The Bothy

The Bothy is an absolute gem of a holiday property, which has recently undergone a complete rebuild to provide delightful accommodation with stunning countryside views.

Situated in the grounds of the owner's beautiful home, The Bothy is in a wonderfully peaceful setting in the village of Tunley. This classic little bothy is every inch the country retreat, yet less than six miles from the bustling and ever popular city of Bath. As it is only three miles from Odd Down Park and Ride, you will have no parking issues in Bath.

All situated on ground floor level, this charming bolthole for two has been carefully and stylishly designed with a smart and contemporary open plan living /dining/ kitchen area. The accommodation is completed by a beautifully appointed bedroom and an en suite shower room.

Outside there is a private terrace and large garden, shared with the owner. Complete with barbecue, you can enjoy eating al fresco on those balmy summer evenings, and you can enjoy stunning west countryside views, far reaching to The White Horse in Wiltshire.

Being a short drive into Bath city centre or a short walk deep into the countryside, The Bothy's location has an appeal which sets it apart from many cottages.

Tunley is a peaceful village six miles from Bath. The park and ride is less than 10 minutes drive away. A two minute stroll through the village will bring you to the highly regarded local village pub, The King William Inn. Countryside walks and cycling are right outside the front door and Priston Mill wedding venue is just a short drive away.

The beautiful, cosmopolitan city of Bath, a World Heritage Site, is less than six miles away. Bath offers something for everyone, no matter the time of year you visit, with events catering for all tastes - from the famous Christmas market to music, food and cultural festivals and world-class theatre productions on offer at the Theatre Royal. Bath's streets are lined with every kind of restaurant and there is a wide range of quality bars and shops are sure to tempt. The stunning architecture of Georgian terraces are famous and a joy to behold, whilst a visit to the celebrated Roman Baths and wonderful Bath Abbey are a must whilst staying in this beautiful city.

There are also many attractions within an hour's drive. Visit the home of Isambard Kingdom Brunel; Bristol, take a gentle boat trip along the Kennet and Avon Canal, explore the craft shops at Frome or Bradford-on-Avon, explore mystical Glastonbury, the Cheddar Caves, Wookey Hole, Lacock or even ancient Stonehenge.

LOCAL INFORMATION

TUNLEY is a beautiful English village with one pub serving excellent food and takeaways some evenings - The King William Inn, one minutes' walk away. There is also a Recreation Centre and a well-patronised football pitch. Tunley is 10 minutes from the park+ride and 15 mins drive from the centre of Bath. The location is perfect for couples wanting to explore the countryside by foot or bike and also spend time in Bath. The wedding venue, Priston Mill is a 10 minute drive.

EATING & DRINKING

LOCALLY

King William Inn, Tunley (one minute walk), is a family owned Inn offering hearty home cooked food and takeaway some evenings.
Ring o’Bells pub, Priston Village (1.7 miles), serves interesting, quality food and drink.
The Seven Stars, Timsbury (1.7 miles) - A handsome old pub in the picturesque village of Timsbury, popular with locals and developing a reputation for good food. There is a large beer garden with a petanque pitch.
The Waggon & Horses, Peasedown St John (2 miles) - A biker friendly pub, set in the centre of the main street, it is the home of the Waggoneers MCC. Large car park through the old cart archway.
Red Post Inn, Bath Rd, Peasedown St John (3 miles) - Large, handsome, multi-room free-house, with a sports bias and 2 skittles alleys, set on southern outskirts of the village. No food.
The Butchers Arms, Farmborough (3 miles) - This traditional village local has a friendly atmosphere, and is now offering up to three ales. There are several seating areas and a terrace out at the back.
New Inn, Farmborough (3.5 miles) - A large family friendly Greene King Old English Inns pub with large garden and children's play area.

BATH (6 miles)

Bath has a limitless array of eating options, from the very formal to the casual, as well as some excellent gastro pubs and bars. The locally brewed Bath Ales can be sampled at pubs across the city, while there are a number of critically acclaimed restaurants to try, too, from the Michelin starred The Bath Priory to nationally renowned vegetarian restaurant Demuths. There are also plenty of well-known chain restaurants to choose from, as well as quaint tea shops and speciality stores – don’t miss a trip to The Real Italian Ice Cream Company for the best ice cream this side of Rome, or sample an authentic Bath bun at Sally Lunn’s world-famous tea shop.

