Three members of the Bath BID team to give us their top tips to embrace the festivities in the city
Alex Peters, Green Park Brasserie, Bath Pizza Co and Bath BID Board Director
‘We’re spoiled year-round in Bath, but at Christmas the atmosphere shifts into a unique festive spirit unlike anywhere else. After leaving work and seeing locals and visitors enjoying themselves on our cosy terraces, I’d soak in the ambience of the streets and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Christmas market before heading to a pub with friends and family to see the evening in.
My advice to visitors is to simply walk the city and make sure to look up. One of the things I enjoy about Bath during the winter months is noticing how the light changes. There is a soft amber-yellow light that hits the Bath Stone in the early afternoon after the bright light of the morning. This is especially stunning on a crisp blue sky day. I love to drink it in - the views from elevated parts of the city (Alexandra Park, High Common off Cavendish Road) offer a great vista on a clear winters day.
Also, step away from the city centre and walk the canal towpaths on foot before finding one of Bath's hidden gem bars and pubs away from bustling streets. To give a few away, The Pulteney Arms, The Chequers, St. James’ Wine Vaults or further out of town at The Packhorse (South Stoke). Distilled down — Bath is the place to enjoy quality food and drink in great company, something that has been our business mantra for years.’
John Mason, Labyrinth Bath and Vice Chair of the Bath BID Board
‘For me it is all about the mulled wine, the scents and scenes of Bath at the festive time. I love people watching and I love sitting wrapped up warm in one of the amazing coffee shops we have in Bath whilst pootling about doing Christmas shopping. Going to the Abbey for their festive services followed by a stroll to enjoy Bath’s twinkling lights of the lights trail is very special. Of course, nothing quite beats an evening spa at the Thermae whilst looking at the dark winter sky and then walking out into the Bath Christmas Markets. You could be stepping back in time or into another world, it is just so magical!
A dream weekend in Bath for me would be waking up in the Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel and having a hearty breakfast. Going on a crisp early morning walk around the sights before they open up to the masses and enjoying the city to myself and the robust seagulls. Heading back and having a swim in the hotel spa followed by a massage and then a late lunch – perfect! Having a snooze or reading my book for a bit before sampling all of the food and drink around the market stalls until finally going somewhere like the Forum or the Theatre Royal (of course in their 1805 clubroom!) before snuggling up in bed to watch a film with the snacks I bought in the market! That is BLISS in Bath to me!’
Jeff Giblin, Bath BID Welcome Ambassador
‘Bath has a small, almost intimate city centre, which creates a really cosy atmosphere at this special time of year. My favourite thing to do is to spend an evening visiting the Christmas market.
I'd recommend coming into town late afternoon, just as daylight was fading. The main visitor rush would be subsiding by then and the street decorations would begin to twinkle, and the market stalls would be just that bit easier to enjoy.
Enjoy a gentle stroll to Abbey Churchyard which reveals a floodlit Abbey, forming a cheery backdrop to the large Christmas Tree in front, which will be beautifully illuminated. Time it right and a brass band will be playing carols, and it's not unknown for Father Christmas to be making an early visit, complete with sleigh full of small gifts for visiting children!
A visit to the various market stalls dotted around will provide you with an opportune moment to enjoy a cup of mulled wine in hand as you peruse the several craft stalls. I usually end up buying some of the small carved ornaments I never see anywhere else. A perfect evening in a magical setting. Thank you Bath.’
