HARINGTON’S in Bath - Hotel Review with Photos

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Updated: May 17, 2022

Essentials
• Location: Queen St close to Queen Square.
• Hotel website: haringtonshotel.co.uk
• Hotel phone: +44 1225 461 728
• Check prices for Harington’s

Review of Harington’s Hotel in Bath, UK.

The boutique Harington’s offers quirky, cozy, and well-furnished rooms in an excellent location.

Harington’s – Small, characterful boutique hotel right in the heart of historic Bath.

On a quiet pedestrian street, Harington’s Hotel is all about location. You’re as central as can be – just a few minutes’ stroll from the main attractions, with bars and dining right on your doorstep. Spread over three interconnecting Georgian houses, the hotel consists of thirteen rooms that are snug, well-furnished, and decorated in fun styles, each with bold, eye-catching wallpaper, and a Nespresso machine. Quirky and whimsical furnishings throughout, including references to Sir John Harington, the inventor of the flushing toilet. Besides the first-rate breakfast and a whirlpool tub on the patio, there’s also wonderfully personalized service.

Harington’s – Location

Address: 8-10 Queen St.
Area: Narrow, cobbled pedestrian street right in the historic heart of Bath, with a couple of excellent bars and pubs just across from the hotel. Just minutes’ walk to all the major attractions, including the Roman Baths, Jane Austen Centre, and Bath Abbey. Central Bath is very compact and walkable, and northern Bath and the Royal Crescent are a 5-minute walk away.
How to Get There: Take one of the frequent trains from London Paddington to Bath Spa station (1.5 hours) and then walk for 10 minutes (0.5 mile).
Handy to: Roman Baths, Bath Abbey. Thermae Bath Spa.

Harington’s – The Basics

Ages: While many of the guests tend to be couples or travelers on a city break, families with children can be accommodated in some rooms and also in the self-catering apartments.
View: Rooms look out either over the small garden patio or the narrow, cobbled Queen Street.
Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools/jacuzzis.
Laundry: In-room laundry service.
Parking: No parking on-site, but parking at a nearby site costs £14 per day.
Extras: Complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day. Extensive information on Bath’s attractions, plus dining recommendations.
When to Book: Reserve 2-3 months in advance for the summer high season as well as much of December (Christmas market) and the Christmas/New Year period.
How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
Phone: +44 1225 461 728
Email: post@haringtonshotel.co.uk
Website: haringtonshotel.co.uk

Harington’s – Amenities

Pool: There’s a hot tub on the patio for guest use: £7.50 per person for 1 hour; guests can also hire it out for Double Bubble – private hot tub and champagne time – for £22.50 per person.
Spa: No spa, but the staff can point you towards the best place for a massage.
Fitness Center: No fitness center on-site, but guests may use Stanza Gym 100m down the street for £5 per day.
For Disabled Guests: No adapted rooms.
For Families: Baby cots available; extra beds can be provided for older kids (£25), and there are board games and DVDs available.

Harington’s – Food and Drink

Restaurant: There is no formal restaurant on the premises, though guests can order sandwiches, light bites, and good, freshly ground coffee at the coffee lounge throughout the day. There are also numerous dining options right on the hotel’s doorstep, and the owners are happy to provide recommendations.
Lounge/Bar: The on-site honesty bar is well-stocked with whiskeys, wines, and gins, as well as local ales and craft beer. Open until 11pm daily.
Breakfast: Not complimentary unless you book direct. Continental breakfast costs £7.50, while full breakfast, including kippers, pancakes with berries and more, costs £12.50. Available from 7.30-10 am on weekdays and 8 am to 10.30 am on weekends.
Room Service: Snacks, soups, salads, and sandwiches available until 11pm.

Harington’s – Rooms

Room Types: Standard Double • Superior Double • Feature Double • Large Superior Double/Twin • Feature Queen Double • Superior Triple • One-Bedroom Apartment • Two-Bedroom Apartment • Four-Bedroom Apartment • List of all Rooms
Smoking Rooms: Harington’s Hotel is 100% smoke-free.
Best Room: The Large Superior Double is the most spacious of the rooms, whereas the Feature Double is the quirkiest – split across 2 floors, with the toilet featuring trivia about Sir John Harington, the inventor of the flushing loo.
For Families: No family rooms per se, but the Superior Triple can accommodate a couple with a child.

Harington’s – Local Transport

Walking: The Jane Austen Centre is a 2-minute walk; the Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Abbeym and Thermae Bath Spa are all a 4-minute walk away; while the Circus is a 6-minute stroll away. Easily walkable to the Royal Crescent and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy. Numerous bars, restaurants, and boutiques in the surrounding streets.
Taxis, Uber: Taxis and Uber charge around £5 from the train station to the hotel. Central Bath is very walkable, and you can easily reach all the main attractions on foot.

