When we started making this A-Z local’s guide to Bath, even we didn’t realise how many Independent shops in Bath there actually are. As locals we obviously have our favourite places to eat (roast dinner at Town+House pub yes please) and grab something to read (Mr B’s emporium) but there’s actually an infinite wealth of incredible and aesthetic places in Bath that we forget we’re lucky enough to have on our doorstep.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor looking for the ultimate Bath experience, you’re heading down for the Bath Christmas Market or you’re returning to this UNESCO World Heritage city, let us take you down the insider’s path to enjoying the most iconic attractions and Georgian architecture, the best independent stores in Bath and hidden spots you probably didn’t even realise existed (even if you are a local).
Looking for somewhere to stay? Check out our Always Sunday Boltholes, aesthetic accommodation packed with Always Sunday homewares and perfectly situated in Bath city centre so you’re just a short walk away from everything on our list.
WHERE TO SHOP IN BATH
Homewares and Gifts Stores in Bath
Always Sunday Luxury Homewares and Gifts
Obviously we think we’re the best thing since sliced bread so we’d argue that your visit to Bath isn’t actually complete without a trip to our aesthetically pleasing store. You'll find a floor to ceiling wall of coloured tapered candles, another of our favourite Dagny cushions and a playful children's section at the back.
We're well known in Bath for our ever-changing window displays that stick to a fun theme like the Summer beach we created including real sand and our 90's Christmas window complete with a very nostalgic steam train tooting around the tree.
If you love rainbows of colour, handmade ceramics by local makers and luxury homewares and gifts then you'll love Always Sunday.
Atelier Ellis Paint Store & Art Gallery
‘Beautiful, breathable, bio-based paint’ in natural colours that feel effortlessly in keeping with the Georgian architecture.
98 Walcot Street, BA1 5BG
https://www.atelierellis.co.uk/
Botanica Studios Houseplants
The houseplant lovers dream and a jungle right here in Bath, owned by local Alice who started selling her greens at Frome Market and has now been in this tucked away location for over five years.
17 Union Passage, Bath BA1 1RE
https://www.botanicastudio.co.uk/
Divine Savages Wallpaper & Soft Furnishings
The British Design House now has a showroom in Bath for their bold patterns in everything from their iconic wallpaper to opulent lampshades and soft furnishings. The shop on Margaret’s buildings is like stepping onto a film set, and they're a firm favourite for our founder Lexi, you'll find their wallpaper throughout her home and the Always Sunday Boltholes.
5 Margaret's Buildings, Bath, BA1 2LP
Jim Lawrence Lighting & Home Accessories
114-116 Walcot St, Bath BA1 5BG
https://www.jim-lawrence.co.uk/
Arts and crafts in Bath
Pottymouth at Town+House Pub Pottery Making Workshops
If you've not heard of Pottymouth Workshop, where in the handcrafted pottery hell have you been? Bristol-based duo Meredith and Naomi are expert potters themselves running courses and workshops around the South West including our very own Town+House pub on London Road.
Join us for an iconic brunch, prosecco and pottery workshops (read party) here.
Hidden Store Workshops Creative Workshops and Events
It really does feel hidden, tucked down a little cobbled side street near the train station. If you're looking for a crafting activity, Hidden offer workshops that you may not find anywhere else like learning how to use botanical gel and introduction to English Paper Piece patchwork.
2 Pierrepont Place, Bath, BA1 1JX
https://www.hiddenstore.co.uk/workshops
Meticulous Ink Luxury Stationery & Calligraphy Workshops
For those of you who want to learn how to do your own wedding calligraphy or maybe you just want to be that guy that sends out seriously beautiful letters at Christmas, this is the workshop spot for you.
134 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BG
https://meticulousink.com/pages/workshop
Magalleria Magazines
Where all the cool kids go for their magazine subscriptions, Magalleria is packed with the unusual annuals that your local high street newsagents won't stock. It's hailed as one of the largest collections of fine independent magazines and it's bound to get you feeling creative.
5 Upper Borough Walls, BA1 1RG
https://store.magalleria.co.uk/
Mr B’s Books & Reading Subscriptions
A cosy haven of literary finds that's all nooks and crannies, wander around this little bookshop in Bath and you'll happily lose hours of time. Mr B's prides itself on helping you find your next favourite book from its reading subscriptions to its helpful, friendly staff on hand.