VILLAGES, TOWNS & CITIES

BATH (6 miles) is a beautiful, cosmopolitan city, a World Heritage Site which offers something for everyone. No matter the time of year you visit, you are likely to find events catering for all tastes, from the well-loved Christmas market to music, food and cultural festivals and world-class theatre productions on offer at the Theatre Royal. The streets are lined with every kind of restaurant and a wide range of quality bars and shops. The stunning and well-preserved architecture of the Georgian terraces such as The Royal Crescent are famous. A visit to the celebrated Roman Baths and wonderful Bath Abbey are a must. The American Museum at nearby Claverton Manor makes for an interesting visit, or you could hire a bike or take a gentle boat trip and explore the gorgeous scenery along the Avon and Kennet canal towpath.

Take in some top-class theatre at the city’s The Theatre Royal. Komedia, meanwhile, is an award-winning venue hosting comedy, cabaret and music nights.

Bath is a shopper’s paradise, whether you’re into designer fashion, high street brands or antiques. The modern SouthGate quarter boasts over 55 high-street stores and restaurants.. For a mix of designer shopping, homewares, cafes and restaurants head to Milsom Place. For something totally different try the atmospheric The Corridor, a covered colonnade packed with quirky independent shops selling everything from homemade fudge to designer jeans. A stroll along any of its side streets and lanes will also reveal some lovely artisan producers, handmade jewellery shops, and interesting antique showrooms, packed with unusual, quirky pieces.

Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge yourself at one of the UK’s most breath-taking spas, Thermae Bath Spa. It’s Britain’s only natural thermal spa where you can bathe in naturally warm, mineral-rich waters in the open-air rooftop pool, overlooking the stunning Bath skyline. A wide range of massage, facial and body treatments are also available.

BRISTOL (14 miles) is world renowned as a port and has a wide range of museums highlighting the city's history. Bristol can boast some impressive historical landmarks, too, in the shape Brunel’s awe-inspiring Clifton Suspension Bridge and his beautifully restored steamship, the SS Great Britain in Bristol's historic Harbourside.

Visit Bristol Museum & Art Gallery which features outstanding collections of art and archaeology, geology and natural history and the interactive We The Curious science centre. For contemporary art don’t miss the achingly hip Arnolfini, while just across the river you’ll find the Watershed, one of the city’s major cultural hotspots where you can catch indie and art-house films, see an exhibition or grab a drink overlooking the docks.

Bristol Zoo Gardens is an adventure into an exciting animal kingdom, all set within 12 acres of beautiful award-winning gardens.

The city’s major theatres and concert halls include the Bristol Old Vic, the Colston Hall and the Tobacco Factory, while more mainstream touring productions are on offer at the Bristol Hippodrome. The Old Duke is a music venue situated on the cobbled King Street in the heart of Bristol. Named after Duke Ellington, the pub has become world famous for it's live traditional, New Orleans inspired Jazz music. The RWA – England’s only regional Royal Academy of Art – showcases national and international visual art. The St George's Bristol is an independent concert hall and recording studios, staging classical, jazz, world music and opera.

For a comprehensive range of big name brand shops, look no further than Cabot Circus, located in the Broadmead district of Bristol. For a more unique shopping experience head over to the Georgian suburb of Clifton Village, where you can browse unusual independents, upmarket boutiques and stop for a coffee and cake at some of the city’s prettiest cafes – try the Primrose Café or the Arch House Deli & Café.

WELLS (14.5 miles) is known as England's smallest city, with its historic centre, the magnificent Cathedral situated within a most attractive Cathedral Close, which also boasts the unique moated Bishop's Palace. The Bishop's Palace hosts events throughout the year, please check their website for details. Close by, Vicars Close is home to the oldest complete medieval street in Europe, and the quaint market square offers an array of interesting shops, boutiques and restaurants, and a colourful twice-weekly market.

LACOCK (19 miles) is a National Trust village. Visit Lacock Abbey & Fox Talbot Museum. Lacock has starred in many film classics.

CHEDDAR (19 miles) is a large village on the edge of the Mendip Hills, renowned for the Cheddar Gorge and Caves, a SSSI. This largest gorge in Britain includes several show caves such as Gough’s Cave, through which Britain’s biggest underground river runs. The Cheddar Gorge cliffs are Britain’s highest inland limestone crags and create a spectacular sight. The village gave its name to Cheddar cheese and has also been a centre for strawberry growing, the crop being transported on the railway, which now provides a fabulous cycle path, The Strawberry Line.