Harington’s – What’s Nearby?

Recommended Nearby Tours

Mayor’s Honorary Guides – Superb free walking tours (no tips or gratuities accepted) run by certified city guides passionate about its history. Meet outside the Roman Baths at 10.30am and 2pm Sunday to Friday and 10.30am only on Saturday. (0.2 mile).
Bizarre Bath Tours – These “hysterical rather than historical” walking tours are a fun-filled way to spend an evening and give you an irreverent overview of the city. They depart at 8pm nightly from The Huntsman on North Parade. (0.3 mile).
Mad Max Tours – Award-winning small group day trips to popular locations outside Bath, such as Stonehenge, the Cotswolds villages, plus Glastonbury, Wells, and Cheddar Gorge. Departures from the Abbey Hotel on North Parade. (0.4 mile).

Best Nearby Restaurants

Olé Tapas – Tiny tapas bar with wonderfully authentic dishes – from platters of cold cuts and Spanish cheeses with quince paste, to the paprika-dusted Galician-style octopus. Plenty of Spanish wines by the glass, too. (25m).
Giggling Squid – Contemporary Thai restaurant where the recipes are based on dishes that the chef grew up with, such as slow-cooked lamb massaman curry, spicy seafood pad cha stir-fry, and green curry with chicken. Thai tapas available throughout the day. (100m).
The Oven – Artisanal pizzeria specializing in authentic Neapolitan pizza. Their signature pizza is topped with cotto ham, ‘nduja, fig jam, and creamed walnuts. Popular with families. (0.1 mile).
Pump Room Restaurant – Attached to the Roman Baths, this elegant Georgian dining room serves light lunches and proper afternoon teas, complete with cakes and dainty little sandwiches. (0.2 mile).
Clayton’s Kitchen – With outdoor tables in the delightful outdoor passage, Clayton’s wouldn’t look out of place in Paris. The Modern British dishes are fresh, seasonal, and beautifully presented. Lunch is a bargain and there’s an eclectic wine list. (0.2 mile).
The Scallop Shell – Unpretentious restaurant where the fish is the star. Sit at one of the plain wooden tables beneath the nautical paraphernalia and tuck into some of the best fish and chips of your life. (0.2 mile).
Acorn – Award-winning vegan restaurant. Choose from a 5 or 7-course tasting menu, opt for a menu of small plate classics or go for a set 3-course lunch menu. Book ahead. (0.3 mile).
Olive Tree – Surprisingly affordable tasting menus, given that it’s Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant: 5 and 7-course, with vegan and vegetarian variations on the 7, featuring beautifully presented dishes crafted from regionally sourced produce. (0.4 mile).

Nearby Cafes and Tea Shops

Colonna & Small’s – Bath’s best coffee shop is a must for bean aficionados. There are three guest espresso varieties on offer, as well as a rotating roster of single origin filter coffees sourced worldwide. (0.1 mile).
Sally Lunn’s – Locally revered tea shop serving classic afternoon tea, complete with tiny cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off. Alternatively, go for a Bath cream tea, which includes half of Sally’s famous toasted bunns with cinnamon butter and with clotted cream on the side. (0.3 mile).
The Colombian Company – Pint-sized, cosy coffee shop that specializes exclusively in single origin coffees from Colombia. An array of cakes tempt those with a sweet tooth. (0.3 mile).

Best Nearby Bars and Pubs

The Raven – This congenial place is best for chats over a pint of ale, including their very own Raven Gold. There are also excellent pies to choose from, from classic meat to goat’s cheese and sweet potato.
Canary Gin Bar – A must-visit for fans of all things juniper-based, the cozy, subtly-lit Canary stocks over 230 types of gin. Apart from killer G&Ts, there’s a long list of gin-based cocktails and occasional masterclasses. (40m).
The Salamander – Classic local pub known for its house beers, such as the Wild Hare Pale Ale and the amber Gem. Good pub food is served upstairs. (40m).
Corkage – This cozy wine bar, lined with legions of wine bottles, has an excellent selection of tipples from all over the world, though it’s particularly strong on French, Italian, and Spanish wines. This central branch also does a full menu of bistro dishes. (0.1 mile).
Dark Horse – Sultry basement bar with subdued lighting, intimate nooks, and Bath’s best cocktails, with seasonal ingredients made in-house, and many original creations. Go for a Sea of Storms or a classic pina colada. Book ahead for weekends. (0.2 mile).
BeerCraft of Bath – Just off Pulteney Bridge, this lively craft beer bar with four rotating beers on tap doubles as a bottle shop that stocks over 500 bottled brews from all over Europe and further afield. (0.2 mile).
The Hideout – Whiskies from around the world are the specialty at this snug sub-basement bar hidden beneath a medieval stone arch, from Glennfidich single malts to Japanese whisky blends. Have it on the rocks, as part of a cocktail or a Crab Smasher shooter. (0.3 mile).

Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops

Castle Fine Art – This branch of the gallery showcases paintings, sculptures, sketches, and more by 60 contemporary British artists, from London cityscapes by Paul Kenton to cartoons of Marvel superheroes by Nigel Humphries. (125m).
Penhaligon’s – Bath branch of the illustrious British house of fragrances, started by a Cornish barber in London some 150 years ago. Also stocks high-end bath and body products. (150m).
DuoBoots – Calf-length, knee-length, and over-the-knee boots for ladies designed and sold here. Designs range from timeless classics to on-trend footwear. (0.1 mile).
House of Fraser – With marble columns and an impressive façade, House of Fraser is the oldest department store in the UK, beautifully restored to its 1820’s splendor. Formerly known as Jolly’s. Inside, you’ll find fine homewares and luxury brands such as Chanel and Armani. (0.1 mile).
Bath Aqua Glass – This central branch directly opposite the Roman Baths entrance sells colourful wares from Bath’s famous glass-blowing workshop. (0.2 mile).
Roman Baths Shop – Terrific gift shop with Roman and Bath-themed souvenirs, from Asterix books in Latin and books on the history of Roman Britain to small batch spirits by Bath Botanical gin and hand-foraged preserves by Heavenly Hedgerows. (0.2 mile).
Clandar – All about British textiles, Clandar specializes in designing and making its own range of British tweed clothing, with the tweed sourced from historic British tweed mills. Scottish cashmere and British woolens also sold here. (0.2 mile).
The Antique Map Shop – On Pulteney Bridge, this specialist shop is particularly strong on antique maps of Great Britain and its various regions. The oldest map here dates back to the 15th century. (0.2 mile).
Topping & Company – Browse one of UK’s best independent bookshops, complete with rolling library ladders. The bookshop attracts year-round signings by authors and plays an important part in the annual Bath Literary Festival. (0.2 mile).
Independent Spirit of Bath – Besides specializing in single malt whiskies from Scotland and elsewhere, artisan gins, and the best of British craft beer, this shop also organizes whisky tastings and gin and cocktail masterclasses. (0.3 mile).

Nearby Attractions

Jane Austen Centre – Museum dedicated to Bath’s famous former resident. British novelist Jane Austen lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806 and set two of her novels here: Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, based on her observations of Regency society. There are hands-on exhibits, snippets from Austen’s letters, and guides dressed as characters from her novels. (0.1 mile).
Roman Baths – Known to the Romans as Aquae Sulis, this largely intact Roman baths complex dates back to 70AD and is fed by mineral-rich hot springs. Visitor highlights include the Great Bath, the temple courtyard, and the on-site museum with its wealth of mosaics, Roman coins, and statuary. (0.2 mile).
Thermae Bath Spa – While it’s not possible to bathe in the Roman baths, you can enjoy the same mineral-rich waters as the Romans did 2,000 years ago at this state-of-the-art spa. Soak in the basement pool and hot tub, treat yourself to massages and facials, or head up to the open-air rooftop pool. (0.2 mile).
Bath Abbey Tower – For breathtaking views of Bath’s rooftops and the surrounding countryside, take a tour of the Abbey Tower. See the bell ringing chamber and a hidden room with the Abbey clock mechanism before scaling the spiral staircase all the way to the top. (0.2 mile).
Victoria Art Gallery – Bath’s second most visited museum displays works from over 2,000 artists inside a stately 19th-century building. These range from portraits painted by renowned artists such as Thomas Gainsborough and Johann Zoffany to city landscapes by the likes of Walter Sickert and John Nash, and amateur works by up-and-coming local painters. (0.2 mile).
Herschel Museum of Astronomy – Astronomy buffs shouldn’t miss a visit to the house-museum of William Herschel, a German musician with a passion for the stars. In 1781, he discovered Uranus from the garden of this very home, using a telescope that he himself had built. (0.3 mile).
The Circus – Comprising 3 terraces, each divided into 11 mansions, and curved around a circular green space, the Circus was inspired by Rome’s Colosseum and built in 1768 to the specifications of architect John Wood the Elder. Past residents have included painter Thomas Gainsborough, actor Nicolas Cage, and Clive of India. (0.3 mile).
Fashion Museum & Assembly Rooms – Marvel at the gowns, dresses, breeches, gloves, and wigs from fashion trends from the 17th to late 20th centuries, and don’t miss the special exhibit devoted to the fashions of the Royal Family. In the same building, the Assembly Rooms with their frescoed ceilings and original chandeliers used to host the 18th-century equivalent of the Kardashians and Paris Hiltons. (0.3 mile).
No. 1 Royal Crescent – Designed by architect John Wood the Younger and built in the 1770s, this sweeping crescent of 30 four-story mansions overlooks an idyllic park. You can visit the restored Georgian mansion with original furnishings at No. 1: 4-poster beds and wig-stretchers in the bedrooms, plus an elegant dining set in the grand dining room. (0.4 mile).

