Top 5 Cocktail Spots in Bath!
Circo Cellar Bar
Winner of the Bath Life Awards 2013, Circo Cellar Bar is a chic blend of the old and new. Perfect for sophisticated drinks or letting your hair down, soak up their delicious cocktail creations in style on a comfy chesterfield sofa in this boutique bar.
P.s. They offer 2-for-£12.50 Monday-Thursday all night and till 9pm on Fridays!
Opium
If gorgeous cocktails in a unique setting is what you’re after, then Opium is a must-visit for you! Known as ‘Bath’s best known secret’ and tucked away in the vaults near Pulteney Bridge, this cocktail bar combines expertly-crafted drinks with a top class service. Decorated in bespoke fashion to reflect a Massachusetts style bar, Opium is an experience for the senses and a bar like no other.
The Botanist
Venture into a secret garden of drink delights at The Botanist. With live music every night, you’ll find yourself in a bustling social setting with an array of floral and fruity drink creations at your fingertips. Dance the night away with some beautiful drinks crafted by mixology masters!
Sub 13
Voted the best cocktail bar in Bath, Sub 13 is an all-in-one cocktail bar, gin bar and club. So whether it’s a chilled drink on the heated terrace or a boogie in the neon-lit basement you’re after, you’ll find it here. Why not enjoy your drink alfresco style under a twinkling sky of fairy lights on the heated terrace.
The Dark Horse
With an incredible sound system, delectable drinks, and eclectic antiques, The Dark Horse will transport you to a state of total bliss while enjoying some expertly crafted cocktails. Family-run and using locally-sourced products where possible, this bar is an absolute must for some weekend drinks!
Christmas in Bath 2021
Events, Activities and Attractions
Virtual Bath Christmas Markets 2021 (1st Nov – 31st Jan)
Although the physical Bath Christmas Markets cannot go ahead this year like we all know and love, you’ll still have the opportunity to purchase your Christmas Market favourites online. From 1st November, over 160 local stallholders will be displaying their artisan crafts and items online so you can still shop independently and discover the talents of these independent and sustainable retailers.
Bath on Ice (12th Nov – 3rd Jan)
Get your skates on and head to Royal Victoria Park this Winter! With glowing Christmas lights, atmospheric music and a cosy bar area with seasonal drinks and snacks, Bath on Ice will encompass you in a magical winter’s dream.
Glow Golf (12th Nov – 3rd Jan)
Located right next door to the Ice Rink you can find Bath’s popular crazy golf course which will be decked out with atmospheric fairy lights. With glow-in-the-dark golf balls and a night-time setting, you’ll be playing crazy golf like you never have before!
Museum of the Moon (19th Nov – 26th Dec)
Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon is a travelling exhibition coming to Bath Abbey this Winter. Accompanied by surround sound composition by award-winning composer Dan Jones, the installation will feature a blend of lunar imagery and moonlight, creating a unique fusion of art and science.
Bath Christmas Light Switch-on (25th Nov)
Head to Milsom Street from 5pm on 25th November to watch Bath’s honey-coloured buildings sparkle to life with magical illuminations for the official switch-on of the Christmas lights. Accompanied by the Bath Abbey Chamber Choir singing some festive favourites, watch the streets of Bath sparkle at the commencement of the Festive season.
The trail light switch-on will coincide with the launch of Thursday evening late-night Christmas shopping, where many retailers around Bath will stay open later to allow you to get a head start on your Christmas shopping!
Artisan Makers (26th Nov – 19th Dec)
Although the Bath Christmas Markets 2021 have been cancelled, we don’t have to go totally cold turkey on chalet shopping! A selection of local artisan makers will be on display in Bath’s beautiful Abbey quarter (near Bath Abbey) where you can find an array of festive food, stunning jewellery and unique Christmas gifts!
Love Actually Live in Concert (2nd Dec)
Experience this seasonal rom-com like never before this Winter with a full orchestra accompaniment performing its soundtrack live to picture. Tickets start from £49.50 at The Forum Bath.
Victorian Carousel (2nd – 31st Dec)
Head to Stall Street to take a whirl on the traditional Victorian Carousel, a favourite among adults and children alike!
