10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Bath

Bath Guildhall Market is the city’s oldest market, dating from 1863. Just as their predecessors did, today’s traders set up their stalls close to 2 of the city’s most recognizable landmarks: Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge.

There’s plenty of variety at Bath Guildhall Market. For instance, at the Guildhall Delicatessen, shop for pasties, pickles and preserves. Pander to a sweet tooth at Bath Humbug. Treat yourself to some handcrafted jewelry made in Bath at Stardust Designs, or pick up a paperback at Skoobs Books.

Walcot Artisan Quarter is a shopping destination in Bath that centres on Walcot Street and London Road. If you’re looking for special gifts, unique homeware or vintage clothing, this is the place you’ll likely find them. People have referred to this area as the Artisan Quarter since the 1960s.

Alongside stores, cafes and restaurants, Walcot Artisan Quarter hosts a weekly flea market. Each Saturday, stallholders lay out an eclectic display of secondhand clothes, antiques, books, crockery and collectables. While you’re nearby, check out the grave of Jane Austen’s father at St Swithins Church.

Stall Street is one of central Bath’s popular shopping streets. You’ll find outlets of chains along its length such as Claire’s Accessories, Schuh and Whittard of Chelsea. However, its appeal is as much in the character of its listed buildings as its stores.

Construction began on the street in the 1790s and continued until the early 1820s. Many of the properties now have listed status. For instance, Number 3 is attached to the north colonnade of the Grand Pump Room, while Numbers 35 and 36 feature Ionic columns that wrap around into Bath Street.

Green Park Station in Bath once thronged with railroad passengers. When the station closed, it found a new purpose and is now one of Bath’s most unique shopping malls.

Each Saturday, the building hosts a farmers’ market that’s the first of its kind in the UK. Local producers bring some of the southwest’s best cheese and cider, as well as other mouthwatering treats such as artisan sausages, fresh eggs, bacon and bread. If you’re thinking that sounds like the ideal ingredients for a slap-up breakfast, the Green Park Brasserie can cook it for you from their kitchen in what was once the station’s booking hall.

Bath Vintage and Antiques Market is a monthly affair housed under the vaulted glass roof of historic Green Park Station. Its traders are passionate about their finds, proud of their commitment to sustainability, and keen to persuade others to recycle and repurpose.

The products they sell are eclectic. You’ll find collectables, jewelry, items for the garden and kitchen, artwork and prints, retro fashion, vintage furniture, lighting and textiles. If you have a particular project in mind, experts are on hand to offer their services in framing, carpentry, upcycling and upholstery.

Bath Artisan Market is a month-long Christmas market that takes place in Queen Square. The event welcomes a host of traders and artisan producers and the festive atmosphere is just the thing to get you in the mood for Christmas.

Typically, stalls will sell items that make ideal gifts, such as ceramics, artwork, candles and homemade soap. There are also plenty of items that will appeal to discerning foodies, including fudge, cheese and chutneys. Refuel on mulled wine and mince pies while you’re there.

SouthGate Bath is a shopping, leisure and dining complex in Bath which opened in 2009 on the site of an earlier mall. Its designers wanted it to mimic the city’s heritage architecture and as such it boasts a Bath stone façade.

Among the big-name occupants at SouthGate, you’ll find fashion outlets such as FatFace, Urban Outfitters, Levi’s and Hollister, specialist retailers such as Swarovski and Hotel Chocolat and household names such as Boots the Drugstore. Afterward, dine out at restaurants within the mall such as Comptoir Libanais, GBK or Giraffe.

Milsom Place is a shopping and lifestyle destination in Bath city centre. A range of upscale boutiques sits alongside trendy eateries. This maze of courtyards and passageways with their flagstone floors and stone walls creates a tranquil sanctuary in which to escape the hubbub beyond.

Alongside high-street names such as Phase Eight and Hobbs, treat your feet at Chanii B, which sticks luxury footwear designed by Chantal Pilon, or shop for elegant French-style homewares at Biggie Best. Afterward, unwind with a cocktail or dine on Spanish, Indian or Italian food.

The Corridor opened in 1825 and was one of the UK’s first covered arcades aimed at fashionable, wealthy Victorian shoppers. It was designed by Henry Edmund Goodridge and reflects his love of the Neoclassical with architectural details such as marble columns.

Today’s restored and renovated arcade is as valued for its aesthetics as it is for its convenience as a shortcut between Union Street and High Street. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to pass through; stop and browse for handicrafts, footwear, fashion, greetings cards and even sofas.