13-15 John Street, Bath, BA1 2JL
Topping’s Books & Literary Events
York Street, BA1 1NG
https://www.toppingbooks.co.uk/
Where to buy gifts for kids in Bath
My Small World Toy Store Gifts for Kids
19-21 St Lawrence St, Bath BA1 1AN
https://www.mysmallworld.co.uk/
Tillian Kids Eco Friendly Gifts for Kids
Just a few doors down from Always Sunday Store, find this adorable little shop filled with hand-knitted jumpers and eco-friendly toys.
6 Broad St, Bath BA1 5LJ
Clothing and accessories stores in Bath
The Yellow Shop Vintage Clothing
A Bath institution, the yellow shop has been in Bath for over fifteen years selling vintage and reworked clothing.
71 Walcot Street, BA1 5BD
https://www.theyellowshop.co.uk/
The Silver Shop Silver Jewellery
Probably the original Bath Independent, this jeweller's has been around for twenty years and is well-loved by locals for gifts for the big moments in life.
25 Union Passage, Bath, BA1 1RD
https://www.thesilvershopofbath.co.uk/
Bibico Clothing
Sustainable clothing in timeless styles, Bibico design slow fashion pieces alongside fairtrade groups that support women.
10 Bartlett St Bath, Somerset BA1 2QZ
The best charity shops in Bath
Mercy in Action Clothing & Accessories
You'll find our team in here on a lunch break browsing for secondhand clothing.
22-24 Union Passage, Bath, BA1 1RD
https://www.mercyinaction.org.uk/
Dorothy House Furniture
London Road, Bath BA1 6PL
https://www.dorothyhouse.org.uk/
Ubiety Skincare
We love ourselves some Ubiety skincare - vegan, made in the UK natural body care and home fragrance beautifully packaged. You'll find it stocked at Always Sunday Store but they've recently opened their own shop on London Road so you can see an entire shop stocked head to toe in Ubiety.
BEAUTY & WELLBEING IN BATH
The Suite Hair & Beauty
A team favourite, book yourself an appointment and enjoy the serene environment and expert care.
https://www.thesuitebath.co.uk/
Sacco Beauty Beauty
A Lexi (and daughters) favourite for facials and massage treatments, ideal after a long day of sightseeing along the cobbled streets of Bath.
4 Monmouth St, Bath BA1 2AJ
No.3 Hair
3 Saville Row, Bath BA1 2QP
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN BATH
Where to go for dinner in Bath
Town+House Pub Best roast dinner in Bath
36 Thomas Street BA1 5NN
We might be a bit biased but the outstanding reviews by locals and visitors alike prove that Town+House really do have one of the best roast dinners in Bath. The menu changes with the seasons (and the creativity of the chefs) so you'll find new things to enjoy on every visit, the meat is sourced locally, the potatoes are perfectly crispy yet fluffy and the gravy is exactly what roast dinner gravy should be; rich, delicious and lots of it.
Book your table here to get your gravy.
Noya’s Kitchen Vietnamese
Famous for her supper clubs that get booked up months in advance and now with curry and noodle nights available to book, Noya makes every dish to order with fresh ingredients and you will not be disappointed.
7 St James's Parade, Bath BA1 1UL
https://www.noyaskitchen.co.uk/
Bath Pizza Co. Pizza
We might be bold and say this could be the best pizza in Bath, it's a strong statement but when you walk into Green Park Station and get a whiff of that wood fired dough smell it's hard to argue otherwise. Great for vegan options and alternatives to the classic pizza combos.
Green Park Station, 2-3 Westmoreland Station Rd, Bath BA1 1JB
Rooted Vegetarian cafe and deli
A little way out of the town centre but worth the walk along the tow path, try out the Full Indian Breakfast with its frilled paratha breads, fried masala eggs and patcha chutney.
20 Newbridge Rd, Bath BA1 3JX
La Terra Italian
Recently winning an AA Rosette, this city centre Italian restaurant offers delicious a la carte menus in Bath of fresh Paccheri pasta and traditional Roman gnocchi in a romantic, ambient setting.
2 John St, Bath BA1 2JL
Corkage Small Plates and wine
An award-winning independent wine restaurant with a garden terrace that makes you feel like you're dining alfresco in Tuscany. Ask the knowledgable team to pair you with your perfect grape and a few complimentary small plates. We have to recommend the pea and mint arancini and the scallops with chorizo.
5 Chapel Row, Bath BA1 1HN
Beckford Bottle Shop Wine and small plates
A local's favourite just a short walk from the Circus and the Royal Crescent with probably the most extensive wine list we've ever seen and an artisan cheese and charcuterie menu to have you salivating. If you like what you try, you can take home your favourite bottle.
