You can start to hear the festive jingle in the air in Bath at this time of year. Here are some of our Welcome Ambassadors and Board’s top tips over Christmas time.
John Mason, Labyrinth Bath and Vice Chair of the Bath BID Board
What is your favourite thing to do in Bath during Christmas time?
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. I love going to the Abbey for their festive services and also I love walking around with the twinkling lights. 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 magical!
What are the top things you would recommend for people visiting Bath during Christmas?
Make sure you spend a lot of time just exploring the hidden alleys, small independent business in Bath. Go to the Theatre Royal and see a show. Visit Thermae Bath Spa. Do the lights trail and see all of the wonderful beauty at the Christmas Market but also make sure you visit the actual shops in the city!
What would be your dream day in Bath during Christmas?
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. Having a massage and relax and a late lunch. Having a snooze or reading my book for a bit before wrapping up warm and 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 sounds BLISS to me!
Jeff Giblin, Bath BID Welcome Ambassador
What is your favourite thing to do in Bath during Christmas time?
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 would be an evening visit to the Christmas Market.
I’d come into town late afternoon, just as daylight was fading. The main visitor rush would be subsiding, street decorations would begin to twinkle, and market stalls would be just that bit easier to enjoy.
A gentle stroll to Abbey Churchyard. The Abbey would be floodlit, forming a cheery backdrop to the large Christmas Tree in front, which would also be beautifully illuminated. Maybe a Brass Band would 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. With cup of Mulled wine in hand I’d particularly enjoy the several craft stalls and probably buy some of the small carved ornaments I never see anywhere else.
A perfect evening in a magical setting.
Thank you Bath.
Alex Peters, Green Park Brasserie, Bath Pizza Co and Bath BID Board Director
What is your favourite thing to do in Bath during Christmas time?
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.
What are the top things you would recommend for people visiting Bath during Christmas?
Simply walk the city and make sure to look up. One of the things about Bath during winter is 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. 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.
What would be your dream day in Bath during Christmas?
Walking the city and 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 — enjoying quality food and drink in great company, something that has been our business mantra for years.