guests returning from the theatre. Just let us know a little in advance and we will provide these specialities.

Art Galleries: The Victoria Art Gallery and Holburne Museum in central Bath both have works by Gainsborough among their collections, together with a host of other exhibits spanning the centuries. They both stage an ever-changing programme of exhibitions, including national touring events as well as those with a local flavour, and showcase everyone from Rembrandt to Picasso. For fans of modern art, the Peter Hayes Studio and Gallery is another interesting place to visit. Based in an old toll house beside the River Avon, it offers visitors the chance to see how the artist creates his unique ceramic pieces. If you are more interested in ceramics from ages past, you will find them at the Museum of East Asian Art, with jade and bronze works dating right back to 5,000 BC.

Literature: Bath is famous for its links with writer Jane Austen, who chose the fashionable city as a setting for two of her great novels, 'Northanger Abbey' and 'Persuasion'. For admirers of her work enjoying Bath weekend breaks, a visit to the Jane Austen Centre is a must. You will be welcomed by costumed staff, helping to give a feeling that you are travelling back in time, and you can even dress up in Regency bonnets and bows yourself if you wish – something which is especially popular with young visitors. The centre has a permanent exhibition about the author's life in Bath, and also organises Austen-themed walking tours of the city.

Music: There is an exciting live music scene in Bath, with a choice of venues for anyone seeking a night of dance, rock, pop or jazz. Komedia, a new entertainment hub in the city centre, hosts a wide range of touring music as well as hosting regular comedy and cabaret nights. Folk and jazz artists are among the performers showcased at the Chapel Arts Centre and Café, another popular nightspot. Many classical music events are also staged in the city, from band concerts in the city's parks to concerts by orchestras such as the Bath Philharmonia. Just outside the city, the Michael Tippett Centre at Bath Spa University puts on a wide ranging concert programme.

Festivals: Bath is a city which stages major festivals all year round, including the Jane Austen Festival in September, featuring a grand Regency costume parade through the city centre and a costumed ball. Also in September is the Bath Festival of Children's Literature, while the Great Bath Feast in October is a gourmet's delight, with top chefs taking part and all kinds of delicacies on the menu. Then in November comes the Bath Mozartfest, celebrating its 21st birthday in 2013 with concerts in Bath's famous Assembly Rooms, while Bath Film Festival is yet another autumn treat.

If you are planning Bath weekend breaks, then Dukes boutique B&B is the ideal base, with elegant accommodation in a prime location. The spacious and welcoming rooms and top class facilities mean you will have a wonderful time and be able to relax in style after all your sightseeing.

Dukes Luxury B&B Bath:  To book a weekend break or for more information, follow the link or call 01225 787960.