For a break with a difference, discover Bath, a city with independent spirit flowing through its veins.
Bath has long been a city bursting with independent makers, artisans, business owners and craftspeople. It must be something in the mineral-rich water that makes Bath so proudly unique!
Just as you won’t find another city in Britain where you can bathe in natural thermal springs, Bath has an assortment of shops, cafés and restaurants that can’t be found elsewhere.
The city’s independent retailers and restaurants make shopping and dining in Bath truly special. From the alternative Artisan Quarter to a covered market in a restored train station, each area has its own distinctive character.
Book a stay, and become acquainted with the city’s many personalities, by exploring Independent Bath.
Support local businesses and treat yourself to a handmade treasure at one of Bath's many independent shops.
Milsom Street is a real fashion runway, with a host of shops and boutiques offering high-end fashion, gifts and interiors.
At the top of Milsom Street, browse a cluster of independent retailers along George Street, from exquisite jewellery at Noha’s Art to wonderful books at Topping & Company.
Since the 1960s, London Road and Walcot Street have been affectionally known as Bath’s Artisan Quarter, due to the area’s alternative spirit and vibrant collection of characterful independents. The ‘Brooklyn’ of Bath, you can find everything from vintage dresses to quirky artwork.
In the heart of Bath lies a treasure trove of independent shops and cafés. Resembling a Parisian arcade, The Corridor has been a prime shopping spot since 1825, whilst Bath’s oldest shopping venue, Guildhall Market, is overflowing with stallholders selling everything you might need, all under one roof.
Discover Bath's thriving independent food scene, from street food to Michelin stars.
Fast becoming a foodie hub in Bath, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to street food in Kingsmead Square. Enjoy luxury authentic Thai cuisine from Thai Balcony and, just a few doors down, satisfy a sweet tooth with a scoop or two of artisan gelato from Swoon.
Take a break from shopping at Good Day Café, one of Bath’s newest, dog-friendly spots for brunch or a slice of cake. Their bright pink beetroot lattes are a must-try and match the neon sign wishing you a good day. At Champagne o’clock, seek out French bistro Comptoir+Cuisine for bubbles perfectly paired with cheeses and charcuterie.
Housed in a beautifully restored Arts and Crafts former church house, tuck into contemporary Italian cuisine in the sophisticated setting of Aqua Restaurant and Bar or for pizza in a relaxed setting, book a table at Dough, where you can choose from a wide variety of bases and toppings.
Bath is home to an impressive and diverse mix of artisan makers. Ceramics artist Julia Davey stocks her range of handmade products including tableware, jewellery and accessories in her shop on Bear Flat, where she also holds intimate workshops for small groups looking to learn a new crafting skill, from weaving to brush lettering.
The Artisan Quarter is home to Bath Aqua Glass’ Studio where they invite you to watch their beautiful hand-blown pieces be made and you can even have a go yourself at one of their workshops. Situated just outside the city, Bath Soft Cheese produce their delicious, award-winning organic cheeses by hand using milk from their own herd of cows on their farm in Kelston.
For something special and sparkly, head to Northumberland Place to browse Nicholas Wylde’s collection of magpie-worthy jewellery that has been winning him awards since he set up his business in the South West 30 years ago or commission a bespoke piece that will be made and designed on the premises.
Browse fresh, local produce and artisan delights at one of Bath's markets.
Discover flourishing covered markets loved by locals under the vaulted glass ceiling of Green Park Station. Once Bath’s main railway station, the remarkable restored building provides space for local businesses and monthly markets.
Shop for the pick of the best local and organic produce at the Saturday morning Bath Farmers’ Market, meet amazing artisans and artists from the South West at Bath Artisan Market, and discover timeless glamour at the monthly Vintage and Antiques Market (on the last Sunday of the month). With second-hand furniture to swoon over, paintings to pounce on and collectables to cough up the cash for, you will struggle to walk away empty-handed.
Don’t miss the popular Saturday flea market in Bath’s Artisan Quarter, ideal for searching out preloved bargains, including crockery, clothes, books and trinkets you never even knew you wanted.
With so many independent shops, cafés and restaurants to explore in Bath, it’s a good idea to stay overnight. Complete the Independent Bath experience by picking from one of the city’s many boutique hotels, characterful bed and breakfasts or one-of-a-kind self-catering apartments.
Tucked away on a cobbled side street in the city centre, Harington’s Hotel oozes style with statement feature walls in each of its uniquely designed bedrooms. If you’d like some privacy, One Hot Bath Street is a self-catering apartment brimming with Georgian elegance and provides a convenient base for exploring independent Bath on foot.
Independently-owned and set in three Grade-I listed Georgian townhouses, No.15 Great Pulteney is a stylish hotel full of surprises and curiosities. Eight, the aptly-named boutique hotel, has eight charming rooms and eight seasonal dishes on the menu, and Brooks Guesthouse serves delicious breakfasts using the best locally-sourced organic ingredients.
Fashionable Bath, Independent Bath, Literary Bath
As Bath's retailers begin to reopen, we're shining a light on some of the city's wonderful independent shops. In our second Independently Bath blog post, we're focusing on interiors, books and gifts...
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As many retailers begin to reopen, here’s our guide to some of the best fashion, jewellery and beauty stores to discover in the city…
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Bursting with quirky and varied independent businesses, Bath is the perfect destination, whether you’re a keen foodie, shopaholic or coffee connoisseur. Here, Sarah Baker from Bath Boutique Stays – themselves a proudly independent self-catering accommodation provider – reveals her favourites.
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Mike James from Savouring Bath introduces some of the many local independent food businesses he works with in the city...
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The Walcot area of Bath - also known as the Artisan Quarter - is off the beaten track from the city's main buzz. Explore the best things to do on a day out there with an itinerary from Savouring Bath's Mike James...
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