As a January baby, I usually let my actual birthday come and go with little fanfare. I celebrate later in the month or year because January just seems a little early to celebrate, well, anything. But I’m devoting this year to self-care and living well so I booked a weekend stay at Babington House for some luxe relaxation and pampering. I’m not usually one for staycations but Babington House UK is special. In this blog post, I’ll share my Babington House UK review and take you along with me to the stunning country retreat that felt like the perfect indulgent birthday treat.
Location and Setting
Babington House Somerset is part of Soho House and, in my opinion, it’s one of their finest properties. It’s situated near Frome in Somerset, so a fair journey from London but the drive is spectacular. Think layers upon layers of beautiful rolling countryside and, if you’re lucky, you’ll drive right past Stone Henge.
The main building is a Grade-II listed manor which was built in 1705. It’s been thoughtfully restored and still has lots of original features. Think beautiful big windows, high ceilings, original coving and stunning fireplaces made for cosying up in front of.
Rooms
There are 33 rooms at Babington House UK, spread across the main house plus additional lodges, cabins and stable blocks. While staying in the main house is convenient for dinners and drinks, we chose to book one of the Coach House rooms as they’re more spacious but still close to the house. Split across two floors, our room had an entranceway, living area and bathroom downstairs and a cosy bedroom complete with a free-standing bath upstairs. Taking a long, bubbly bath is one of life’s best little indulgences so I rarely book a UK staycation if the room doesn’t have a decent tub.
Each room is individually decorated but follows a pretty English cottage aesthetic with a mix of antique and modern pieces in each room. The feel is curated and luxe with a focus on textures. You definitely know which corner of the UK you’re in at Babington House Somerset. My favourite thing about staying at a Soho House property is the bed. They’re always huge, the linens feel gorgeous and they have the fluffiest pillows. I’m loathed to leave the bed each morning!
Amenities
The reason we chose to stay at Babington House UK is the wealth of amenities. R&R was at top of the agenda and this was the perfect place to indulge, luxuriate and be pampered. One of the most well-known features is the spa and its indoor and outdoor pool. Doubtless, you’ve seen picture-perfect shots on your Instagram feed.
Babington House is home to the original Cowshed Spa so we each booked a 90-minute scrub and massage treatment during our stay. The spa building and sun-dappled treatment rooms were an oasis for pampering. I opted for a deep-tissue massage to work out the ever-present knots in my back and shoulders. This was the best massage I’ve experienced in the UK and I keep thinking about it to this day. I floated out of the spa with butter soft skin and barely a care in the world, which is exactly what I needed.
I rarely book a hotel without spa facilities so during our stay, we made a point of flitting between the sauna and steam room daily. If you prefer your UK staycations a little more active, there’s also a gym and tennis court. I didn’t go to the gym as it always seemed crowded but we booked a morning yoga class which was a divine way to start the day.
Dining
Unsurprisingly, we didn’t even think to step foot outside the grounds once we arrived. The main restaurant, The Orangery, offers a homely, seasonal menu and outstanding views of the grounds from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Like Soho Farmhouse, Babington House UK has its own walled garden and offers a truly farm-to-table experience. Vegetables and herbs are likely sourced from the garden and other ingredients come from local suppliers.
Having luxuriated in the spa for what seemed like hours, it was a treat to just hop and skip over to The Orangery for dinner. I opted for the mac & cheese with lots of sides – pampering is a tiring pursuit – and it was utterly delicious.
Hours later, we were back at the restaurant for breakfast. I loved the vegetarian full English, with emphasis on the FULL. Food portions are generous, I tried my best to finish my plate but had to admit defeat. I would say, the sausages weren’t great so I filled up on the eggs, avocado, halloumi and beans.
Babington House also offers a complimentary afternoon tea from 3pm in the Deli. I found most of the cakes to be underwhelming and a little dry so happily skipped this after our first day. It’s lovely to offer a little nibble and a warm pot of tea as a mid-afternoon treat though.
My Verdict + Babington House UK Review
This was my first time staying at Babington House Somerset and I can’t wait to return. It was a truly special weekend and perfect for those seeking a luxurious UK staycation. I left feeling like I was floating on cloud nine after two days of pampering and indulgence.
The countryside chic aesthetic made me fall in love with the English countryside and the extensive amenities kept us in bliss for our entire stay. It was also handy to have a gorgeous restaurant and cosy bar to hole up in. You don’t need to leave the grounds. If you want the ultimate in luxury and relaxation, book your next UK staycation at Babington House Somerset. I hope you found my Babington House UK review helpful, drop me a comment if you have any questions.
Note: You do need to be a Soho House member to stay at Babington House Somerset.
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