Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-christmas-market-Main-Sq-night-shot-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77574" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-christmas-market-Main-Sq-night-shot-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-christmas-market-Main-Sq-night-shot-2-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-christmas-market-Main-Sq-night-shot-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-christmas-market-Main-Sq-night-shot-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-christmas-market-Main-Sq-night-shot-2-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The famous <a href="https://bathchristmasmarket.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bath Christmas Market</a>, with it&#8217;s multitude of twinkling wooden chalets set against a backdrop of the city&#8217;s iconic landmarks, is back after a two-year hiatus (thank you, pandemic), celebrating its 20th anniversary and bursting with good things.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-Abbey-Green-night.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77575" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-Abbey-Green-night.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-Abbey-Green-night-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-Abbey-Green-night-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-Abbey-Green-night-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-Abbey-Green-night-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>From Thurs 24 Nov to Sun 11 Dec, some 190 Christmas chalets and handcarts selling handmade and artisan jewellery, homewares, gifts, food, drink, Christmas bits and bobs – and all the mulled wine, caramelised nuts and other food and drink you can handle – will be lining the streets of Bath&#8217;s historic city centre.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-xmas-market.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77577" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-xmas-market.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-xmas-market-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-xmas-market-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-xmas-market-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-xmas-market-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>&#8216;Course, whilst you can pick up loads of fun and unusual Christmas gifts, the Bath Christmas Market is so much more than a seasonal shopping trip. With the sound of choirs and street entertainers in your ears, the scent of mulled wine and caramelised nuts in the air, and beautiful Bath all lit up around you, if a trip to the Bath Christmas Market doesn&#8217;t get you into the Christmas spirit, nothing will, Scrooge.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-here-s-how-to-make-the-most-of-it">Here&#8217;s how to make the most of it</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-xmas-market-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77573" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-xmas-market-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-xmas-market-2-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-xmas-market-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-xmas-market-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-bath-xmas-market-2-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ditch-the-car-not-literally-please">Ditch the car (not literally, please) </h3>



<p>Park up at one of three Park and Rides – Odd Down to the south of the city, Lansdown to the north and Newbridge to the west – and hop on a bus (there are extra services because of the Market) and you&#8217;ll be in the city centre in around 10 mins. Parking&#8217;s free and there are masses of spaces. If you&#8217;re coming by car, the Southgate, Charlotte Street and Podium car parks are within walking distance. If you&#8217;re letting the train take the strain, the market&#8217;s only a short walk away from Bath Spa station.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-to-rock-up">When to rock up</h3>



<p>The Market&#8217;s open every day: from 10am to 7pm Tuesdays to Wednesdays; 10am to 8pm Thurs to Saturdays; and 10am to 6pm on Sundays.  It&#8217;s generally quieter at lunchtimes and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (good if you&#8217;re bringing your pooch but don&#8217;t let him see you buying any pet gifts or you&#8217;ll spoil the surprise). Allow a good few hours for your visit.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plan-your-route-there-is-no-route">Plan your route (there is no route)</h3>



