The city’s best festive experiences according to Mark Hanks, Head Concierge at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
There are few cities more magical than Bath at Christmas, when festive markets bring artisanal treats, decorations adorn the Georgian buildings, and streets buzz with locals and visitors soaking up the season.
Set within the city’s architectural centrepiece, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is an ideal base for a festive break. Here, Head Concierge, Mark Hanks, draws on his 36 year tenure and unrivalled knowledge of the local area to share his top recommendations for experiencing Bath like a local this Christmas.
Illuminating Light Trails
For families, I’d highly recommend The Festival of Light at Longleat, which offers a dazzling display of lights, including over 1,000 lanterns featuring traditional Chinese designs, as well as safari animals and recognisable characters from childhood favourite films and stories. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, this year will feature more immersive and interactive lanterns than ever before, following the theme ‘Journey through time’. Running 9th November to 5th January, visitors can expect a historical wonderland with characters ranging from pre-historic dinosaurs, Ice Age creatures and the incredible 10-metre high Roman Colosseum, to famous kings and queens across the centuries. Tickets start from £20.95, including additional access to Longleat’s 15-meter-tall singing Christmas tree, illuminated with over 88,000 twinkling lights.
Get Crafty this Christmas
For guests looking to create a gift or floral display for their home, we have a Festive Wreath Workshop and Afternoon Tea here at The Royal Crescent on 2nd December, in partnership with Bath and Bristol-based brand, Edward Allen Flowers (priced at £115 per person). Running 10am to 2pm, friends and families can bond over festive songs and a seasonal afternoon tea, whilst learning top techniques for creating the perfect Christmas wreath. Once guided through the process, participants will create a bespoke design from the finest selection of seasonal foliage, foraged from locations in and around Bath.
Another great opportunity for our creative guests is the Bath Aqua Glass studio, which offers glassblowing workshops led by local professionals. Perfect for festive gifting, this session teaches participants how to blow into hot glass to produce their very own bauble or paperweight. Private sessions are available from £45 per person.
Shop Till You Drop
The obvious choice for festive shopping is, of course, the famous Bath Christmas Markets, with twinkling chalets dotted throughout the city’s Georgian streets and the best local artisans and designers showcasing their stock. To escape the crowds, head to the array of independent shops, perfect for scouting out unique Christmas gifts, from family-run Honey Willow, selling handcrafted, personalised jewellery and award-winning children’s toyshop, My Small World Toy Store, to an emporium of vintage-inspired interiors and homeware at Graham & Green. Bath is also a haven for book lovers, with an impressive collection of historic shops including Topping & Company, Magalleria and Mr B’s Emporium.
Christmas at The Crescent
The best way to enjoy all that Bath has to offer is a stay at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, ideally located in the heart of the picturesque city. Our guests can embrace the festive season by indulging in sensational dining at Montagu’s Mews restaurant, with menu options from breakfast to dinner, including afternoon tea and a six-course evening tasting menu. The perfect place to rest and recharge over the festive season, The Spa & Bath House offers a range of treatments alongside an indoor pool and thermal suite.
We will also be welcoming local singer and guitarist, Leigh Coleman, for a weekly series of live performances from 28 November to 19 December. The music nights are free to attend, with a selection of cocktails and bar bites available, promising a cosy evening full of festive cheer.
The Christmas at The Crescent package for 24th and 25th December is available from £1,300 per person. The two-night stay includes a festive afternoon tea, Champagne & canapé reception, three-course dinner, breakfast, pre-lunch Champagne reception, Christmas lunch and a light buffet supper. Please click here for further details.
For more information, visit www.royalcrescent.co.uk.
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About The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Located in Bath’s iconic Royal Crescent, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is a two Michelin Key destination in the heart of the picturesque city, offering impeccable dining, state-of-the-art wellness and one acre of private tranquil gardens. Signature restaurant, Montagu’s Mews, highlights locally sourced modern British cooking in a relaxed setting, with menu options from breakfast to dinner, including afternoon tea and a six-course evening tasting menu. The Spa & Bath House partners with Templespa to offer a range of rejuvenating treatments, while facilities include a relaxation pool, Himalayan salt-infused sauna, herbal steam room and dedicated spa garden. Newly refurbished rooms and suites offer a sumptuous base for exploring the picture-perfect city of Bath, with many offering views of the Royal Crescent. Alongside leisure guests, the hotel expertly caters to large groups, with multiple spaces and an efficient team on hand to deliver seamless events, from corporate meetings to unforgettable weddings.
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