Explore Bath and beyond, and enjoy a luxurious stay at a modern-day country estate.  

DO Explore the historic architecture, buzzing shops and gourmet restaurants of nearby Bath. Wildlife-lovers will enjoy seeing lions, giraffes and rhino at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park. Literary fans should visit during the Jane Austen festival. Babington House can organise adventure activities such as rock climbing, horse riding, shooting or golf.  

EAT AND DRINK A must-visit in Bath is Sally Lunn’s, one of the oldest houses in Bath, serving up a historic brioche treat, the Bath Bun. Supposedly Jane Austen feasted on these to the point of discomfort. Back at Babington House, there’s a deli bar, childfree cocktail bar, restaurant and complimentary tea, scones and cakes in the afternoon so you may not need to leave the grounds at all.  

STAY It’s dream territory at Babington House. The 18 lush acres include a cricket pitch, tennis courts, swimming pools, a cinema, library and spa. The majority of the rooms are tailored towards style-conscious couples and are explicitly not family-friendly. If you do have the kids in tow, there are options like the Stable Block Rooms but, overall, this is more of an adult’s retreat. There’s impeccable gourmet food and most rooms boast a fireplace and freestanding bath. It’s easy to understand why British celebrities flock here to escape the city.  

GET THERE It’s approximately two hour’s drive from London to Babington House.

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