The Beautiful Bath Christmas Markets

The city of Bath is full of old world charm. When you walk the streets, you feel like you should be hoisting up your parasol, wearing a bonnet and curtseying when you greet your neighbours. You may even feel like you’re a character in Jane Austen’s Persuasion.

The UNESCO World Heritage city is full of historical sandstone buildings and is framed in a small valley. On a crisp winter’s day, we were blessed with blue skies despite a 3 hour bus journey from London through foggy roads.

Once we escaped London we were pleasantly greeted by the relaxed pace in Bath on a sunny Sunday. In Bath people seem happier, they are in no rush and the main streets are full of families, couples and, surprisingly, lots of young people.

The Christmas markets in Bath stand in the shadow of Bath Abbey. In the Abbey churchyard there are over 100 stalls selling arts and crafts, foodstuffs, wines and liquers. We indulged in the free samples, savouring cheese and chocolate and the incredibly decadent toffee pudding for only £4 from Devon. I purchased Lick the Spoon chocolates, two packs of a set of three cinnamon infused, chocolate covered spoons and a chocolate star ornament for £10 – for a sweet Secret Santa.

Christmas carols echoed through the churchyard sung by the harmonious local choir. As dusk began, the lights framing the streets glowed and the Christmas tree in the centre of the square sparkled.

 

It may have been cold outside, but Bath certainly warmed us with the Christmas spirit and also with a glass of mulled wine. 

Oh Bath Christmas tree, we love thee!