Bath Christmas market returns: All you need to know

It is estimated 444,000 people visited Bath Christmas market last year

One of the UK's largest Christmas markets is weeks away from launching its 25th year, with thousands expected to visit.

Bath Christmas market will return at the end of November for two weeks, when more than 250 traders place stalls in the city centre.

Historically, local traders use the market to test the success of their products before expanding their business.

Here's everything you need to know.

When is the market?

The market starts on 27 November and ends on 14 December.

Between Mondays and Wednesdays, stalls will be open from 10:00 GMT to 19:00 GMT.

Thursdays to Saturdays will be 10:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT, and Sundays the market will be open from 10:00 GMT to 18:00 GMT.

Market stalls will be pitched throughout the city centre, spanning from Abbeygate Street to Milsom Street.

Will it be busy?

Yes.

The city is a major tourist destination throughout the year, and it will be no different this winter.

Last year, 444,000 people were estimated by Bath & North East Somerset Council to have visited the market across two weeks.

So it goes without saying, if you're planning to visit, you need to plan ahead.

The festive tourism helped create a £60.4m turnover for businesses, supported more than 500 jobs and added £48.9m of associated spend in the city.

How can I visit?

There are many ways to get to Bath for the Christmas market.

The city has three Park and Rides which run every 15 minutes every day of the week.

They are in Odd Down, Newbridge, and Lansdown.

Bath Spa Railway Station is located in the centre of the city and is a short walk to the market.

Several bus firms have services in and around the city, with First West of England the largest. They have buses stop off at Dorchester Street by the train and bus station.

Bath Christmas market is celebrating its 25th anniversary

There are also numerous car parks in and around the city centre, which you can find here, and there is on-street parking.

There is a dedicated drop-off and pick-up zone in Royal Avenue, a 10 minute walk from the market.

Be aware if you're thinking of driving that Bath has a Clean Air Zone to tackle emissions.

You can see if your car is eligible to drive in the zone here or what fee you would have to pay.

The market's organisers said there will be road closures in place across the two weeks.

Market is 'cherished tradition'

Rachel Charlton, who runs Cherry Tree Preserves, is trading at this year's market and said the market played a "key role" in their business, saying people had found their firm because of participating in the market.

Councillor Manda Rigby, the council's cabinet member for communications and community, said: "Bath Christmas Market is cherished tradition that brings joy to residents and visitors year on year.

"A true celebration of our city's creativity, hospitality and heritage, we're proud to be marking 25 years of the event and honour the traders who helped shape its success."