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

Waitrose – Central branch of the high-end supermarket. (0.1 mile).
Bath Guildhall Market – This covered market is the oldest shopping venue in the city. Twenty stalls and shops sell regional cheeses, leather goods, traditional British sweets, design-led jewelry, specialty teas and coffees, and second-hand books. There’s also an espresso bar and a café serving all-day English breakfasts and sandwiches. (0.2 mile).

Harington’s – The Hotel

The reception area is also a guest lounge.

The reception area at Harington’s doubles as a cozy guest lounge.

The guest lounge has a well-stocked honesty bar.

The guest lounge comes with an honesty bar that’s well-stocked with gin, wine, whisky, and local craft beers and ales. Guests can help themselves up to 11pm daily.

The quirky decor pays homage to Sir John Harington.

The hotel’s quirky decor includes references to Sir John Harington, inventor of the lavatorial flush. The 1p coin on the armchair is a reference to the very British expression: “spending a penny’.

The outdoor hot tub can be used for a fee.

There’s a hot tub out on the small patio, which guests may use for £7.50 per hour. Alternatively, it can be hired out for private use, complete with champagne, for £22.50 per hour.

Breakfast and snacks are served in the dining room.

Breakfast is served in the dining room from 7.30am on weekdays and 8am on weekends; light bites, snacks, and sandwiches are available until 11pm daily.

Cozy Standard Doubles are well-appointed.

Standard Doubles are located on the third floor, accessible by stairs. They are on the snug side, but all come with excellent beds, flat-screen TVs, digital radios, nice touches such as hot water bottles, and either walk-in showers or bath and shower combos.

Individually styled rooms feature bold colors.

All rooms are individually styled, and are either painted in bold colors or come with striking wallpaper.

Superior Doubles have the advantage of more space and are located on the second floor.

Feature Queen Doubles are spacious but offer minimal views.

Feature Queen Doubles have less of a street view than the more compact rooms, since they’re on the first floor, but they are considerably roomier.

The largest room in the hotel is the Triple, suitable for a couple with a child and located on the second floor.

Since the hotel is inside a heritage building, rooms vary in size, as do the bathrooms, but all come with power showers.

The Raven opposite the hotel specializes in ales and pies.

Directly across the street from the hotel is The Raven, a classic pub specializing in real ales and terrific pies.

Canary Gin Bar close by has a large selection of gins and cocktails.

A few doors down is the Canary Gin Bar (Bath is famous for its gin), with over 230 varieties and a long cocktail list.

Jane Austen Centre, located close by, is worth a visit.

If you follow Queen St north and then west, you reach the corner with Gay St, where you will find the Jane Austen Centre – a must for fans of Regency England fiction. You’ll be shown around by characters from her novels.

Clayton’s Kitchen's 3-course lunches are a bargain.

A block north and a block east of the Jane Austen Centre, Clayton’s Kitchen serves very affordable Modern British fare; the 3-course lunches are a bargain.

Topping & Company nearby is Britain's best independent bookshop.

A block east of Clayton’s Kitchen is Topping & Company, one of Britain’s best independent bookshops, complete with rolling library ladders.

Bath Assembly Rooms and Fashion Museum features historic garments and ballrooms.

Next to Clayton’s Kitchen is a pedestrian passageway. Follow it north for a couple of minutes to reach the Bath Assembly Rooms and Fashion Museum, with garments through the ages and frescoed ballrooms.

Olive Tree at the Queensbury Hotel is Bath's only Michelin-starred restaurant.

A block north of the Assembly Rooms, the Queensbury Hotel on Russell St houses Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, the Olive Tree, in its basement. Its tasting menus are wonderfully affordable for what they are and the place has a buzzy and informal vibe.