5-8 Saville Row, BA1 2QP
https://www.beckfordbottleshop.com/
Beckford Canteen
Aesthetically pleasing set in a former Georgian greenhouse on pretty Bartlett street, Beckford Canteen offers modern and creative British dining in Bath and has fans as famous as Giles Coren for The Times.
11-12 Bartlett St, Bath BA1 2QZ
https://www.beckfordcanteen.com/
Indian Temptation Vegetarian Indian
There's a few excellent Indian restaurants in Bath but this one just tips the scales thanks to its accommodating menu offering vegetarian and gluten free options.
9-10 High St, Bath BA1 5AQ
http://www.indiantemptation.com/
Best Places to drink booze in Bath
Town+House Pub The best pub quiz in Bath we say!
The best night to go out in Bath has to be a Wednesday because that's when the infamous Town+House pub quiz takes place. Come early to get yourself a spot as spaces fill out fast and get those cogs whirring with help from our quizmaster Heather and lubed up with a hand-poured pint or three.
36 Thomas Street BA1 5NN
Wolf Wine City centre bar
The cool kids of Bath, Wolf Wine started in a wood cabin in Green Park and now offers craft beer, wine and spirits from its brand new Walcot street bar and event space. It's understated, unpretentious and the alcohol is excellent.
89 Walcot St, Bath BA1 5BW
The Raven 'Old man' style pub serving pints and pies
After a massive refurbishment that's expanded the space, if you're after a classic British pie and pint this is the pub for you.
6-7 Queen Street, Bath, BA1 1HE
The Bell 'Old man' style pub and free live music venue
Completely unpretentious and co-owned by 600 locals who bought the pub after it was almost lost to developers, the Bell offers real ale and free live music and pizza in the beer garden on certain nights.
103 Walcot St, Bath BA1 5BW
Electric Bear Company Where the cool kids go for a beer
Fiercely independent, Electric Bear make and can their beers on the edge of Bath and now you can go straight to the source and enjoy bold beers from the Bears' taproom.
Unit 12, The Maltings Industrial Estate, 7 Brassmill Ln, Bath BA1 3JL
https://electricbearbrewing.com/
The Pig and Fiddle Beer garden in city centre Bath and super close to Always Sunday Store!
Bags too packed full of Always Sunday homewares to carry back to your accommodation? Pop around the corner and find The Pig and Fiddle for a quick refreshing pint to get you to your home away from home.
2 Saracen Street, BA1 5BR
https://butcombe.com/pig-and-fiddle/
The Griffin Inn Classy 'old man' style pub
Lesser known by visitors but loved by locals, this classy old pub is normally packed with Bath gents and ladies looking for a quiet drink.
Monmouth St, Bath BA1 2AP
The Salamander Pub
A go-to for the Bath rugby lot, pop in here for a pint before you head to the Bath rec to watch the latest game.
3 John St, Bath BA1 2JL
https://www.salamanderbath.co.uk/
Dark Horse Cocktail bar
Many of Bath's bars are underground due to the nature of the architecture (and noise regulations) but we think no one pulls off the underground speakeasy style that Dark Horse does. We tip our fedora's to their rum espresso martini.
7a Kingsmead Square
Bath, BA1 2AB
Where to grab lunch in Bath
Honey Arts Cafe Excellent toasties, sweet snacks and always a friendly face
You'll find our office team here most days for their lunches because the staff are so lovely and the cheese toasties are delicious served with a side salad and a handful of crisps and we never can resist their cake selection. Try their coffee brownie for a quick pick me up.
St. Swithins Church, The Paragon, Bath BA1 5LY
Taylors Bagel Best bagels in Bath
Now with three locations and a particularly stylish refurb in their original location just a short walk from Always Sunday HQ on Walcot Street, Taylors Bagels has grown exponentially and it's easy to see why. Their bagels are huge and their combinations are delicious. Don't miss out on this Bath favourite!
6 London Rd, Bath BA1 5BU
https://www.taylorsbagels.com/
Milkbun Deli Sandwich shop
Run by Italian brothers, Milkbun started in Clifton in Bristol with their stylish burger joint but they've now brought their buns to Bath with MilkBun Deli where you can get freshly made sandwiches and a selection of handpicked deli goods.
5 Queen St, Bath BA1 1HE
La Baguette Sandwich Shop
In the very centre of town you'll find this little bakery offering filled baguettes, it's Lauren's favourite lunch spot so look out for our favourite merchandiser when you pop in for yours.
