Bath's Independent Shops
Bath’s shopping streets are packed with recognisable brands, but there are some great independent shops and markets you shouldn’t miss, including the market at Green Park Station, and a popular bookshop you won’t be able to resist.
My Small World Toy Store
19-21 St. Lawrence Street, Southgate
If you’re fresh off the bus or the train for your shopping adventure in Bath, this should be your first stop: the kind of toy shop that will impress adults as much as little people, with wall to wall treats to fuel your imagination.
My Small World is run by a genuinely enthusiastic team, selling everything from eco-friendly baby toys by Plan to beautifully painted musical instruments by Djeco. We defy you to leave this shop empty-handed.
Mr B’s Emporium Bookshop
14-15 John Street
Mr B’s isn’t short of attention; this bookshop is a firm favourite, not just with locals, but with bookworms across the country. There was even a pop-up version of the shop at Glastonbury in 2017. The rows of bookshelves are dotted with hand-written recommendations, and there are tables and chairs on hand so you can really browse at your own pace.
Anyone suffering withdrawal symptoms between visits to Mr B’s can calm themselves with a reading subscription, where a new book is sent out by post every month, according to your taste.
Bath Flea Market/Vintage and Antiques Market
Green Park Station
Green Park Station turns into a flea market on the first Sunday of every month, then covers all things vintage and antique on the last Sunday of every month. That means you have plenty of opportunities to get your retro and pre-loved shopping fix if you forego a Sunday lie-in to pore over books, fashion, glassware, toys and more.
The undercover venue means bad weather won’t put a dampener on your plans. Afterwards, you can wander through nearby Kingsmead Square or Queen Square with a takeaway coffee in hand, to reach the city’s traditional shopping streets.
Saturday Antique and Flea Market
Cattle Market Car Park, Walcot Street
If you’re more of a Saturday shopper, or you can’t make the dates of the markets in Green Park Station, this outdoor weekly market is the perfect alternative. It even comes recommended by fashion and textiles designer Pearl Lowe.
Expect fewer stalls here in the Cattle Market, but just as much anticipation of walking away with a bargain – think huge antique rugs, mismatched furniture, and tables loaded with crockery, ornaments and vinyl records. Prices are reasonable, but be careful to only buy as much as you can carry!
Magalleria
22a Broad Street
Step away from your smartphone and support print media – Magalleria can show you the way to great reading material and the antithesis of clickbait. Magazines have seen a bit of a revival in recent years, and this store is like a sweet shop for anyone who’s partial to a magazine hoard, or even just an artfully arranged selection of coffee table reads, covering topics like art, fashion, gardening, travel and wellbeing, and selling back-issues as well as the latest editions.
The shop also welcomes recommendations from shoppers themselves, so if you can think of a magazine that would fit in here, let owners Daniel and Susan know.
Found
17 Argyle Street
Just past the famous Pulteney Bridge, Found is a very photogenic homeware and clothing shop that makes you want to reinvent your lifestyle (or at least look damn good giving it a try). You want achingly cool chocolate bars? They’ve got some. Do you wish your socks were cooler? Look no further – sock brands include the colourful Bonne Maison and the practical, boot-friendly RoToTo.
Found is a little on the expensive side, so you may need to save your visit until payday, but the curated range of stock is worth the wait; fashion brands like LF Markey, Marimekko and YMC are sure to catch your eye.
Trash
18 The Corridors
This tiny vintage and streetwear shop packs a punch, with some customised pieces amongst the retro haul. The décor is beyond cool – look out for basketball videos, hip hop posters, neon signs and Keith Haring art prints.
Whereas some vintage shops tend to lean towards tinier sizes, Trash is more inclusive, so you’re bound to find pieces that work for you, whether you’re into band t-shirts, tracksuit tops, dungarees or a classic denim jacket.
Mayther
3 Milsom Street
If your Bath shopping trip has involved finding the perfect presents for friends and family, you can complete your hard work at Mayther, which is filled with cards, wrapping paper, arty tissue paper and easily wrapped gifts, such as books and small toys (hello, Paddington).
This just leaves you to do the actual wrapping… unless you’d prefer to have your gift wrapped at the till and decorated with ribbon, which is also an option. There are even stamps available to make sure you’re ready to hit the post box; it’s these personal touches that make Mayther stand out from the high street card chains. This shop really takes the headache out of present buying, and it ensures your choices will always look stylish.
