Make the most of your visit with this ultimate shopping guide to Bath. Whether you’re a first time visitor or returning to soak up more of this golden hued city’s culture and beauty, shopping is the perfect way to enjoy this cultural destination.
Top shopping destinations in Bath
- Southgate Bath – large open air mall
- Walcot Street Artisan Quarter – independent and boutique shops
- Milsom Place – independent and boutique shops
- Pulteney Bridge – independent and boutique shops, Orvis
- Green Park Station – antique market, independent boutiques
- Jane Austen Centre- gift shop
- Roman Baths – gift shop
Best of all most of the shopping in Bath is within easy walking distance from the train or bus station. If you’re planning a day trip to Bath, I highly recommend arriving by train to save yourself the trouble of parking.
Make the most of Bath for a day trip or weekend
It helps if you visualize the main shopping areas lay within a triangle, with the River Avon on both sides and the train station at the bottom pointy bit. Once you leave the station you’re going to walk right into the main shopping district.
But be prepared to get lost as Bath’s streets aren’t laid out in any kind of grid. Don’t worry, you may just discover something special down a side lane!
Ready for a tailor made trip or a guide to living in England?
Shopping Guide to Bath:
1. Southgate Bath
Southgate is an open air “mall” which starts directly across from the train station and car parks. Look for Southgate and Stall St. which run up the hill from the station.
Here you’ll find all the “high street” shops like H&M, Marks & Spencers (women’s restroom is on the second floor behind the men’s department), Primark, the Apple store, All Saints, River Island, The North Face, Tommy Hilfiger, Timberland and many more.
As you walk up Southgate and Stall St. (mostly car free) you’ll see the Roman Baths, the Pump Room and Bath Abbey on your right. Thermae Bath Spa will be down Bath street on your left.
This is where it can get a little confusing. There are many small side streets and alleys to explore which is where you’ll find local brands like Neal’s Yard Remedies, Molton Brown, Oasis and COS as well as lots of little eateries and places to grab a bite or drink.
As you walk further up the hill, you’ll come to Milsom Street which turns right and becomes New Bond Street. Down on the right you’ll find a White Stuff, Seasalt and most importantly a large Anthropologie store! Boho heaven.
As you walk down New Bond St you’ll see a large two story Waitrose in front of you. By far my favorite British grocery store. Don’t have time to sit down and eat at a restaurant? Then grab one of the delicious sandwiches, drinks and salads here and either sit out front, in the cafe upstairs or eat on the go. Waitrose is a fantastic place to pick up some foody souvenirs. Even more important, you’ll find a nice ladies room up the escalator!
Looking up Walcot Street and the Artisan quarter
2. Walcot Street Artisan Quarter
If you turn right as you come out of Waitrose you’ll be walking up Walcot Street. Keep going until you see a sign that says Artisan quarter, 5-10 minutes walk away. All along Walcot Street you’ll find little independent shops and restaurants on the right. If you’re looking for the real Bath, and want a break from the touristy bits, then you’ll love browsing here.
Stop in at Graham & Green if you love eclectic boho and glam home decor finds.
Graham and Green home decor in Walcot St.
There’s a famous pub just a bit further up called the Bell Inn if you need to put your feet up and have a glass of wine or cider. Or it’s a good place to park your other half if they don’t like to shop! You won’t find a more authentic British pub.
Once you’ve gone as far as you want up Walcot St. turn around and come back down on the opposite side of the street back towards Waitrose. When you see a little set of stairs leading up that says To Milsom Place and Broad Street walk up. If you miss this don’t worry just take the next right turn up Saracen St. to get to Broad Street.
Once you’re on Broad Street, do keep a lookout for Milsom Place. It’s tucked away.
Milsom Place
3. Milsom Place
Once again, tucked away from the touristy bits of Bath, you’ll find this sanctuary of artisan shops and trendy restaurants. I can highly recommend Cote Brasserie for lunch or dinner. Yummy bistro style food.
Come out of Milsom Place and you’ll be walking along Green Street where there’s more shops like French Connection.
At this point you can head back down the hill towards Southgate, go to visit the Jane Austen Centre or walk towards the Circus and the Royal Crescent.
Up for more shopping? Keep walking back towards Waitrose, turn right down High Street and you’ll see Bridge Street on your left. There’s a nice Orvis store on the corner. Turn left on Bridge Street and you’ll be walking across the River Avon on Pulteney Bridge!
Pulteney Bridge
4. Pulteney Bridge
Pulteney Bridge was built in 1774 by the Pulteney family so they could easily cross the River Avon to access their land on the other side. As you do.
It’s now home to individual local shops, bars and restaurants. All of the shops and restaurants have windows looking over the river so it’s worth taking a peek. Pulteney Bridge Flowers has some gorgeous blooms and accessories for the gardener. There’s also an Antique Map shop for collectors and the Orvis at the beginning of the bridge road if you need to stock up on a Barbour jacket or wellies.
Shops and restaurants on Pulteney Bridge
The Bath Rugby Club runs a shop on the bridge as well. Got a nephew or buddy who would love a souvenir rugby jersey shirt?
As you can tell, Bath is bulging with shops and boutiques! Not had enough shopping yet?
Let’s go back to the train station for directions to the next shopping destination.
If you turn left out of the train station and walk along the river on Corn Street to Charles Street, you’ll come to Green Park and the old Green Park Station.
Green Park station
5. Green Park Station
On the other side of town about 15 minutes walk is Green Park station, the historic old train station which has been repurposed into a shopping arcade. You’ll find restaurants, cafes and small independent shops here as well as a Sainsbury’s grocery store. Every Saturday the Bath Farmers and Saturday Market is held here and on the first Sunday of the month, it’s home to a Vintage and Antique flea market.
The Roman Baths gift shop
Don’t forget the gift shops at the Jane Austen Centre and Roman Baths for some lovely keepsakes or gifts to take home.
Why not make a relaxed weekend of it to soak up the Regency vibe and pretend you’re starring in Bridgerton!
Enjoy shopping in Bath, it’s the perfect place to wander and discover! Got a bit more time? Check out these local tours for that little bit of extra fun.
