As one of Britain’s best cities, Bath is a great place for a long weekend of eating, drinking and record shopping. As a regular visitor to this West Country gem, I am frequently found crate digging for vinyl finds.
Like many towns and cities the record shops are often a mix of charity shops, high street chains and independent record shops that all have something to offer. So here is my personal guide to the best record shops in Bath.
Best record shop for second hand records in Bath – Dorothy House
Dorothy House is a charity that offers free palliative and end of life care across Bath and North East Somerset, and parts of Somerset and Wiltshire.
This charity shop is always my first stop for records in Bath. Located on Broad Street this shop has a large selection of used vinyl with a central group of vinyl racks at the back of the shop.
There is always a fresh supply of vinyl to rummage through. Prices in this main section are fair and there are bargains to be had. Below the racks are oftern boxes of old music magazines like Q or Mojo and sometimes more obscure publications. On the back walls there are more vinyl records but usually ones that have been singled out for rarity or price.
There is also a large selection of 7” singles around a £1 each. The window display usually has a few crackers you’ll want to check before you blow the budget and don’t forget there are also a few of the very best records on display behind the counter.
There is a listening station if you want to check any of the records.
And whilst you are in Dorothy House check out the music books section as you will find great (auto)biographies like Scar Tissue from Anthony Kieidis.
The mobile signal isn’t great at the back of the shop (it’s not great across Bath to be honest) so you won’t easily be able to check Discogs whilst you are in there.
I love this shop and always come away with a haul of records with a mix of classics and ‘why nots’ due to their fair pricing.
Do note the records are in the Broad Street shop not any other of the Dorothy House shops in town.
Once you are done with the charity shop, you can pop directly across the road for a coffee and rummage at Chapter 22.
Best for new Indie records in Bath – Chapter 22 Roots & Records
Coming into it’s second (I think) Christmas in the city, Chapter 22 has a unique take on the record buying experience. In one half of the shop are cool plants for sale, whilst the other has racks of vinyl. This is the unique vision of it’s founders – two music fans who became a florist and the other working in retail now focused on creating this unique destination for music lovers in Bath.
You’ll find a couple of racks for used vinyl records on the ground floor with a skew towards indie and punk. Up a few steps and you will find more brand new pressings from the likes of Radiohead and the Cure.
There is always fresh coffee brewing and some great records spinning. The interior decor with verdant plants and cool murals make this place a great destination for any music lover.
There’s some music memorabilia and their own branded Merch including socks, just in time for Christmas!
If you can’t get into the city they have a great online store (and on Discogs) with free shipping on orders over £100.
Best for Classical & Opera Records – Oxfam
Whilst the Oxfam Bookshop is focused on books, it does have a couple of racks mainly of classical recordings and vintage box sets of opera. It is always worth a rummage as they do get some good stuff in there. I picked up some vintage Sting and Paul McCartney records on a recent trip. On my latest visit there was a first mono pressing of Pink Floyd’s Saucerful of Secrets and a rare Piper at the Gates of Dawn, plus an old Jefferson Airplane album in the window.
It’s on the way towards Green Park which is our next stop…
Best for Dance / Hip Hop and world records Resolution Records
As you walk into Green Park [what used to be] Station you will hear the sound system before you see the shop, although the new sign will help you spot it easily enough!
Founded by a former record label manager, Resolution Records has been a Bath fixture for well over a decade. With a background in house and funk it is no surprise that Resolution is the best place for dance/funk/hip hop records in Bath. Look along the back wall and you’ll see all sorts of international artists and labels whilst the more mainstream pressing are in the middle of the store.
There’s also music memorabilia and one-offs dotted around, and check out the super cool sofa!
For a discount rummage check out the tables in front of the shop, you’ll never know what you find.
Best for Eclectic Records – the Bath Saturday Market
Every saturday there is an open air market off Walcott Street with mainly antiques and ‘collectibles’, However there is usually one record stall that is worth a poke.
There’s no defined genre focus and I am not sure the prices are always that keen but you can often find a gem. On my last visit I picked up a mint copy of REM’s Green Tour Programme, I know that’s not a record and that’s another post!
If all else fails there is an HMV in Bath.
Do you have a favourite place to go crate digging in Bath? Let me know in the comments!