Macdonald Bath Spa’s Head Butler is turning tour guide to reveal Bath’s first Best Kept Secrets tour, to enhance the hotel’s iconic reputation as one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.
Jeremy Burnett noticed a surge in interest from leisure and business guests looking to experience the less discovered parts of Bath and asking for advice on how best to experience the city’s rich heritage off-the-beaten-track.
This trend coincides with a rising interest in authentic stays, where visitors aim to discover a real sense of place at a destination by exploring hidden delights that cannot be found in your average guidebook.
Responding to this demand, Jeremy created a bespoke itinerary to give them the opportunity to experience the city at its best.
First on the Best Kept Secrets Tour is Bath’s Old Orchard Street Theatre, one of the most undiscovered buildings in the city. Opening up onto quiet cobbled backstreets, the theatre has a unique history that spreads over 260 years and is the home of one of England’s oldest provincial Masonic Lodges.
Next on the Butler turned tour guide’s list is Bath Abbey, founded in the 7th century and one of the largest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in the West Country.
One of Jeremy’s personal favourite spots is Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights. Nestled on John Street and named the UK’s Independent Bookshop of the Year, the emporium is known for its wide selection of books spanning across three floors of a pretty Georgian building.
As a final stop, Jeremy will encourage guests to visit Bath Brew House, a free house offering brewery tours, local and international craft beers and a charcoal spit.
Jeremy said: “I’m constantly being asked by guests about interesting places to see that most tourists don’t get to experience, so it’s fantastic to give guests the inside story to Bath’s best kept secrets.
“The city has a rich and interesting heritage and Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel is a landmark at the heart of it. It’s important to me to be able to give guests not only the best stay possible, but a real insight into Bath’s rich history.”
The five-star hotel is located in the heart of historic Bath and is part of The Macdonald Hotels’ Signature Collection, with flexible meeting rooms, stylish accommodation and two AA rosettes for excellent quality and service.
Jonathan Dawson, regional managing director of Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, added: “Our hotel is incredibly popular with people looking to explore the area in a different way.
“The team at the hotel is always looking for ways to go the extra mile and Jeremy saw a fantastic opportunity to give guests some fascinating added-value.
“We know that guests look for experiences that are authentic and cannot be had elsewhere. Jeremy’s tour will help to achieve this.”
The Butler tours have been launched following Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa’s Doorman started a Hidden Gems tour of the city.
