Mr & Mrs Smith

We had a great stay at the Bath Arms. Although we enjoyed the meal in the restaurant on our first night, we enjoyed our meal in the bar on the second evening even more. The 28 Day Matured Rib Eye Steaks were the best that we've had, the service was great, and it was very nice to sit and take in the ambience by the log fires. We'd also recommend the Thursday evening quiz night - great fun!

The Bath Arms is a superb hotel. The setting is wonderful and our room very nice, next visit I would like to stay in the main house to have a comparison on rooms. The ease of getting to places such as Longleat and the Cheddar Gorge was brilliant. We had a fabulous time at Longleat, on the Sunday we spent the whole day there and got the Day Pass, which enabled us to do everything as many times as we wanted to. We ate at the hotel for the three nights we stayed, once in the main restaurant and twice in the bar. If we had stayed longer though we would have struggled as the bar menu choice isn't extensive, but that said the food was really fresh, well presented and tasty. The only real complaint I had was that breakfast was understaffed and the young lady who was serving was also having to check people out, which wasn't ideal and meant a lengthy wait on one occasion.

As hard as it is to tear yourself away from the Bath Arms' lovely surroundings, Lower Chicksgrove and The Compassess Inn (www.thecompassesinn.com) are just a half-hour drive away. Stepping inside transports you back in time to the 14th century: the interior is beautifully preserved and wonderfully atmospheric. Friendly chatter at the bar need not distract you from a romantic meal at one of the many small tables or booths which are almost entirely lit by candles. The food, thankfully, is bang up to date with interesting flavour combinations and a focus on local seasonal produce. Many places claim to deliver this – this one actually does.

Longleat is totally worth a visit - it's literary down the road, and the hotel has print out of walks that you can do (ranging for 1.5 to 12 miles) which lead to simply stunning views. Longleat also has various other things to see - the house itself, beautiful "secret" gardens, an orangery, the maze etc. The Somerset Arms is about a 35 minute away and the food is arguably superior to that of The Bath Arms, but they weren't the most friendly bunch...

We had a lovely relaxing stay at The Bath Arms, the room was great and the staff were lovely. A trip to Thermae Bath Spa (www.thermaebathspa.com) is recommended – you can watch the sun set over Bath from a warm spa rooftop pool. Word of warning – don't rely completely on satnav/online route finder directions to get there – ours took us to a nearby village! However, once we'd given the hotel a call, they were able to put us back on the right road again.
Thanks Mr & Mrs Smith - another lovely break.

The Somerset Arms (+44(0)1985 844207) is a beautiful modern pub nestled in the sleepy village of Maiden Bradley, a brisk two-mile walk away. The staff are friendly, the clientele a mix of young professionals and old locals, the food – gorgeous!! Well worth a visit.

If you have kids, you can combine your stay with a day trip to Longleat Safari Park  – the hotel does discounted day passes – but I'd try to avoid the major school holidays or you'll be in for a busy time.

Being of a certain age, we travel free on buses. Thus, a real treat to catch the Tuesday minibus, right outside The Bath Arms at 9.35am. Travel into Salisbury for market day – able to see the beautiful winter landscape because we are higher than the hedges. No parking problems. No 'who isn't going to have a drink because they are driving?' debate. Enjoy a coffee in a Brazilian coffee shop – not one of the boring chains. Buy a slap up filled baguette in the deli opposite the Tourist Office to enjoy on the return journey back to Horningsham. Entrance to Longleat House is immediately by the Bath Arms. Walk down the long, long drive to the house in glorious sunshine whilst being eyed by a perching buzzard all the way. Then back to hotel for tea and television prior to splendid evening meal. Next day: tour of splendid Longleat house and garden which, for reasons not worth explaining, became a private one – just for us!

We enjoyed a wonderful stay at the Bath Arms for my husband's birthday. The staff there are fantastic. We had taken our dog with us (they are pet-friendly) and as our room wasn't quite ready when we arrived, they suggested going for a walk and explained it was parallel to the Longleat Estate's drive, but not immediately obvious. It has some lovely sculptures dotted around that otherwise we would have missed.

Recently stayed at The Bath Arms in the Oriental Room and absolutely loved it. A very nice quiet country pub with cosy rooms to stay in. Service was fantastic and always greeted with a smile – nothing was too much of an effort. Food was delicious but at London prices, and the coffee at breakfast was weak, even though it was fresh. The Bath Arms is a stone's throw away from the Longleat Estate and there are wonderful walks around the area with some breathtaking views. Definitely worth the drive down and will be going back again!