The Bath Arms, Near Frome, Wiltshire - Explore & Book
"The quaint Wiltshire village of Horningsham forms part of the leafy Longleat Estate, with patchwork hills and forests all around, a small green with a telephone box, a 1500s church, and this handsome pub at the heart. The Bath Arms has been here since the 17th Century, and it's chocka with olde worlde charm. Enter through a small, flagged hall to find a warren of snugs and lamp-lit salons with crinkly leather sofas, mis-matched chairs, chunky wooden tables and grandfather clocks. Dogs doze by the fire, guests chat over a pint of local ale or an elegant meal, and on sunny days, everyone spills out onto the terrace and flower-filled gardens. Staff are friendly, and service is spot on - this pub is part of the excellent Beckford Group (The Beckford Arms, The Lord Poulett Arms, The Talbot Inn), so you'd expect nothing less. Up a maze of carpeted stairs are 9 super-comfy bedrooms; a further 7 sit in a separate Stable Block. Expect huge beds with duck down duvets, organic Bramley bath products, and a locally sourced breakfast to set you up for the day. Then head out to Longleat house and its attractive gardens, or the Safari Park, or the lovely market town of Frome, or the artsy enclave of Bruton. Return for a relaxing spa treatment at the cabin in the garden, then hit the pub for drinks and dinner. This is a lovely area for a little escape to classic British countryside. Highs The food is seriously good: a mix of pub classics and exquisite fine-dining dishes We loved the fact that the bar is full of locals as well as visitors, and the atmosphere is convivial and laid-back The close proximity to Longleat's mansion, gardens, railway and safari park Staff are attentive and good-humoured Great for all; couples, friends, families and dogs are all made very welcome in both the pub and the rooms Lows It's an old building with thin walls, so be prepared for some worn furnishings and a bit of noise drifting up to rooms above the pub Though full of character, the attic rooms have low ceilings, and their bathrooms have baths rather than showers because you can't stand up in them! You can't actually walk to Longleat house from here as it's up a private road, but it's only a short drive away Be sure not to confuse this for the Bath Arms at Crockerton, also on the Longleat Estate!" - Lucy Richardson