GLASTONBURY (20 miles). The town of Glastonbury, with its plethora of legends, mysticism and folklore, dates back over 4000 years. With its ancient links to the Holy Grail, King Arthur and the Avalon legends, and Ley Lines, it is considered to be one of the quirkiest towns in England. Today, the attractive town, well known for its music festival, is a centre for religious tourism and pilgrimage, offering fascinating New Age shops and a mystical atmosphere. Located on the Somerset Levels, views across the town are dominated by the world famous Glastonbury Tor, with its enigmatic tower, now managed by the National Trust. Within the town, the ruined abbey offers a fascinating experience, brimming with ancient atmosphere, peace and tranquillity. The attractive market town has a large choice of places to eat and drink (please see our recommendations above), including quaint cafés for traditional English Cream Teas, fine-dining restaurants, cosy pubs and a range of delicious takeaways.

STREET (21 miles) boasts a major factory outlet shopping complex - Clarks Village - which attracts visitors from far and wide. It was the first purpose-built outlet shopping scheme in Britain (1993) and now offers over 75 individual shop units, many of which are household-name companies, selling quality goods at discount prices

ACTIVITIES

WALKS

Countryside walks and cycling are right outside the front door. There are very many wonderful walks in the area including Priston Wood and Withyditch. Should you fancy something close to the centre of Bath, little can compare to the Bath Skyline Walk. 6 miles of secluded woodland and meadows you will be treated to views of Bath only seen from such spots. Whilst you may not pass a pub, there are plenty of picnic places ideal for a lunch.

Bath Locks, Sydney Road, Bath BA2 6NT - Compared to the Roman baths in this historic city, the Kennet & Avon Canal is a relative newcomer at just 200 years old. However, its gentle curves are the perfect complement to the formal elegance of Bath’s Georgian architecture, leading you on tranquil towpath walks out towards the Wiltshire Downs.

Follow this link to find some really helpful information and routes via Bath & North East Somerset Council website.

Further afield, try the 3 mile cliff top walk at Cheddar Gorge which rewards walkers with some of the finest views in Somerset. Alternatively a two mile walk to the top of Glastonbury Tor provides beautiful views across the Somerset Levels.

CAVING/CLIMBING/ABSEILING

Cheddar Gorge X-treme, Cheddar (18 miles). Adventure caving experiences, rock climbing experiences and Cheddar Gorge climbs - www.facebook.com/CheddarGorgeXtreme/
Cave Climb - Rock Climbing, Abseiling and Caving experiences. Activities run in various venues within 6 miles of Cheddar (19 miles) - www.caveclimb.com

RIVER BOAT TRIPS & ADVENTURES

Original Wild provide the highest quality activities in central Bath - Guided kayak and paddleboarding / SUP tours - www.originalwild.com/stand-up-paddleboarding-in-bath
River Adventures - A selection of boat trips on the River Avon in a traditional river cruiser from Bath Quay, near the Bus Station. Short Trips include a river view of Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, History and Fun Trips. Longer lunch trips to great pubs. They also have combined historic walking and boat trips - riveradventures.co.uk
Pulteney Cruisers have been running boat trips from Pulteney weir in the centre of Bath for over 50 years. Their boats each seat 70 people & have a cafe on board. There is a sundeck or heated cabin depending on the weather - pulteneycruisers.com
Bath Narrowboats Day Hire - Narrowboat Hire - www.bath-narrowboats.co.uk
AngloWelsh Dayboat hire, various locations including Bath - www.anglowelsh.co.uk/our-boats/dayboats
Bath Paddleboard Centre - Stand Up Paddleboard tuition and trips - www.bathpaddleboardcentre.co.uk
Bath Boating Station - rowing punting & canoeing on the beautiful stretch of river between Bath & Bathampton. From April each year www.bathboating.co.uk
Sir John Knill Waterbus, Bathampon - Public and private hire wheelchair friendly trips on the Kennet and Avon Canal between Bathampton and Bath. thesirjohnknill.com

FISHING

The famous trout lake of Blagdon as well as fishing at Chew Valley Lake, Barrow Tanks and Litton Lakes are 20-40 minutes' drive.
Bristol Water Fly Fishing tuition - www.bristolwaterfisheries.co.uk/tuition

BALLOON TRIPS

Bath Balloons is a local, family run company who have been flying from Bath for many years. Why not take a balloon flight from Royal Victoria Park in our fabulous balloon and see the great Georgian City from a different angle high above! www.bathballoons.co.uk

Virgin Balloon Flights - Bath www.virginballoonflights.co.uk/location/bath. A Hot Air Balloon over Bath with let you experience the breathtaking city like never before including Roman remains and historic buildings for picturesque views that will stay with you forever. The wind might take you to Stonehenge or Salisbury Plain and with so many breathtaking sights awaiting there's no reason not to try hot air balloon rides over Bath.

