No matter how you'll be spending the next week or two, we wanted to extend our warmest wishes, from everyone here at The Bath Magazine,
to you and your loved ones. 

This year we've had a truly lovely time appearing in your inbox week on week and delivering you the finest cultural offerings from the wonderful
city that we call home. 

From The Bath Half, to the Waiter's Race, exploring Lady Danbury's home, the Ralph Fiennes x TRB season, Bath Carnival, Bath Rugby becoming the Treble Champions and multiple gorgeous literary festivals... it's been a truly brilliant year here in Bath and we feel extremely privileged to have had the chance to (virtually) shout about it all. 

Our team has been working extra-hard, Christmas-elf-style, to bring you a sparkling new magazine to accompany you through January 2026. Keep your eyes peeled as the new mag will be landing across the city before you've even finished singing Auld Lang Syne.

Until then, wrap up, be merry, and have a wonderful Christmas with you and your kin.

Visit our website for last-minute gift ideas, things to do with the whole family over the festive break, a healthy dose of fascinating features and much more.

And if you haven't yet, catch up on our gorgeous December
issue before we say goodbye to 2025 forever! 

Recipes

Salmon Coulibiac

A classic combination of salmon, prawns, spinach, rice, fresh herbs and puff pastry brought together in perfect, tasteful harmony - aka, your Christmas Eve supper sorted!

Delicious served hot (with, perhaps, seasonal greens and Hollandaise Sauce?) or cold as part of a festive buffet, Coulibiac looks impressive but is surprisingly straightforward to make… especially when you use ready-made puff pastry.

Read online

Read more of Melissa's recipes online

Food Events

New Year's Day Jazz Lunch at Iford Manor Estate, 1 January

See out 2025, or see in 2026 with a delicious lunch included at Iford, accompanied by live jazz from The Tom Berge Trio.

Well known to any Iford supper club regular, Tom Berge is one of the UK's leading jazz pianists. For New Year he brings along his trio to entertain and delight.

Arrive anytime from 11.30m to enjoy a relaxed lunch over two 45 minute sets of jazz from the musicians with an interval. Music starts c. midday and expect lunch to
finish c.2.30pm.

11.30am - 2.30pm | Iford Manor Estate, Iford Manor, Iford, England, BA15 2BA

ifordmanor.co.uk

Weekend Wines

Festive Champagne & Sparkling Wines

The popularity of all things fizzy remains at an unprecedented high, and The Great Wine Co. are embracing this burgeoning trend with gusto. Whilst Prosecco shows no signs of slowing, there are two emerging categories in particular, which are especially interesting. Cava, whose cheap and cheerful image is finally waning, is now gaining the recognition it deserves. The second is Grower Champagnes, who are able to exploit real individuality in their style and craft wines that best showcase the terroir of
the village from which they hail.

Champagne Brut Grande Réserve Premier Cru, Gobillard | £27.50

Eins Zwei Zero Riesling (Alcohol Free), JJ Leitz | £7.50 

Tresor Rosado Cava, Pere Ventura | £17.75

Explore more brilliant sparkling wines on the Great Wine Co. website

Unique creations from the Marco Bicego Lunaria Collection are finely hand-engraved using the ancient Florentine burin technique, creating a fine, brushed texture.

Explore the the collection online or in person.⁠

Our picks from the collection:

Marco Bicego Lunaria Twist Necklace 18ct Yellow Gold | £3,250

Marco Bicego Lunaria Twist Earrings 18ct Yellow Gold | £1,430

mallory-jewellers.com

Whistles’ Limited Edition Resort 2026 Collection is rooted in classic utilitarian styles, modernised through contemporary silhouettes, feminine details and
statement animal patterns.

At the centre of the collection is the cow print featured in an a-line skirt and zip jacket, cut to a cropped fit from textured, hair-on leather. Continuing the contemporary take on animal prints, a brushed alpaca tank is detailed with an abstract zebra pattern in rich tones of green.

Brown/ Multi Cow Print Zip Jacket | £649

Brown/ Multi Cow Print A Line Skirt | £249

Shop the Limited Edition Collection online or in store

1 New Bond St, Buildings, Bath BA1 1BL

Enter the wonderful world of Chanel and discover the perfect holiday gift. Rouge Coco Baume 912 Dreamy White, Le Vernis 111 Ballerina, and La Creme Main Texture Riche, presented in a limited-edition pouch inspired by the stars. 

