We decided almost on the spur of the moment to visit Bath, mainly for the Christmas Market but also for something different to do and a chance to rediscover a city we had not visited in many years. Even the drive up from South Somerset set the tone. Heavy showers swept across the hills, rainbows arched over the fields and by the time we reached Bath, the skies had cleared into a bright, crisp winter afternoon.
We had already agreed that using the Newbridge Park and Ride would be the simplest way into the city. It was well signposted, easy to find, and parking was no trouble at all. Within a few minutes, we were on the bus, less than £3 each for the fifteen-minute ride straight into the centre, relaxed, warm and ready for a festive wander.
Bath Abbey at Christmas (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Once in the city, we followed the flow towards the Christmas Market and found ourselves outside Bath Abbey, beautifully lit by the low winter sun. We decided to go in. At £8 each, it felt like good value, and we were immediately glad we had stepped inside. The simplicity of the Abbey, the soaring vaulted ceiling, and the stained-glass windows lit by the winter sun made it a peaceful, uplifting space. It was not too busy either, adding to the calm. London Concertante were rehearsing their “Christmas at the Movies” performance for later that evening, which meant we unexpectedly found ourselves listening to live orchestral music. A volunteer chaplain later invited everyone to pause for a moment of reflection and, if desired, to pray. It felt thoughtful and respectful, a lovely interlude in the middle of a busy December day.
Before leaving, we explored the Discovery Centre, where the Abbey’s long and complicated story is presented with honesty and clarity. There was a sense that the Church of England was gently acknowledging the upheavals of the Reformation. We learned a little more about the earlier monastic life on this site, including some colourful references to drunken monks. We gained a deeper understanding of the Abbey we see today. The shop was excellent too, full of thoughtful Christmas gifts and interesting books.
A Brief History of Bath Abbey
The story of Bath Abbey stretches back more than 1,000 years. The first monastery on this site was founded in the 7th century, later becoming a Benedictine abbey. In 973 AD, King Edgar – sometimes called the first King of all England – was crowned here, setting an important precedent for later royal coronations.
After the Norman Conquest, the abbey was rebuilt on a grander scale, but like many religious houses it fell into decline and was dissolved under Henry VIII during the English Reformation. Much of the medieval complex was destroyed or left in ruins, and for a time the great church itself was roofless and abandoned.
The present building largely dates from the late 15th and early 16th centuries and is one of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in England. Its famous fan-vaulted ceiling, tall windows and “Jacob’s Ladder” sculptures on the west front all belong to this period. Restoration work in the 19th century, led by Sir George Gilbert Scott and others, helped stabilise the structure and gave the Abbey much of its current appearance.
Today Bath Abbey is a living church at the heart of the city, as well as a major visitor attraction. It hosts regular services, concerts and events, and its memorials, stained glass and stonework all tell stories from Bath’s long history. Visitors can explore the interior, join guided tours, and, on selected days, climb the tower for views over the Georgian streets and surrounding hills.
Stepping back outside, the Christmas Market was right on the Abbey’s doorstep. We wandered first towards the River Avon, stopping to take in the classic view of Pulteney Bridge before returning to the market itself. The stalls were varied and well stocked, offering everything from handmade crafts to local produce, and the food and drink options (including plenty of hot mulled wines and ciders) were generally reasonably priced, given the current cost-of-living situation. The atmosphere was lively and warm.
We enjoyed dipping in and out of the wider city too. Bath has a great mix of high-street names and quirkier independent shops, and we browsed both. Bath Guildhall Market was a treat. We paused for a proper cup of tea and excellent homemade shortbread at the Guildhall Market Café there before continuing our walk. As the daylight faded, we ended our visit with Indian street food from Chai Walla. It was generous, delicious and excellent value, the perfect warm-up before heading home.
We had worried a little about traffic and the cost of a festive day out, but in the end, we didn’t need to. What stood out most were the atmosphere, the sounds, the sights and the smells. Bath felt festive and welcoming, the sort of place where it is easy to settle into the spirit of the season. The Park and Ride made the whole day both affordable and wonderfully straightforward. The Abbey was the highlight for us, and although we didn’t have time to visit the Roman Baths or make the walk up to the Royal Crescent, those will be top of the list next time. We left, already planning our return trip.
Bath worked its magic on us and gave us a thoroughly enjoyable winter’s day, one we would happily recommend to anyone considering a festive visit in the South West of England.
Bath Christmas Market (Credit: ThisIsSouthWest)
Bath Christmas Market – Dates, Times and How to Get There
Bath Christmas Market 2025 dates:
Thursday 27 November – Sunday 14 December 2025 (18 days)
Opening times:
Monday – Wednesday: 10:00 – 19:00
Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 – 20:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
Where is the market?
The chalets are set around Bath Abbey, Abbey Churchyard and the surrounding historic streets in the heart of the city centre, just a short walk from Bath Spa railway station.
How to get there:
- By train: Frequent services to Bath Spa from Bristol, London, the South West and the Midlands. It is about a 5–10 minute level walk from the station to the market and Bath Abbey.
- By Park & Ride: Well-signed Park & Ride sites at Newbridge, Lansdown and Odd Down offer frequent buses straight into the city centre – ideal when central parking is limited and roads are busy.
- By bus or coach: Local and regional buses, as well as some coach services, stop close to the city centre within easy walking distance of the market.
- By car: If you do drive, arrive early or use Park & Ride rather than trying to park in the centre, especially at weekends and during peak market days.
For the latest information on travel, accessibility, coach drop-off points and any changes to opening times, see the official market website: Bath Christmas Market – Official Site.
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