Bailey Balloons, Bath. Regularly flying from the heart of the beautiful Georgian City of Bath and providing spectacular views of the Royal Crescent and other famous landmarks. You may also fly over wonderful Somerset countryside including many lovely typical English villages such as Lacock, Castle Coombe, the market town of Bradford-on-Avon and the historical stones at Avebury.www.baileyballoons.co.uk

GOLF/ADVENTURE GOLF

Bath Golf Club, Sham Castle, Golf Course Rd, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 6JG - 7.5 miles
Victoria Falls Adventure Golf, Royal Ave, Bath BA1 2NR - 6 miles
Lansdown Golf Club, Lansdown, Bath BA1 9BT - 9 miles
Entry Hill Golf Course, Entry Hill, Bath BA2 5NA - 4.5 miles
Bath Approach Golf Course, Weston Road, Bath BA1 2DS - 6.5 miles

BATH BUS TOURS

B Bakery - Experience Afternoon Tea with a difference on a Routemaster buses. These vintage London buses will drive around Bath, a world heritage site, taking in some of the city's best sights, whilst you can indulge in the fabulous B Afternoon Tea.

RIDING

Tunley Equestrian Centre, Manor Farm Barn, BA2 8AZ (1.2 miles) - www.tunleyequestriancentre.co.uk
Divoky Riding School, Manor Farm, Shepton Mallet BA4 4LG (11 miles) - www.tunleyequestriancentre.co.uk
Tynings Trekking Centre, Blagdon (18 miles) is in a prime situation allowing direct access onto a vast network of bridlepaths covering 1000′s of acres of forestry and moorland with spectacular views across seven counties covering a great variety of terrain. The ‘No Road’ policy means riding with Tynings is suitable for everyone - www.tynings-trekking.co.uk

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Prior Park Landscape Garden (The National Trust), Ralph Allen Dr, Bath BA2 5AH (5 miles).

West Of England Falconry, Bath BA2 9BT (6 miles) - Hawk walks and Owl Encounters, Bath

Wookey Hole Caves & Attractions ... Britain's most spectacular caves and legendary home of the infamous Witch of Wookey (15 miles).

Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station (10 miles). Steam trains run right to the edge of the scenic Avon Valley, providing spectacular views. Special events are arranged throughout the year – please check their website for details.

Dyrham Park (The National Trust), Dyrham, Chippenham SN14 8HY (14 miles). Dyrham Park offers 270 acres of ancient parkland, with breathtaking views, landscaped gardens, a beautiful 17th century mansion, tea room and historic herd of fallow deer.

Tyntesfield (National Trust), Bristol BS48 1NS (18 miles) is a fascinating Victorian house festooned with gothic architecture and peaceful, wooded gardens.

Longleat Safari and Adventure Park, Warminster (18 miles).

Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village (National Trust), Lacock (19.5 miles).

Castle Combe (20 miles), called ‘The Prettiest Village in England’ and well known for its car racing track, and the quaint National Trust village of Lacock (22 miles) famous for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, Abbey and Museum and more recently as a TV and film location.

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxhall (20 miles) has over 100 species of big zoo animals.

The Shoe Museum in Street (21.5 miles) houses more than 1,500 shoes from Roman to modern day. The Museum also tells the story of Clarks from its beginnings in the early 19th century.

EVENTS

JANUARY

Sherry & Mince Pie Specials at Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station (10 miles).
Festival of Light at Longleat, Longleat Safari Park (18 miles).
Bath on ice, Royal Victoria Park, Bath (6 miles).

FEBRUARY

Blagdon Lantern Parade, The New Inn, Blagdon (16 miles).

MARCH

Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival, Bristol (14 miles).
Easter Fairytale Kingdom, Wookey Hole (15 miles).
Easter family fun, Bristol Zoo (14 miles).

APRIL

Bath Comedy Festival, Bath (6 miles).
Easter Fairytale Kingdom, Wookey Hole (15 miles).
Bristol Folk Festival, Bristol (14 miles).

