Where to find parking at the Bath Christmas Market

Bath hosts one of the UK’s most picturesque Christmas markets every single year, bringing in thousands of visitors from across the country to explore the historic city in a unique setting. 

This year the market will run from Thursday, 28th November to Sunday, 15th December 2024, and plans to have their usual mix of festive food and drinks, light displays, performances and market stalls for Christmas shopping.

With crowds also mean congestion, though, plus the market often requires road closures for better pedestrian access, meaning anyone driving into Bath will need to plan their route and parking ahead of time. Make sure to plan your route in advance so you can arrive smoothly and start enjoying the festive atmosphere with no stress.

What to expect at the 2024 Bath Christmas Market

The market has something for everyone — whether you’re taking the family on a festive day out, going with a group of friends or having date night. Here are some of the highlights you can expect during your visit:

1. Shop for unique handcrafted gifts: With over 150 wooden chalets on display at this year’s market, you’ll be sure to get some Christmas shopping done for the family.
2. Enjoy live music and carol singing: Carol singers, brass bands, and street performers will be on every corner.
3. Sharpen your ice skating skills: Back for its 11th year, Bath on Ice offers the opportunity to go skating in the middle of a winter-themed rink surrounded by a chalet-style bar.
4. Have a visit with Father Christmas: If you’re visiting with children, you can stop by Santa’s Grotto on multiple days across the market to add to the Christmas magic. 
5. Indulge in some festive food and drinks: Mince pies, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and hot chocolate will be easy to find as you explore.

Driving directions to the Bath Christmas Market

Bath is easily accessible from across the UK, with well-connected road networks leading to the city. Here’s how to plan your journey:

• From London:
  • Take the M4 motorway westbound.
  • Exit at Junction 18 and follow signs for Bath along the A46.
  • Use the city centre postcode BA1 1LY for your Sat Nav to direct you close to the market area.
• From Bristol:
  • Follow the A4 eastbound.
  • The drive takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Once in Bath, follow signs for the city centre, using BA1 1LY for navigation.
• From the South West:
  • Take the A37 or A36, depending on your starting point.
  • Merge onto the A4 as you approach Bath, and use BA1 1LY as your destination postcode.
• From the North:
  • Travel along the M5 southbound.
  • Join the M4 eastbound at Junction 15, then exit at Junction 18 for Bath.

Additional tips for drivers:

• Allow extra travel time during peak market hours (weekends and evenings).
• Some routes may have congestion or temporary closures to accommodate the market. Follow any diversions indicated by local signage.
• The A46 and A4 are the primary routes into Bath, so expect traffic bottlenecks at major entry points.

Where to find parking near the Bath Christmas Market

Parking around the market can be competitive, especially during busy periods leading up to Christmas. If you prefer to have a guaranteed parking space, JustPark provides a range of private and commercial parking spaces available for pre-booking on hourly, daily and monthly rates. This can often save you money and help secure a space before you arrive.

With prices starting as low as £1 per hour, it’s often cheaper and more convenient to rent a private space that’s only a short walk from central Bath where the market is located. This can also help you to avoid crowded car parks, making your visit as easy as possible. Plus, if you have any delays or you’re getting caught up in crowds leaving the venue, you can extend your booking through the app to avoid any parking fines.

Using the JustPark app or website, you can search, find and reserve a space which should tick most of your boxes when looking for parking:

• You can search for spaces within walking distance of the market and get more affordable rates than local car parks or unsecured pop-up parking that can leave your car damaged
• You should be able to escape the crowds more easily leaving your car in a slightly less congested area
• You can extend your parking session easily through the JustPark app if you’re facing delays getting out of the market crowds 
• You can have peace of mind knowing that you’ve got a guaranteed parking space upon arrival

JustPark also offers a Best Price Guarantee, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the lowest price available on spaces around Birmingham.

Some of the best-reviewed parking spaces in Bath:

• Parking on Pulteney Road starting at £2 per hour
• Parking on Calton Walk starting at £2 per hour
• Parking on Kipling Avenue starting at £1 per hour 
• Bath City Centre parking starting at £2 per hour
• Parking on Lower Bristol Road starting at £2 per hour

Frequently asked questions when driving to Bath at Christmastime 

Is there free parking near the market?
Free parking is very limited. Residential streets may offer free parking after certain hours, but check signs to avoid fines.

Can I pay for parking online?
Yes, pre-booking through the JustPark app ensures you get a dedicated and secure parking space and you can pay digitally. Most car parks in Bath accept app-based payments as well. 

What are the busiest times?
Saturday afternoons and the evenings leading up to Christmas are the most crowded. If you have the option or prefer to avoid crowds, go early on weekdays — although you’ll likely miss out on the more vibrant atmosphere with street performers and Christmas lights. 

How much does parking cost in Bath?

• JustPark: Prices start from £1.50 per hour, depending on location and demand.
• Council Car Parks: Typically £1.80–£3.10 per hour, depending on the location.
• Park & Ride: Parking is free; bus tickets cost £3.60 for a round trip.

Are there accessible parking spaces in Bath?
Yes, most central car parks such as SouthGate and Podium, provide disabled parking bays. With JustPark, you can search for and pre-book accessible parking spaces as well; just make sure you apply it as a filter so you are only shown suitable spaces.