The Corridor, Bath

A Grand 19th‑Century Arcade

Opened in October 1825, The Corridor is one of the world’s earliest purpose‑built retail arcades, designed by Bath architect Henry Goodridge in the elegant Georgian style. Inspired by the fashionable covered shopping passages of Paris and London’s Burlington Arcade, it was conceived as a refined, sheltered promenade where Bath’s well‑to‑do could stroll and shop in comfort. The arcade runs from High Street to the edge of Union Street, forming a graceful, covered link between two of Bath’s main shopping areas. Its Grade II listed status reflects its architectural importance as an early example of the indoor shopping arcade, a concept that would later evolve into the modern shopping centre.

Architecture and Atmosphere

The Corridor’s most striking feature is its high, arched glass roof supported by slender iron trusses, which floods the arcade with natural light and creates a bright, airy atmosphere. At the High Street end, a Doric colonnade with marble columns marks the entrance, while the opposite end also features marble columns and a more intimate feel. Running along the centre of the arcade is a musicians’ gallery with a wrought‑iron balustrade adorned with gilt lions’ heads and garlands, a decorative touch that hints at the arcade’s original role as a fashionable social space. The Victorian redevelopment introduced large plate‑glass shop fronts, which remain in place today, giving the arcade a timeless blend of Georgian grandeur and Victorian shopfront elegance.

Shopping and Dining Today

Today, The Corridor is home to around two dozen shops, offering a mix of well‑known high‑street brands and independent, specialist retailers. Visitors can browse clothing, jewellery, stationery, gifts, furniture, and more, with several cafés and eateries providing places to pause for coffee, cake, or a light meal. The atmosphere is more relaxed than the open High Street, making it a pleasant place to escape the weather and enjoy a more personal, less crowded shopping experience. The arcade’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to combine historic charm with contemporary retail, creating a unique environment where the past and present of Bath’s shopping culture meet.

History and Resilience

The Corridor has played a notable role in Bath’s history beyond shopping. In the 19th century, number 7 housed the photographic studio of William Friese‑Greene, later celebrated as a pioneer of cinematography. The arcade’s history also includes a darker chapter: on 9 December 1974, an IRA bomb exploded inside, causing extensive damage to this historic part of the city. The subsequent major restoration carefully rebuilt the arcade to its former glory, preserving its distinctive roof, colonnades, and decorative details. This careful restoration ensures that today’s visitors can still experience the arcade much as it appeared in the 19th century, a testament to Bath’s commitment to its architectural heritage.

A Living Piece of Bath’s Fabric

More than just a shopping arcade, The Corridor is an integral part of Bath’s urban fabric, serving both as a covered shortcut between streets and as a destination in its own right. Its elegant proportions, historic details, and mix of shops and cafés make it a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re drawn by the architecture, the independent boutiques, or simply the pleasure of strolling under a glass roof in the heart of a World Heritage city, The Corridor offers a distinctive and memorable experience. It stands as a beautifully preserved example of early retail architecture, where the rhythms of daily life continue beneath a canopy of glass and iron.