Christmas Markets, Bath

There can't be many more things to get you in a Christmassy mood.

But first...

  Albeit tempted by the delicious array of pastries and puddings, we started off the day with a light lunch; a tasting plate of salads and herby pesto chicken panini, with bumbleberry (!) juice. My favourite? Butternut squash, wine-soaked raisins and goat's cheese salad, yum. 

A little wander around Bath's city streets (we made a friend!) before the 'perilous ascent' to Alexandra Park, but what a view.

Onto the Abbey, with it's lofty, vaulted ceilings and beautiful stone masonry.

After a brief appreciation of the architecture, we found the market on our doorstep. Rows of quaint wooden cabins filled-to-brimming with merchandise; cosy knits, Christmassy delicacies, spiced beverages, handmade ornaments, trinkets and cards and snacks and gifts.

We indulged in award-winning chutneys, chocolate wine, the best hot spiced apple I've ever had and farmhouse cheeses. 

I couldn't help but be drawn into all the beautiful little boutiques lining the roads on the way back to the car, Bath is full of them and a treasure chest for trinket-magpies. Finally, we bustled into a snug little Italian for some heart warming fare to warm the cockles to end a truly splendid day full of the essence of Christmas.

Will you be going to the Christmas markets this year?