3 Stall St, Bath BA1 1QL
Best of British Deli Best for breakfast rolls
Literally up the road from Always Sunday Store, you can't miss the iconic blue bakery and deli where everything is baked on site with local British produce.
12 Broad St, Bath BA1 5LJ
http://www.bestofbritishdeli.co.uk/
The best coffee and tea in Bath
It's hard to pin down which is the best independent coffee shop in Bath, there's so many to choose from but here's a few of our absolute favourites for your morning coffee when you come stay or if you just need a little pick me up while you tour the town.
Mokoko Coffee & Bakery Giant cinnamon buns and artisan coffee
6 Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LY
Society Cafe The best known independent coffee shop in Bath
5 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB
Cortado Argentinian coffee house
7 Bridge St, Bath BA2 4AS
https://www.cortadobath.co.uk/
Colonna and Smalls Artisan coffee
6 Chapel Row, Bath BA1 1HT
Comins Tea Teahouse
34 Monmouth St, Bath BA1 2AN
THE BEST PLACES FOR LUNCH IN BATH
The tourist spots in Bath you only need to visit once
The Roman Baths
Controversial but most locals have either only been once or have never even been, if you don't make it this time it'll be there next time you visit..
Jane Austen Centre
Again, we doubt many locals have ever visited it but if you're a big Austen-head you may not want to give this a miss. Plus, we heard a rumour that she hated Bath..
Fashion Museum
Close to the Circus and the Royal Crescent, if you love the fashion section at the Victoria & Albert Gallery in London then you'll enjoy this miniature version.
The tourist spots in Bath you should visit
The Circus Architecturally significant
Clap your hands in the centre to hear it reverberate around this eerily musical Bath highlight, it'll certainly annoy the local residents if you do it later than 9pm.. or anytime for that matter.
Royal Crescent Architecturally significant
On a hot day you'll find the locals having their lunch break here and those of our team who grew up in Bath may or may not have got drunk here on summer nights as teens..
Bath Rugby
Rugby is ingrained in Bath's DNA so even if you're catching an under 21's game (the tickets are more affordable than the upper tiers), the level of professionalism is so high you'll never notice the difference.
Prior Park Gardens
Live out your Bridgerton dreams and promenade on the Palladian bridge with Prior Park School as a backdrop, and explore the surrounding fields and lush woodland.
OUTDOOR SPACES IN BATH
Sure you've got the famous Parade Gardens that hosts brass bands on Sundays throughout the Summer) but Bath is as green as it is limestone coloured. Get off the beaten cobbled path and find our favourites..
Henrietta Park Best picnic spot
Probably the universal favourite for Bath local's, it's small but perfectly pretty and the best spot for a dappled shade picnic in the Spring when the pink blossom is out in full bloom.
Victoria Park Best BBQ spot
This sprawling park sits right near the Royal Crescent and is where you'll find local families and groups of friends enjoying a bbq and playing ball games.
Pigeon Park City centre lunch spot
Nicknamed 'Pigeon Park' by the locals for the amount of feathered friends that seem to linger but it's actually the gated garden of St James' Burial Site (we didn't know it's actual name until recently). Small but if you're looking for a downtown lunch spot and you aspire to be the bird lady from Mary Poppins this is for you.
Queen’s Square City centre photo opportunity
Every year the Bath Boules competition is hosted here, among other food markets and events, it's a quaint city centre garden that makes for a very aesthetic backdrop in the heart of Bath.
Bathwick Meadows
The local's favourite for fireworks night, snow days (it's got some seriously good sledging hills) and walking the dog. Just a short walk from town but the views are unparalleled.
Alexandra Park
You'll need to either get the bus or commit to the hike because when we say this is an uphill climb we really mean it. You'll be rewarded though with the surround sound views of Bath.
Sydney Gardens
Great for families thanks to the new (ish) playground put in where the old Boules ground used to be and perfectly connected with the canal for a country walk. Find it at the back of Lady Danbury's house (the Holburne Museum).
Walcot Street Church
A tiny little piece of green but it's moderately well enclosed and right near our HQ so you'll find the office dog there at lunchtime come rain or shine.
Sham Castle
Part of the famous Bath skyline walk, this particular part includes a fake castle front (hence the name) that makes for some very wholesome photo opportunities
We’ll keep adding to our ultimate A-Z Guide to Bath City as we find new spots that we think you might love so keep checking back every time you’re coming to visit!