How can you best enjoy all the magical merriment on offer in Bath this Christmas? We’ve got some insider tips to help you make the most of it…
Plan Ahead
As accommodation is in high demand over the Christmas period, especially at weekends, we suggest booking your accommodation as far ahead as you can. From boutique bed and breakfasts and grand guesthouses to stylish self-catering apartments and affordable hotels, you certainly won’t be disappointed with Bath’s excellent selection of accommodation.
Image - Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa
Travel by Public Transport
Bath’s coach, bus and railway stations are in the heart of the city, so you’ll be perfectly placed to start exploring as soon as you arrive.
First Bus have a journey planner which is a useful tool for planning your trips to and around Bath. You can find out more about Bath bus routes and timetables here.
Save over 50% when you book your train journey in advance. Book direct at GWR.com or using the GWR App. You can also save 33% with a Railcard or when 3 or more people travel together with a GroupSave discount. Children aged 5-15 get a 50% discount on most tickets and under 5s travel free!
Image - GWR
Visit Midweek
Weekends in Bath during the festive season can be busy and bustling. For a more relaxed shopping experience, plan a midweek visit. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit, when you can enjoy the same festive atmosphere with fewer people around.
You can also find some great midweek offers on hotels and places to eat and drink if you're looking to get more value from your visit.
Image - Bath Christmas Market
Enjoy Enchanting Entertainment
There’s a dazzling selection of theatre, panto, carols, music and comedy in Bath this Christmas, as well as other festive events from wreathmaking to meet and greets with Santa. Plan your visit in time for those that take your fancy with help from our calendar of seasonal events.
Highlights include the pantomime Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Royal, festive activities and trails at Bath's National Trust properties, a screening of The Snowman with live accompaniment from Bath Philharmonia, and Christmas carols in Bath Abbey.
Image: Christmas Tree at Bath Abbey
Treat yourself to festive food and drink
In between festivities, relax over some Christmassy food and drink at Bath’s brilliant restaurants. Five-star hotel The Bath Priory are doing a festive afternoon tea, while British brasserie The Ivy Bath Brasserie and Garden are offering a range of special and seasonal dishes.
You can also warm up after a day of shopping and exploring at the Alpine-style Après Ski Bar at The Abbey Hotel, or book in for a three-course candlelit Christmas feast with live music at The Pump Room.
Image - Après Ski Bar at The Abbey Hotel
Be Sure to Explore
There are pockets of Christmas magic to uncover right across the city, so while it might be your first stop, be sure to explore beyond Bath Christmas Market.
Head to Bath on Ice in Royal Victoria Park to take a twirl around the rink, do some festive crafts at American Museums and Gardens, or experience the traditions and décor of a Georgian Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent.
Image - Bath on Ice
Hit the shops
Shop around in the different districts, such as indie quarter Walcot and high street complex SouthGate. Stroll up the grand thoroughfare of Milsom Street for high-end fashion shops, luxury interiors and the UK’s oldest department store. You can also meet Father Christmas at his grotto in Milsom Place throughout the festive period.
Follow the Christmas Lights
Throughout the city, take in the twinkly festive lights that will be adorning the buildings, streets and walls of beautiful Bath.
There are more twinkly lights and festive trails to seek out across the city too. Embark on an after-dark adventure and explore a dazzling light trail among the trees in Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum, or see the sparkle of over 100,000 lights at Wookey Hole's Winter Wonderland.
Image - Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum
Receive a Warm Welcome
While you’re wandering around the city, you’ll no doubt spot the Bath BID Welcome Ambassadors, who will be wearing bright blue jackets emblazoned ‘Ask Me!’, who will provide a warm and informed welcome to visitors and be able to help you with any queries you may have.
Image - Christmas lights at Bath Abbey
Familiarise Yourself with the Facilities
There’s nothing worse than not knowing where to find a public toilet. Bookmark this handy map of other public toilets around the city too, so you can quickly and easily find your nearest.
Follow Us for Updates
We’ll be highlighting the best of Bath at Christmas here on the blog as well as across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Follow us for more festive inspiration and don’t forget to use #BathAtChristmas to show us how you’re enjoying the most wonderful time of the year in Bath.
More ways to enjoy Bath at Christmas:
Related
Discover the magic of Bath at Christmas at the Bath Christmas Market.
The Ivy Bath Brasserie on Milsom Street offers relaxed yet sophisticated all-day dining.
Located on the outskirts of town, find the best day out in Bath with breathtaking views, fascinating museum collections, stunning gardens, gallery shop, children’s play area and the American Garden Deli, with its scenic garden terrace.
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