Beyond the Roman Baths: Unveiling Bath's Indie Gems

Bath, a city steeped in history, often conjures images of elegant Georgian crescents and the iconic Roman Baths. While these are undoubtedly must-sees, Bath also offers a vibrant undercurrent of indie experiences that often get overlooked by tourists new to the area. Avoid the crowds and delve into the city’s hidden corners with our guide for the offbeat traveller.

 

Independent Art and Culture:

 

Green Park Station: This former train station, now a vibrant arts centre, houses a rotating program of exhibitions showcasing local and international contemporary artists. Grab a coffee and browse the thought-provoking displays, or catch a live music performance in the intimate space.

 

Milsom Place Flea Market: Every Saturday, Milsom Place transforms into a treasure trove of vintage finds and handmade crafts. Unearth unique souvenirs, from quirky jewellery to antique postcards, and support local artists and producers in the process.

 

The Little Theatre: Catch a movie at The Little Theatre, a fun independent cinema showing the classics alongside lesser known films. This independent venue screens everything from cult classics to arthouse films, offering an experience you won’t get in a chain cinema venue.

 

Foodie Delights:

 

Landrace Bakery: an institution for foodies visiting the city. Champions of local, quality produce, the cafe come shop offers the best coffee and buns in Bath, while the newly extended Landrace Upstairs offers lunchtime and evenings diners some of the most best food in Bath  https://landrace.co.uk/ 

 

Noya’s Kitchen is undoubtedly delicious. Noya, the owner and chef, cooks in the restaurant each day creating the best Vietnamese food in Bath. Everything from her summer rolls to pho is delicious https://www.noyaskitchen.co.uk/ 

 

Exploring Hidden Bath:

 

Prior Park Landscape Garden: Escape the city bustle and explore the picturesque Prior Park Landscape Garden. This sprawling garden, designed by Capability Brown, boasts stunning walks, a captivating Palladian bridge, and breathtaking views of the city.

 

Independent Shops: Meandering through Bath’s independent shops offers a more unique experience than many cities have to offer. Southgate has all the usual high street stores, but then Milsom Place and Broad Street are lined with charming boutiques that brim with personality. From quirky bookshops to vintage clothing stores, these independents offer pieces you can’t find anywhere else. 

 

The Saturday morning interiors and homewares market at the bottom of Walcot Street has several brilliant interior stalls selling individual and unusual pieces. The market runs from 9:30am to 1pm-ish every Saturday. 

 

Experience Bath Like a Local:

 

Bath’s vibrant spirit and its thriving independent scene sometimes takes a back seat due to the fame of the city’s Roman history. We encourage you to ditch the guidebook and embrace the city’s hidden gems, creating an itinerary that allows you to experience Bath like a local.