The UK’s hidden gem where you can find access the country’s only naturally hot mineral water

A unique experience found nowhere else in the UK is hidden in the heart of Bath - it’s a place where you can find natural hot mineral-rich water.

At the heart of this experience is The Gainsborough Bath Spa, a luxurious hotel that grants exclusive access to these naturally heated thermal waters.

The Gainsborough Bath Spa occupies two Grade II Listed buildings with Georgian and Victorian facades, located in the center of Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The buildings have a rich history dating back to 1826, when they served as a United Hospital, which was later expanded and redeveloped over the decades. 

Today, The Gainsborough is a luxurious hotel that blends historical architecture with modern elegance.

Opened as a hotel in July 2015, The Gainsborough is YTL’s first hotel in the UK and offers exclusive access to the city’s only naturally heated thermal waters. 

These waters are fed into three pools in the Spa Village Bath, where guests can enjoy the healing and rejuvenating properties that have been celebrated for centuries.

The thermal waters of Bath contain over 42 minerals, including sulphate, calcium, and chloride, which are believed to have therapeutic effects. 

The water, which originates as rainfall from over 10,000 years ago, filters through the earth and heats to 69°C (156°F) before resurfacing at an average temperature of 45°C (113°F). 

By the time it reaches the pools, the water is at a soothing 35°C (95°F), making it ideal for relaxation.

For centuries, people suffering from arthritis have benefited from the therapeutic effects of the thermal waters. 

Paying homage to its historic setting, The Gainsborough was designed by New York-based Champalimaud Design, combining modern luxury with a timeless sense of elegance. 

Guests can experience the perfect balance of heritage and contemporary comfort while soaking in the UK’s only natural thermal waters.

Whether you’re looking to relax, immerse yourself in history, or explore Bath’s stunning architecture, The Gainsborough Bath Spa offers a truly unique and luxurious way to experience one of the city’s most extraordinary natural wonders.

Picture credit: Gainsborough