MAY

Bristol Folk Festival, Bristol (14 miles).
Somerset Cider & Cheese Fayre, Ring O’ Bells, Compton Martin (13 miles)
The Bath Festival, Bath (6 miles).
Fun Weekend, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station (10 miles).
International Bath Music Festival, Bath (6 miles).
VegFest UK, Bristol (14 miles).
Bath Fringe Festival, Bath (6 miles).
The Royal Bath & West Show, The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset (16 miles).

JUNE

Bath Fringe Festival, Bath (6 miles).
The Royal Bath & West Show, The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset (16 miles).
Let's Rock Bristol!, Ashton Court Estate, Bristol (14 miles).
The English Country Garden Festival, The Bishop's Palace, Wells (14.5 miles).
Bristol's Big Green Week, Bristol (14 miles).
Glastonbury Festival, Worthy Farm, Pilton, Glastonbury (17 miles).

JULY

Bristol Shakespeare Festival, Bristol (14 miles).
Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol (14 miles).

AUGUST

Valley Fest, Denny Lane, Chew Valley Lake (10 miles).
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court Estate, Bristol (14 miles).
Bath Folk Festival, Abbey Chambers, Abbey Churchyard, Bath (6 miles).
Bristol International Kite Festival, Durdham Downs, Bristol (14 miles).

SEPTEMBER

The Priston Music Festival, Priston Village (1.7 miles).
The Jane Austen Festival, Bath (6 miles).
Bath Children’s Literature Festival, Bath (6 miles).

OCTOBER

Bath Children’s Literature Festival, Bath (6 miles).
Annual Open Exhibition at RWA, Royal West of England Academy of Art, Bristol (14 miles).
Great Bath Feast, Bath (6 miles).
Circus City Festival, Bristol (14 miles). A biennial contemporary circus festival across Bristol.
End of Season Gala, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station (10 miles).
Wells Festival of Literature, The Bishop's Palace, Wells (14.5 miles).
Spooky Half Term Train Rides, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station (10 miles).

NOVEMBER

Annual Open Exhibition at RWA, Royal West of England Academy of Art, Bristol (14 miles).
Bath Film Festival, Bath (6 miles).
Novemberfest Beer Festival, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station (10 miles).
Bath MozartFest, Bath (6 miles).
Festival of Light at Longleat, Longleat Safari Park (18 miles).
Wells Guy Fawkes Carnival, Wells (14.5 miles).
Glastonbury Guy Fawkes Carnival, Glastonbury (20 miles).
Bath Christmas Market, Bath (6 miles).
Santa Special, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station (10 miles).
Bristol German Christmas Market, Broadmead, Bristol (14 miles).
Wookey Hole Santaland, Wookey Hole (15 miles).
The Bishop's Palace Craft Fair, The Bishop's Palace, Wells (14.5 miles).
Bath on ice, Royal Victoria Park, Bath (6 miles).
Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Colston Hall, Bristol (14 miles).

DECEMBER

Bath Christmas Market, Bath (6 miles).
Festival of Light at Longleat Safari Park (18 miles).
Bath on ice, Royal Victoria Park, Bath (6 miles).
Santa Special, Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station (10 miles). Selected dates.
Bristol German Christmas Market, Broadmead, Bristol (14 miles).
Wookey Hole Santaland, Wookey Hole (15 miles).
Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Colston Hall, Bristol (14 miles).
Festive Food & Craft Market, Tyntesfield (18 miles).
Bath Artisan Christmas Market, Green Park station, Bath (6 miles).
Sherry & Mince Pie Specials at Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station (10 miles).

Things you need to know about The Bothy if you’re thinking of booking a holiday there:

• Smoking is not allowed inside any of our properties
• Your own transport is advisable. Tunley does not have a Bus service at all so own transportation or taxicab is required.
• Sorry, no pets are allowed at this cottage
• Minimum stay 3 nights for all periods except Christmas and New Year which is a minimum of 4 nights
• * Covid-19 measures for this property:
  In full compliance with the hospitality industry cleaning protocols and safety guidance.
  Intensively cleaned and sanitised.
  Contact-free check in and check out.
  Complete privacy and exclusive use of the cottage during your holiday.
  Date changes for all existing and new bookings if the lockdown measures are extended or re-imposed.
  Naturally isolated.

*Internet access is offered at this property for recreational purposes only and is not meant for business use. Speed/service may vary depending on the package obtained by the owner which is provided to guests free of charge. Should guests experience difficulties or loss of use, neither the owner nor the agent will be held responsible.