Bath: Christmas Markets & SPA weekend

In partnership with Visit Bath

From a day trip to a weekend escape

You might have been to Bath for a day trip back in your school days or maybe on a SPA break later on. I have been to Bath a few times and every time on a day trip too. This winter I’m making it a long weekend destination. In addition to the annual Bath Christmas Market, there are plenty ways to make the most of the festive season in Bath – catch a traditional pantomime at Theatre Royal Bath, get your skates on and head to the outdoor rink at Bath on Ice, relax in the SPA, shop in the independent businesses or take a glass blowing workshop!

Broad Street Townhouse

After arriving in an early afternoon we headed straight to our hotel to check-in. Sat on the historic Broad Street within the Grade II listed building Broad Street Townhouse offers 11 cosy boutique bedrooms split over 3 storeys together with a ground floor café/bar. As much as I loved every single detail about the hotel (maybe apart from the check-out time at 10am:), breakfast needs a special mention. It arrives in a cute hamper and has the freshest pastries, quiche, fruits, freshly-squeezed OJ and a locally produced yogurt with a delicious granola. Seriously, I’d go back just for that!

The Royal Crescent Hotel

The best way to start exploring Bath is walking straight to the iconic Royal Crescent. This stunning landmark was built in 1774 by John Wood. It was around 4pm and we stopped for an afternoon tea at The Royal Crescent Hotel. The best thing is that you can order a fully savoury version of a tiered stand! Accompanied by a glass of champagne it was truly one of the best afternoon tea experiences I had.

Christmas Markets

Full and happy we went for a walk to explore all the Christmas markets in town. I’m no fan of overcrowded Christmas markets in London and I haven’t been to the fairytale ones in Germany, so I thought the Bath’s markets were very cute and fun to explore. Cosy streets and squares full of independent traders, smell of mulled wine and carol singing really put me into the Christmas spirit.

Dinner at No. 15 Great Pulteney Street

No. 15 Great Pulteney Street is an elegant and vivacious luxury hotel on the very grandest street in Bath. We did enjoyed our dinner (they served Christmas menu for the first night), but what really stands out here is the interiors. Captivating contemporary art, unusual lighting and walls decorated by all sorts of collections: keys, fans, military musical instruments, porcelain dogs and many many more. Definitely worth popping in for at least a drink.

A glass blowing workshop with Bath Aqua Glass

Next morning we arrived at the Theatre of Glass, located on Walcot Street. Here you can watch famous Bath glassmakers work their magic and assist them by blowing into a bauble whilst it is being crafted. It was my first of a kind experience - unique, fun and informative. The completed piece had to cool down slowly overnight and we collected it the following day.

@bathaquaglass

Thermae Bath Spa

This SPA doesn’t need an introduction! Britain' s only natural thermal spa, located in the historic centre of the city with the best views from the rooftop pool. The rest of the day was spent here floating between pools, saunas and treatments. Tip: book in advance to avoid the queue at the entrance.

@thermae_bath_spa

Holburne Museum

The city's first public art gallery, the Grade I listed building, is home to fine and decorative arts built around the collection of Sir William Holburne. But what I was mostly excited about were two major exhibitions on the display - Rembrandt (Rembrandt in Print, October 4, 2019 - January 5, 2020) and Matisse (Matisse Master of Line, September 18, 2019 - January 5, 2020). These two were definitely worth visiting Bath alone.