Bath’s shopping scene is one of the best and most varied in the country, boasting everything from shopping centres and designer boutiques to independent shops and quirky emporiums. Many of the independent shops in the heart of the city centre have been in business for decades, including one of its best-loved – Timber-Treasures on Abbey Green. 

This gift shop was opened in 1980 by David Gladden, who still owns it today. In the early days, David designed and made all of the wooden gifts on sale in the shop in his workshop in Bristol. The business has expanded since, and now sells unique handmade products sourced from all over the world. You’ll find rare and charming pieces from India, Bali, Vietnam, Tunisia, Morocco and many other far-flung destinations, as well as the UK. 

Handmade wooden gifts

You’ll find a huge range of handmade and unusual wooden gifts lining the shelves at Timber-Treasures Bath, many of which owner David has had a hand in designing and making. Much is made from locally sourced timber, or imported from global destinations. 

Timber-Treasures specialises in carved animals, as well as handsome wood barometers, smoking dragon incense burners and puzzle boxes. Their ‘Fairy Treasures’ collection, complete with fairy doors, stepping stones and signs, is a big favourite among the shop’s customers. 

There are wooden carved gifts for all occasions, from wedding anniversaries to children’s birthdays, with a range of presents to suit all budgets. You’ll find whimsical gifts, expertly carved pieces and rustic woodland crafts, plus kitchenware and items for the home.  There’s always something new arriving in-store, which is why fans of Timber-Treasures like to visit regularly to avoid missing out. 

Timber-Treasures, like many of the shops in Bath, reaches peak demand for its products in the run-up to Christmas. It offers a full range of handmade wooden Christmas gifts and decorations, and you may even spot a Timber-Treasures pop-up stall at the Bath Christmas Markets in November and December. The shop’s owners do events all over the country, showing off their unique carving talents at markets, fairs and fêtes. 

How to find Timber-Treasures in Bath

This popular gift shop is tucked away in one of the most charming spots in the city, not far from major tourist attractions including Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. To find it, you’ll need to turn off Stall Street with its high street shops onto Abbeygate Street. Head all the way down to the end where you’ll find an unexpected archway opening onto the quiet and charming courtyard-style Abbey Green. 

Our Hot Bath apartment next to the Thermae Bath Spa is one of the closest to the Timber-Treasures shop, but you can also reach it easily from our Argyle Retreat, Pulteney Bridge View and Argyle upon Avon properties just across the River Avon. In fact, the gift shop is only a short walk from most of our city centre apartments. Bath is a very walkable city, so you’ll have plenty of shopping options if you stay in the centre.