Bath boasts more independently owned shops per head of population than most other cities in the UK. The high proportion of small, family-run shops means that the shopping experience in Bath is different from that offered by towns where big chains are dominant. It is the sheer variety and quality of shopping on offer that acts as a magnet to this historic town.

Of course, the high street chains are present in Bath as well, particularly around Stall Street, Union Street and Milsom Street. Walcot Street has been the artisans' centre of Bath since Roman days, and here a true Bath jewel can be found, the Bath Aqua Theatre of Glass, 1-2 Orange Grove, where glass is hand blown. The Fine Cheese Co, 29-31 Walcot Street, is another attraction, with a vast selection of delicious cheeses for sale. You can watch fresh chocolates being hand-crafted in The House of Minerva chocolate shop, 14 Cheap Street, and be sure to try their divine hot chocolate.  Also on Cheap Street, December 25th is a quirky year-round Christmas shop with sidelines in Easter and Valentines goods.

The latest arrival on Bath's shopping scene is Milsom Place. Top-end shops such as Cath Kidson and Ted Baker can be found here, and the accompanying bars and restaurants aren't half bad either.

Bath Flea Market also takes place on Walcot Street, every Saturday, while Bath Farmers Market is held on the same day at Green Park Station. A wide variety of local produce, all from within 65km (40 miles) of Bath, is sold by the producers themselves.

Pulteney Bridge is only one of two bridges in Europe that are lined with shops (Ponte Vecchio in Florence being its more famous cousin). There are several small specialist shops and a good variety of restaurants serving Italian, Thai, Indian and French cuisine in nearby streets.