It is woven from shiny black and midnight blue threads and elevated by golden detailing, including a zipper pull in the shape of a camellia, a Chanel symbol. The perfect trio for a polished manicure, as well as hands and lips that stay moisturized throughout the day.

chanel.com | £132

Give the dogs a little festive magic too with Bramley’s Digby collection. Thoughtfully crafted gifts that combine gentle care with nature’s goodness.

Our picks: 

Muddy Paws Bathtime Cracker - Digby | £6.40

Dog Wash & Conditioner Bundle | £26

Digby Dog House Gift Set | £12.50

bramleyproducts.co.uk | Unit 11, 41 Milsom St, Shires Yard, Bath BA1 1DN

Words by Melissa Blease | Production images by Stewart McPherson

"It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, which to many of us means only one thing: if the teenager in your life doesn’t get the new iPhone 17 Pro in their Christmas stocking, you’re gonna be doomed on Snapchat.

But back in the days before TikTok, selfies and FOMO dominated family life, the annual panto was where magic really happened. But it ain’t over ‘til it’s over… and The Further Adventures of Peter Pan gives the genre a subtly contemporary update without (thankfully!) kicking one of the jolliest Great British Traditions to the kerb...."

Read the full review online

The Further Adventures of Peter Pan is at Theatre Royal Bath
until 11 January. Tickets here.

Visit Bath's most popular contemporary maker's market, nestled beneath the stunning glass roof of Green Park Station.

The main floor will be bustling with creativity, a kaleidoscope of local independent artists, designers, and makers showcasing their finest work at over 50 stalls. From up-and-coming talents to established artisans, each stall promises high-quality artwork, handcrafted treasures, and unique products.

But it's not just about shopping - it's a sensory feast. Indulge your taste buds with irresistible food and drink offerings scattered throughout the market. DJ's and live music on the day, this is the perfect opportunity to check out local talent.

Live music 11.30am - 1.30pm

10am- 3pm | Green Park Rd, BA1 1JB | @thebathindependent

Popkids is a family friendly interactive show with special guest performances, club djs playing music for all ages, prizes, surprises, party dances and so much more. With different themes every time it gives adults and children the perfect opportunity to dress up and party. Each event includes a fully hosted 90- minute show with a Popkids Party Host, meeting a special guest, teaching party dances, and playing fun games that the whole family can enjoy. Prizes will be awarded during the games.

komediabath.co.uk | Komedia, BA1 1EP

Jazz – a fascinating blend of rigorous structure, free-wheeling creativity, close-knit ensembles and imaginative improvisation. We hear of jazz from the early years up to the Second World War, and the influences on its emergence.

This lecture will be delivered in a hybrid format – you can attend via Zoom from your home and in person at the Widcombe Social Club.

Sandy Burnett | 11.30am – 12.30am | Widcombe Social Club, Widcombe Hill, BA2 6AA

Non Members: £10 (£7 on Zoom) — must book by email latest Friday 2nd January

bath@theartssociety.org

theartssocietybath.com

Through a shared ambition to produce positive mental health benefits for men, Dorothy House and Icebreakers are kicking off 2026 with a New Year’s Day group cold water immersion, breath and movement practice, sauna and wellbeing session.

Their ongoing partnership aims to offer fellowship and connection in order to benefit men’s experience of caring, grief and bereavement. 

With IceBreaker Chapters across the UK, in Bath, Brighton, London and Bristol, the growing network will be supported by Dorothy House Hospice Care’s specialist bereavement training, alongside light touch, open access support for
any men caring for loved ones at the end of life, or any men who have experienced grief and bereavement.

9.30am - 11.30am | Warleigh Weir, Ferry Lane, Claverton, Bath BA2 7BH | Register here

dorothyhouse.org.uk | icebreakers.uk | Photo credit: Gareth Jones

Welcome in the New Year with a magical evening of enchanting music sung by the acclaimed Bath Abbey Girls’ Choir.

Musical highlights will include Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols, the haunting composition Peace on Earth by the Master of the King’s Music Errolyn Wallen, and a lovely arrangement of a Welsh carol for girls and harp ‘Sisialau’s awel fwyn’ by Jeffrey Howard.

Featuring a range of solos by the talented Girls Choir, accompanied by the beautiful sounds of the harp.

7pm - 8.30pm | Bath Abbey, BA1 1LT

bathboxoffice.org.uk

Loved Hamnet? Can’t get enough of Michelangelo? Renaissance: Journeys of Discovery is BRLSI's yearlong programme of talks and events exploring a cultural explosion which began in Florence but is still making waves in the 21st century.