Corkage wine bar serves French, Italian, and Spanish wines.

If, instead of heading north from the Jane Austen Centre, you cut west across the Queen Square, you’ll hit Corkage, a wine bar particularly strong on French, Italian, and Spanish wines. This central branch also welcomes dinner guests with a full menu of bistro dishes.

Colonna and Small’s is Bath's best coffee shop.

A few doors west of Corkage is Colonna and Small’s, Bath’s best coffee shop and laptop hangout, with single origin beans sourced from small-scale producers all over the world.

If you head north from the hotel and then immediately take a right along Quiet St, a block’s walk east brings you to Milsom St, renowned for its high-end shops and fine British tailoring. This is where you’ll find Penhaligon’s – the Bath branch of London’s illustrious house of fragrances.

Castle Fine Art sells the works of contemporary British artists.

Across the street from Penhaligon’s, Castle Fine Art sells paintings, sculptures, and more by over 60 contemporary British artists.

Giggling Squid serves contemporary Thai dishes and tapas.

Alternatively, head south from the hotel, take a right into Harington Place, and then head south along Barton Street. A couple of blocks down, you reach a sunny little square and a handsome stone building housing the Giggling Squid that’s all about contemporary, creative Thai dishes and Thai tapas throughout the day (popular with kids).

The Oven specializes in artisanal pizzas.

Almost directly opposite is The Oven, an artisanal pizzeria specializing in Neapolitan-style pizzas. It’s open all day and their signature pizza is amazing.

Just south of The Oven there are a couple of small squares. Kingsmead Square is surrounded by a cluster of cafes and bars; on the far side, the basement watering hole of Dark Horse is Bath’s best cocktail bar, with dimmed lighting and sultry decor. It’s small and extremely popular on weekends; book ahead.

Scallop Shell on Monmouth Street is renowned for its fish and chips.

Just north of Kingsmead Square, if you follow Monmouth Street for a couple of blocks, you come to the Scallop Shell. Their seafood dishes are merely adequate, but their fish and chips are outstanding.

Thermae Bath Spa offers Bath's famous thermal waters and spa.

If you head east from Kingsmead Square, then follow Westgate Buildings south for a couple of blocks, and then Hot Bath Street east for one block, you reach the Thermae Bath Spa – the only place in the city where you can enjoy Bath’s famous thermal waters apart from the spa inside the Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays tend to be quieter days.

The Great Bath and museum at the Roman Baths are worth visiting.

A block east are the Roman Baths – Aquae Sulis to the Romans and the town’s biggest attraction. Check out the Great Bath and the museum with its wealth of Roman finds. Go early in the day, before the school groups arrive, and get a combo ticket if you’re planning to visit the Victoria Art Gallery and Fashion Museum.

The gift shop sells excellent souvenirs.

You exit the Roman Baths through the gift shop, which is a great place to shop for quality Roman and Bath-themed souvenirs, such as locally made gin and Asterix comics in Latin.

Bath Aqua Glass sells colorful glass creations.

Opposite the main entrance to the Roman Baths and next to the Bath Abbey is Bath Aqua Glass, selling colorful creations from the city’s famous glass-blowing workshop.

Kingston Parade square features street musicians.

Around the corner from the main Bath Abbey entrance is Kingston Parade, the square in front of the Bath Abbey, complete with street musicians.

The panoramic views of the town from the Abbey tower are excellent.

Scaling the Abbey tower (closed during inclement weather) is particularly worthwhile, since you get fine 360-degree views from the top of the entire town. Tours run every hour and take around 45 minutes; get your tickets in advance just inside the Bath Abbey entrance.

Sally Lunn's is extremely popular for afternoon tea.

Two blocks south of the abbey and tucked away down the tiny North Parade is the legendary Sally Lunn’s – the most popular café in Bath for afternoon tea, with an attached museum – both inside one of Bath’s oldest houses. The specialty here is Bath cream tea, complete with a massive bun buttered with cinnamon butter.

Parade Gardens by the river is popular with picnickers.

North Parade brings you out by the Parade Gardens – the riverside green space popular with picnickers.

The 18th-century Pulteney Bridge is a popular landmark.

Follow the river north for a couple of minutes to reach Pulteney Bridge – a well-photographed 18th-century landmark that spans the River Avon. It looks particularly impressive from the west side of the river.

The Antique Map Shop is located on Pulteney Bridge.

Directly on the bridge is The Antique Map Shop – particularly good for centuries-old maps of different parts of the British isles. Check rates and availability: Harington’s

Harington’s Hotel in Bath, England

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