SHOP

Shopping in Bath

Shopaholics can easily get their fix in Bath; this beautiful Georgian city has six main shopping areas, each with a different feel and a wide range of stores for the ultimate retail experience. If you’re into big brands and designer names you’ll enjoy browsing around Southgate and Central Bath – the latter is also home to the city’s biggest independent bookshop where there are regular author events and an annual literary festival.

Milsom Street leans high end goods and fashion and includes Milsom Place with flower filled courtyards and corridors that are home to luxury boutiques and restaurants, including The Ivy Bath. In the Upper City, close to the famous Royal Crescent, Marlborough Buildings is a pedestrianised area with galleries and antique shops that will entice and delight.

If you prefer a more eclectic vibe you’ll love Walcot Artisan Quarter; it’s where the cool cats have been hanging out since the 60’s. There’s a real buzz in the air, with a happy throng browsing the flea markets and indie shops selling vintage clothes, homewares, artworks and street food. Green Park Station in the West Bath area with an equally upbeat vibe as people fill their baskets at the Bath Farmers Market and hunt for bargains among the stalls of the flea market. What you must do is stroll across Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon; opened in the 1770s, it’s one of only four bridges in the world that has shops on both sides.

Bath has something for all tastes and styles when it comes to shopping, and there’s a certain air that sets it apart from most other cities; there’s a distinctly laid back feel, it’s relaxed and unhurried, the kind of shopping trip you can enjoy, especially when tied in with lunch in one of the many pubs and restaurants, or even a visit to one of the attractions. That, you see, is the beauty of Bath.

All information correct at the time of writing

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Shopping in Bristol

Whatever your style of retail therapy you’re sure to find it in Bristol! If you want big name stores and designer brands head to Bristol Shopping Quarter or Cabot Circus, for a more traditional experience Bedminster and Southville should appeal, where independent butchers, bakers and greengrocers stand alongside the well-known; you’ll find unusual or specialist shops, and on Sunday mornings there’s a lively market at the Tobacco Factory.

Bristol Old City with its maze of smaller streets, is another good place for markets – at St Nicholas Market is abuzz, with an eclectic mix of stalls beneath the glass arcade. Regular events Bristol Farmer’s and Producers Market, a Street Food Markets, Bristol Indie Market and a Flea Market. The upbeat indie vibe continues at Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft, known for its colourful street art, including a Banksy or two. This is where it’s at for anyone who likes shabby chic, retro, vintage and the charity shop buzz, there are shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants galore.

Christmas Steps is another quirky part of the city, the Arts Quarter where the narrow streets are lined with historic buildings and little cottages, galleries, studios and places to eat. Old Market Quarter, known for its vibrant LGBT community, is the place for antiques and vintage; down on the Harbourside you’ll find a lively scene with museums, shops and restaurants, and up through Park Street there’s a distinctly swinging vibe with independent shops selling clothes, jewellery, records and books.

And then there’s Clifton Village, with its elegant architecture, enticing passageways, gardens and walks; browse the boutiques and independent shops selling jewellery, pottery, crafts and antiques. There’s a beautiful two storey Victorian arcade with vintage clothes, homewares and a fabulous deli.

It’s easy to shop till you drop in Bristol because there’s so much to discover, so much to see. Gotta love this city ❤️

All information correct at the time of writing

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