A Mini Adventure – Girl’s Road Trip to Bath and Windsor

Where? Bath and Windsor, two of the UK’s most picturesque and historic destinations.

Exactly? I teamed up with the lovely guys at M Gallery by Sofitel to stay at two of their boutique hotel properties, Francis Hotel Bath-MGallery by Sofitel and the iconic Castle Hotel – MGallery by Sofitel inWindsor. And to help me and my fellow co-pilot/blogger friend Dominika @TheBlondeFlamingo get around the country we were given this striking orange Mini. #MGalleryinGear

When? Sept 2018

Here’s my photo diary of our Mini Adventure – Girl’s road trip to Bath and Windsor.

This is a sponsored post.

The Francis Hotel Bath

First stop on our UK Mini adventure was the spectacular MGallery Francis Hotel Bath. Steeped in over three centuries of history and heritage, The Francis is a splendid Regency inspired, town house right in the heart of the city.

The Francis’s location on Queen’s Square is so central it’s the perfect place from which to discover all of Bath’s treasures. We visited the Circus, Roman Spa, shopping area and the Royal Crescent all on foot. Bath is so easy to get around and the hotel is right in the centre of all of the action.

The hotel interiors are a stylish blend of 21st century elegance meet Regency splendour. Mixing period features with bold contemporary furnishing, the style is sophisticated, colourful, vibrant and cool.

I loved the deep jewel colours and four poster bed in my suite. Even my bathroom, with its fluffy white gown, huge bouquet of flowers and monochrome tiling was totally insta worthy. And the city views of Bath from the huge windows really give you a sense of the place.

Eating and drinking

Pop into Milly’s Tea Room at the hotel for a classic afternoon tea or head to dinner at Brasserie Blanc, the hotel’s French restaurant created by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc. The vibe in the restaurant is contemporary and relaxed, perfect for a cosy dinner for two, followed by a little wander around the beautiful streets of Bath. Below Dominka and I enjoy a delicious three course dinner at the Brasserie Blanc.

What to do in the day

Bath is filled with stunning architecture, so strolling around the quaint streets and stopping off at the local landmarks is the perfect way to while away a day in the Roman historic city.

We visited the Crescent, the Roman Spa and indulged in spa treatments at Bath Thermae Spa pictured below. The rooftop heated pool and dreamy spa circuit are fabulously indulgent. I highly recommend a half or full day at the spa and you must book in for a massage too.

Bye bye Bath, next stop Windsor…

The next stop on our UK Mini Adventure was the royal, historic town of Windsor. 

Castle Hotel Windsor

The MGallery Castle Hotel on Windsor High Street is literally across the road from the castle. This beautiful Georgian building has 108 bedrooms and a rich regal, history, so it has become something of a landmark in its own right.

The hotel has been in service since the 15th century and been awarded eight Royal Warrants. And as Windsor is pretty small, you’re within walking distance of all the major tourist attractions if you stay here.

Ask for one of the front facing suites with a balcony. At around 10 or 11am each day you can watch the changing of the guards procession and marching band as they parade down Windsor High Street, all from the comfort of your own room. (Ask at reception as times may vary).

Our visit was not long after Harry and Megan’s wedding so the bunting and flags were still up.

The decor

The rooms are elegantly presented in soft greys, mushrooms and chalky shades. All the decor is linked to its heritage, again juxtaposing modern with traditional to a create a chic, look filled with character. But all of the decor remains quintessentially British.

A lovely little welcome platter greeted me on arrival in my room.

‘Modern meets traditional’ in the chic interiors.

Food and drink

One of the USPs of the hotel is that the restaurant is the creation of TV celebrity chef Marco Pierre White. So the menu is a fusion of traditional French and signature British dishes. Expect fish and chips, French onion soup to chicken tikka masala (the nations favourite dish) all freshly prepared with local ingredients and served in a homely atmosphere.

Pictured above: Me and Marco Pierre White, spot the difference :)

Breakfast is a delicious buffet filled with healthy options and of course a traditional Full English Breakfast.

What to do in Windsor

Windsor is quite a small and quaint town so you can pretty much get around all of the major landmarks by foot in a day. Pay homage to Windsor castle (which is the main event), take a stroll around the quaint cobbled streets then head to the river to feed the swans.

Indulge in afternoon tea at the Castle Hotel Windsor. (pictured above)

Check out the famous wonky house and the Prince Harry local pub which are right across the road from the hotel. (pictured below)

If you’re looking for a quintessential British experience, I recommend both of the MGallery properties for your stay. Dominika and I had such a lovely time.

Thanks so much MGallery by Sofitel and Mini UK for organising such an amazing girls trip for us.

Bon voyage xx