IN SEASON
Escape, unwind… and shop!
V
isiting the same shops and websites to buy Christmas giſt s each year can seem like a chore – so why not consider combining your Christmas
shopping with a relaxing pre-Christmas break this year? Across the South West, there are plenty of locations that combine fantastic shopping, luxurious hotels and a great deal of Christmas spirit: here we’ve highlighted two of the region’s great options. Look out for our Christmas issue, where we'll highlight even more!
BATH T e city of Bath plays host to the biggest shopping event in the South West in the form of the Bath Christmas Market. 2016 is the 16th year for the event, which attracts thousands of visitors from both the UK and overseas. Taking place from November 24th to
December 11th, you have 18 days to enjoy all that Bath has to off er. Part of the attraction for a Christmas shopping break will, of course, be the 170 decorated wooden chalets that line the city’s streets. 87% of all stallholders are from the South
West, selling everything from local artwork and handmade Christmas decorations
to festive food and drink, homewares, accessories, toys and even giſt s for pets. Indoor venue the Christmas Lodge will off er locally sourced, winter warming food and local ales, while there will also be plenty of entertainment fi lling the streets, including carol singers, dramatic societies, musicians, street theatre and more.
www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk
FURTHER AFIELD T e city itself boasts a unique mix of independents, designer boutiques and high street brands, giving you an eclectic mix of Christmas shopping options during your stay. For great independent shopping, head to Teahouse Emporium (try their popular Christmas Tea), Eric Snook’s for traditional children’s toys, Bloomsbury for designer
clothes, quirky giſt s and chic homewares, and the Fine Cheese Company for all things cheese.
WHERE TO STAY For a luxurious and relaxing escape outside of the city centre, try Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa (
www.lucknampark.co.uk), or for somewhere more central but equally relaxing, a stay at T e Bath Priory (
www.thebathpriory.
co.uk) off ers 33 luxury, individually designed guest rooms. T e Gainsborough Bath Spa (
www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk) is just a 3 minute walk from the Roman Baths and has a Spa Village accessible to all guests, while T e Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa (www.
royalcrescent.co.uk) off ers a picturesque retreat for a Christmas shopping break in elegant Georgian surroundings.
38 | THE WEST COUNTRY FOODLOVER
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