Candle and Wreath Workshop (4th Dec)
Take some time away from the hustle and bustle of the festivities and enjoy a day of crafts and seasonal activities. Run by Orphic Living, this workshop will walk you through the basics of soy candle making where you can create your own to take home. You’ll also have a couple of hours to make a beautiful Christmas Wreath for your home – the perfect addition to your Christmas collection!
Meet Father Christmas (5th, 12th & 19th Dec)
From 10am-4pm on the dates outlined above, Father Christmas will be making a special visit to No.1 Royal Crescent this year to read a Christmas story to the children and give those on the ‘nice list’ a special gift! There will be a special post box should your child wish to leave a letter for Santa and each child will leave with a gift and a Georgian Christmas cookie recipe to try at home. Tickets are on sale now and are £10 per child.
Longleat (selected dates until 3rd Jan)
Santa’s elves are taking over Longleat and transforming it into a winter wonderland filled with music, magical light illuminations, and festive cheer! Featuring Britain’s largest singing Christmas Tree, a winter safari drive-through experience, an elegant display of the aerial grace of owls, and a Santa train to see the man himself, there’s snow better place to experience Christmas than at Longleat!
Christmas all-in-one day tickets start from £36.95 for adults (16yrs+) and £27.70 for children (3-15yrs) – make sure to book in advance to secure entry to park, pre-booking is mandatory.
Best Roast Dinner Spots
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a cracking selection of meats, thick gravy, veggies, and those all important crispy roasties! So find below our top recommendations for the tastiest and most seasonal Roast Dinners in Bath!
Hare and Hounds
This year, Hare and Hounds will be open everyday (excluding Christmas day) to bring you an exquisite festive menu, seasonal drinks, and stunning views of wintery Bath. Be sure to book ahead and secure one of the tables in the warm and cosy dining area.
The Bird
Be it a festive knees-up in the Alpine Lodge, or an atmospheric seasonal dining experience in a Christmassy globe, there’ll be no resting grinch faces this festive season at The Bird, Bath. With an array of seasonal drinks and a delectable Christmas menu available, you’ll find yourself in a mouth-watering Christmas dream.
Homewood
Want to dine like royalty this Christmas? Well now you can at Homewood in one of their festive dining domes! You’ll find yourself in your very own Christmassy snow globe as you and up to 8 guests experience a festive feasting extravaganza! Or cosy up in the festive chalet dining area and transport yourself to a luxury ski resort in the Alps.
See Visit Bath’s website for even more events and attractions this festive season!
Top 5 Running Routes in and Around Bath
Bath run-seeing
Bath is renowned for its iconic sights and architecture, and what better way to experience these landmarks than on a run through the picturesque city! By running in and around the centre, you will find yourself challenged by various inclines and declines, but rewarded with some iconic views only Bath can offer!
If you follow the route we have put together and linked below, you will start at Bath’s iconic Victoria Park, run through The Royal Crescent, loop around The Circus, run through the bustling City Centre past Bath’s many Georgian buildings, past Bath Abbey, the namesake Roman Baths and find yourself quite literally breath-taken by the immense view at Pulteney Bridge where the route ends overlooking the River Avon which winds its way through the heart of Bath. In total, the route is 2.25 miles long so can either be the perfect short distance route or can be made longer by doubling back on yourself.
There really is no better way of seeing Bath while simultaneously getting those all important steps in!
Two Tunnels Greenway
This paved multi-use trail encounters two tunnels, one of which spans just over one mile long, making it the UKs largest walking and cycling tunnel! Its use of interactive light and sound installations makes for a fun and unique running route, perfect for short or long distance runs!
The route linked below is 13 miles and takes you from the centre of Bath through the two tunnels, over the Tucking Mill Viaducts and back to Bath alongside the stunning River Avon.
Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath
With its totally flat and never-ending path, The Avon and Kennet Canal path is one of the best places to start your run. Accompanied by some magnificent scenery of canal boats, wildlife, greenery and duck ponds, this path is great either for those shorter jogs, or longer distance more enduring runs. There truly is no limit to the distance you can cover as the path leads all the way to Reading! Whatever your running skill set, this path is a favourite among novices and pro-runners alike!
