The Tourist Bit.

I hope you are enjoying the run up to Christmas and aren't feeling too stressed.

On Wednesday I decided it was high time I made an effort to get some of my Christmas shopping done. I love living so close to Bath, but shopping there on a Saturday is to be avoided at ALL costs! The Christmas Market is in full swing at the moment and attracts many tourists and with Bath being such a small city, it just can't cope with the numbers. As it is, during the week, you really need to be parked by 10.30am or you will struggle to find a space.

So, early on Wednesday I made a quick dash around the chalets. I would say its nice to look, but not great for finding Christmas pressies - a lot of the stalls are extensions of some of the shops in Bath, so nothing new. And apparently the chalets are very expensive to rent, making it beyond most hand crafters budgets, so unusual one-of-a-kind items are few.

I was impressed by this beautiful handmade soap stall. The aromas were gorgeous, with only pure essential oils being used to produce each item. (You can request their catalogue here.)

Coming away from the market a huge carousel dominates the square outside the Pump Rooms - trying to negotiate your way around this on a Saturday can be a bit tricky!

There are plenty of carol singers, live bands and street entertainers throughout the winding streets of Bath. Would you believe this isn't a real statue?! This guy certainly fooled this pigeon though!

The florists on Pulteney Bridge had a stunning display outside. I just adore the festive foliage and beautifully arranged wreaths and baskets.

Well, taking all these photos wasn't getting my shopping done, so I had to get on...

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My youngest daughter said she'd like to visit the market after dark, so hubby and I took her last night after school.

It certainly takes on a different atmosphere in the evenings. People seem more relaxed (perhaps that's the mulled wine and cider on sale ;-)) and happier to take things at a slower pace.

The Abbey becomes even more spectacular when floodlit against the jet black sky.

We discovered that it is possible to take a tour of the towers in the evening at this time of year, and with the offer of mulled wine included when you reach the top, we decided it had to be done!

The views from the bell tower are fabulous, particularly at night with the festive lighting adding to the scene.

Below you can see the Roman Baths floodlit for the occasion.

And the tiny chalets of the market sandwiched in amongst the fine architecture.

There were only 10 people on the tour, so we all got to ring one of the enormous bells which date from the 1700's.

Then it was time to leave the roof top and climb the couple of hundred stairs back down again.

Hope you've all had a great week.

Enjoy your run up to Christmas,

Niki x