<p>The Market&#8217;s spread around several streets and squares and one of the lovely things about it is that you never know what you&#8217;re going to discover around the corner or at the next chalet. It&#8217;s a glorious pick and mix of stuff, with food and drink stalls sprinkled throughout. Here&#8217;s a taster of some of the stalls in each area and a handy <a href="https://bathchristmasmarket.co.uk/sites/default/files/Market%20Map%20Final.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">downloadable map of the market</a> to show the general layout.  By the way, if you hold a residents&#8217; Discovery Card, some stallholders offer discounts and even free gifts. </p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abbey-quarter">Abbey Quarter</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-abbey-quarter.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77522" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-abbey-quarter.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-abbey-quarter-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-abbey-quarter-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-abbey-quarter-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-abbey-quarter-701x525.jpg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>No home should be without a homemade star lantern made by <strong>Paperstarlights</strong> this Christmas.  <strong>Lick the Spoon&#8217;s</strong> chocs have been enjoyed by two prime ministers, royalty and c&#8217;lebs (though they&#8217;re keeping mum about who). Chocolate and red wine – some would say the perfect combo – so over to you, <strong>Rubis Chocolate Wine</strong>. <strong>Dunked</strong>&#8216;s gifts take the biscuit.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abbeygate-street">Abbeygate Street</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-abbeygate.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77530" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-abbeygate.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-abbeygate-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-abbeygate-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-abbeygate-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-abbeygate-701x525.jpg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Bumble &amp; Bee Jewellery </strong>– not just bees but all sorts of affordable, pretty stuff. Little girls will adore the silk daisy chains, tutus, and fairy sets from <strong>Spotted Cow Creations. </strong>Put <strong>The Best Ever Brownie Company</strong> to the test. Say cheese! Award-winning <strong>Godminster Cheese,</strong> that is. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bath-street">Bath Street</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/bath-street.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77538" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/bath-street.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/bath-street-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/bath-street-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/bath-street-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/bath-street-701x525.jpg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Essential winter wear from <strong>Cashmeres Scotland: </strong>cashmere and lambs wool scarves, gloves, hats, socks, wrist and neck warmers.  <strong>Jo Duck Ceramics</strong>&#8216; hand-thrown and painted stoneware have a touch of Delft about them, don&#8217;t you think?  Clever <strong>Simon Says Fork-Out</strong> fashions jewellery from vintage cutlery, old jewellery and coins. Modern, eco-conscious homewares and jewellery for minimalists at <strong>Priormade.</strong></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-street">Green Street</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-green-street-4.jpg" alt="bath christmas market " class="wp-image-77510" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-green-street-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-green-street-4-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-green-street-4-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-green-street-4-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-green-street-4-701x525.jpg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This is where you&#8217;ll find some of the smallest businesses&#8217; pop up Christmas handcarts, including <strong>Jess Grey Leather</strong>&#8216;s handmade belts, accessories plant hangers and other leather stuff, <strong>Bramble Designs</strong>&#8216; handmade silver jewellery, <strong>LucasLoves</strong>&#8216; gifts and homewares, and <strong>Simon Webb Artisan</strong>&#8216;s handcrafted  wooden pens and men&#8217;s jewellery (new heirlooms in the making?).</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-milsom-street">Milsom Street</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/milsom-street-collage.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77545" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/milsom-street-collage.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/milsom-street-collage-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/milsom-street-collage-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/milsom-street-collage-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/milsom-street-collage-701x525.jpg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Brightly coloured handmade wool toys, pom pom garlands, dungarees and Christmas dex all the way from Mexico and Guatemala, thanks to <strong>Kushty Locks.</strong> Alternative to a hot water bottle: <strong>The Wheat Bag.</strong>  <strong>Funky Feet Fashion</strong> handcraft sweet baby booties and kids&#8217; slippers. Artisan-woven pure wool, lambswool, merino and cashmere blankets from <strong>The Natural Blanket Company</strong> will keep you cosy.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orange-grove">Orange Grove</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-range-grove-collage.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77552" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-range-grove-collage.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-range-grove-collage-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-range-grove-collage-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-range-grove-collage-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-range-grove-collage-701x525.jpg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Roccabella&#8217;</strong>s handmade, uncut gemstone jewellery is inspired by their South American roots and travel. Looking for vegan home fragrance? Head over to <strong>Laura Fisher. </strong>Macarons, florentines, marshmallows and biscuits from <strong>Sugarcane Studio</strong>, sweetie. Rather fabulous homewares that fuse culture and craft from around the world at <strong>Whole Lotta Knots.</strong> </p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-union-street">Union Street</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-union-street-collage.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77517" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-union-street-collage.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-union-street-collage-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-union-street-collage-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-union-street-collage-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/11/00-union-street-collage-701x525.jpg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Have a very <strong>Bollywood Christmas </strong>with Indian tree decs or go glass with <strong>Hoyti Toyti&#8217;</strong>s glass decorations inspired by nature, Bath and Christmas. <strong>Millstone&#8217;s</strong> iconic chess piece salt and pepper mills are the kings (and queens) of grinding. Don&#8217;t forget to stock up on <strong>Somerset Charcuterie.  </strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-and-quaff">Scoff and quaff </h2>



<p>The mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and caramelised nuts (obvs), foot-long baguettes with sausages from <strong>Butcher&#8217;s Block, </strong>Dirty Pigs in Blankets, <strong>Suzette&#8217;s Pancakes, Hot Choc and Marshmallows</strong>, vegan nosh  from <strong>Plant.Eat.Licious</strong>,<strong> The Burger Co</strong>, gluten-free fish and chips, falafel from <strong>Angelfish</strong>, <strong>The Gourmet Donut Co</strong>, <strong>The Wholesome Hub</strong> and more, should keep you going.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-finally">And finally </h2>



<p>Slope off into the Après Ski Bar on the terrace of the Abbey Hotel for a winter cocktail and a selfie in the giant snow globe.</p>


The Muddy guide to the Bath Christmas Market

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