 Shakespeare, Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Martin Luther, Cervantes, Chaucer, Machiavelli, Hieronymus Bosch… if you love arts and culture,
you’ll love this BRLSI talks series.

Ready to embark? Click here to begin the next leg on your learning journey

16-18 Queen Square Bath BA1 2HN | brlsi.org

Perfume Making Half Day Workshop |  17, 24 January | 2.30pm - 5pm

Why not try your hand at making your own personal fragrance in the New Year, and join Parterre for a creative, hands-on session.  Informative and engaging, these half day workshops cover a bit of theory about the olfactive families and perfume fundamentals.  Then, working with high quality oils, you will be expertly guided through the process of designing and blending, and by the end of the afternoon you will have a 50ml bottle of perfume to take home and enjoy. £120pp

Perfume Workshop Gift Cards | The perfect present for any
fragrance lover.  Prices from £38.

All workshops are held in central Bath and private groups are welcome.  For further information and to book go to parterrefragrances.com

Pictured below: Parterre's Signature Discovery Set, £145

The Paragon School is delighted to announce the appointment of Malcolm Bond as its
permanent Head. 

Selected from an impressive field of candidates, Mr Bond succeeds
Rosie Allen and will take up his new post in January 2026.

Malcolm brings extensive experience in independent education. He joined Prior Park
College in 2012, progressed through several leadership roles, and now serves as
Assistant Head Co-curricular. A member of the College’s senior leadership team, he is
widely respected for his ability to inspire both staff and pupils.

paragonschool.co.uk | Lyncombe House, Lyncombe Vale, Bath BA2 4LT

The Blue, Black and White will head Tyneside this weekend as
the Gallagher PREM returns.

In the first of three Festive Fixtures over the next three rounds, Bath Rugby take on Newcastle Red Bulls at Kingston Park on Sunday (15:00).

In 10 changes made to the starting XV, Francois van Wyk will take the loosehead position, joined by Dan Frost at hooker and Archie Griffin at tighthead.

Coming from the bench last weekend, Ewan Richards will start in the tight five, alongside Ross Molony who retains his jersey from Bath’s clash against RC Toulon.

Josh Bayliss returns to the back row to earn his 100^th PREM Rugby appearance, joined by Ethan Staddon on the openside and Miles Reid who will captain from Number 8.

Tom Carr-Smith also retains his starting jersey, seeing Santi Carreras move in-field after wearing 15 last week.

Will Butt and Chris Harris will pair up in the midfield.

Completing the starting line-up, Louie Hennessey takes the 11 channel, with Joe Cokanasiga in the 14.

Tom de Glanville starts at 15.

On the bench, Beno Obano, Tom Dunn and Thomas du Toit are named as replacement front row.

Ted Hill, Sam Underhill and Alfie Barbeary complete the replacement forwards, with Ben Spencer and Cameron Redpath named as replacement backs in a 6-2 split.

The game kicks off at Kingston Park on Sunday 21 December, 3pm. 

bathrugby.com

4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Guide Price: £1,850,000

Offered for sale by Cobb Farr Estate Agents

Goblin Combe is approached via a level driveway and dates from the 1950’s when it was built in the site of an old quarry. It sits centrally in a generous ¾ acre, elevated plot affording fine views over the city.

In previous years, it has been extended and now provides ample accommodation set to just two storeys to include 5 reception rooms, up to 5 bedrooms, ensuite facilities, an attached double garage and a first-floor balcony terrace to take in the vista.

Even more of a rarity in Bath is a near level plot boasting lots of mature planting, orchard area and being fully hedged and private making it a paradise for gardeners or anyone who enjoys being outside. The rear terrace at ground level spans the width of the house and benefits from a south westerly aspect therefore having the sun for the afternoon and evening – great for entertaining.

In summary a very unique opportunity to purchase an established house in one of Bath’s most sought after locations – early viewing recommended.

Goblin Combe is situated in North Road, close to Bath Golf Club and backing onto National Trust land.

Access to the city centre is convenient being approximately a 25 minute walk, with bus services available on nearby Bathwick Hill. It is also well positioned for access to Bath University and a number of nearby schools to include in particular King Edwards, only a 10 minute walk away, together with local primary schools to include Bathwick and Widcombe Junior.

To view more images, details and a floor plan, visit Right Move

Explore more properties on the Cobb Farr Estate Agents website