River Avon (Bath and Bristol Railway Path)
The former Bristol and Bath Railway is now one of the most sought after running trails in the vicinity of Bath. This 15 mile multi-use path offers a scenic run along the River Avon as you travel the path which links Bath with St. Phillips Road in Bristol. With plenty of stop-offs on route for picnics, toilet breaks and a meander around, this running trail offers the perfect opportunity for a run with a twist as you encounter some stunning views of Bath, the river and some historic bridges and tunnels.
The route below is a 6-mile run along the Bath and Bristol railway path starting at the Kennet and Avon canal towpath mentioned above and ending near Saltford. The choice is yours whether you run the full 6 miles and double back on yourself or run less!
The Cotswold Way
If you’re looking for a challenging yet completely breath-taking run, The Cotswold Way is the route for you. It is considered one of the top sightseeing routes in the UK and is a 100 mile National Trail through the rolling hills of Bath northwest to Chipping Camden. While most of the route is gently rolling, you will encounter some steep climbs, however these will be rewarded with some remarkable scenic views and a huge sense of achievement! This is mostly a dirt trail but the route will take you through some villages where you will encounter some paved and stone streets to break the run up a bit!
A good starting point from Bath is Bath Abbey, the full route is linked below for your reference.
Halloween in Bath 2021
Family-Friendly Fun
Newton Farm Pumpkin Patch
Newton Farm’s pumpkin picking patch provides an exciting day out for the whole family. Pick out your favourite pumpkin ready for a carving competition that same night! Pumpkins start at £1 and prices vary depending on size.
Follow up with a cosy hot chocolate and some delicious locally-sourced food in the farm shop café afterwards – you’ve earned it.
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein
Relatively new to Bath, this attraction blurs the line between a museum and an immersive guest experience. Spanning over three atmospheric floors, it offers a unique day out that you won’t forget any time soon. Website advises visitors make good judgement on whether it will be suitable for young children.
This venue also has an escape room which features a puzzle-based game suitable for families, groups and friends. Engage your brain and put yourselves to the test, can you escape?
American Museum and Gardens
Experience an all-American Halloween this October half-term at the American Museum & Gardens. Featuring lots of spooky fun for the whole family in the glorious Autumnal-coloured grounds, this venue is featuring Halloween craft activities, a trick-or-treat station and an American style fancy dress parade (11am or 3pm on Saturday 23rd and 30th October and Sunday 24th and 31st October) where the most fantastic costume will win a prize!
The Holburne Halloween Trail
Explore the Holburne Museum in a different way this Halloween as you uncover the hidden ghost stories within the museum’s unique exhibitions. Trails can be purchased from the museum front desk 23-31 October and are £1 per person.
Mrs Potts Chocolate House
Experience Hot Choctober with an array of sweet treats. Try the Biscoff white hot chocolate with a slice of Pumpkin Spice cake for a warming mix of Autumnal spiced flavours. Sit and watch the world go by from the upstairs tea room which has some lovely views overlooking Bath. Opening hours: 10am-6pm Monday-Sunday.
For the Grown-ups
FEAR Scream Park at Avon Valley
Calling all thrill seekers! Experience the best Scream Park in the UK as voted in 2019 and take on 5 intense scare mazes at Avon Valley fear park. The event also consists of a festival style experience with thrill rides, a fire show, music and street food and bars. Please note that the website advises this attraction is not suitable for under 12’s. Most ticket bundles are sold out but some still remain!
Bingo Lingo at Komedia
Experience this unique take on a bingo night as you play a fast-paced game of bingo in a lively club environment competing for a range of wacky and amazing prizes. Prepare yourself for a confetti-filled night of dance-offs, on-stage shenanigans and joke prizes at this truly unmissable night. Auditorium tickets are sold-out, but Balcony tickets are still available at £7.
Halloween at Aqua
This family-run restaurant will be offering spooky twists on classic cocktails at a scarily good price. From 21st October to 4th November all cocktails will be on a 2-for-1 offer all day every day. If you want to make a night of it, the food here is to die for, with a selection of luxury mouth-watering meals on offer.