Discover Bath on a Budget
Beautiful, elegant, cultural Bath is famously expensive. Beloved by the Romans and a fashionable Georgian watering hole, these days it’s home to a smart contemporary spa.
The city’s graceful, golden 18th century buildings frame an array of trendy boutiques, classy restaurants, and gourmet shops. However, there’s actually a wealth of free (and almost free) things to do which give you a richer slice of city life. Here’s an itinerary to see Bath on a budget.
Picnic beside a Bridgerton Backdrop
As you join the crowds gazing at the gorgeous Georgian semi-circle of the Royal Crescent, it may look familiar. These honey-coloured, four-story mansions feature in the Netflix blockbuster Bridgerton. Stroll along the length of the street then turn left. After a sweeping semi-circle of private lawns sits a vast swathe of grass. Here you can gaze back at the exquisite architecture and picnic with the locals—a Bridgerton backdrop of your own and a meal with the best (and free) views in town.
Discover a Secret Garden
Once you’ve seen No.1 Royal Crescent, look out for a pedestrian path on the right as you head back towards town. It turns left onto Gravel Walk, hugging the back of walled gardens. With sunlight dappling dog walkers and glimpses of fine buildings through the trees, it feels like this route is offering you privileged access into the real city behind those fine facades.
Eventually, a door set into the wall to your left leads to the tiny Georgian Garden, with its gravel walkways and heritage plants. Again, there’s a behind-the-scenes feel—you’re in what would have been the private space of a very grand, Bridgerton-esque building.
Embark on an Architectural Amble
Bath’s other architectural show-stopper, The Circus, is a short stroll away. Completed in 1768, its three curving terraces of 33 mansions form an imposing circle. You’ve already seen the back of one of these grand villas—the Georgian Garden is tucked in just behind.
Bath’s unfurnished Assembly Rooms are nearby, showcasing elaborate plaster moulding, huge oil paintings, and vast chandeliers. This is where Bath’s fashionable society came to attend lavish balls in the 18th century. Bits of Bridgerton were filmed here, and you get to wander around all this finery for free.
Walk (or Cycle) an Art-Packed Tunnel
You’re deep into the mile-long Combe Down cycling and walking tunnel that runs below suburban Bath. As you move through the gloom, strange glowing disks appear in alcoves in the sides. You’re about to trigger the sound and light installation Passage, by United Visual Artists and the composer Mira Calix.
Suddenly, stringed instruments begin to play. As the music swirls, look ahead towards the other 19 alcoves with eerie gleaming circles. Each has a motion sensor and sparks music, creating a unique atmosphere that propels you on your way.
Bathe on Bath’s Wild Side
Head to Warleigh Weir on a summer’s day along the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath. Here you’ll join crowds of locals as they laugh, lounge on the grass, and float in long, shallow pools that curve out from a 100m weir. As dragonflies buzz and birds flit, you’ll see why Warleigh Weir has been a much-loved local swim spot for over 100 years.
The weir may not be as old as the city’s Roman Baths, or as warm as the geothermal pool at Thermae Bath Spa, but its back-to-basics bathing helps you really tap into the city and its people. It’s also much more memorable, and of course, it’s free (although the landowner appreciates donations at a coin box on your way in).
Sip a Pint in a Proper Music Pub
Real ale pints are poured, there’s a buzz of expectation in the air, and the first chords of the guitar begin to play at Bath’s legendary Bell Inn. This historic, welcoming space thrives on the love of music, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Catch the vibe in live music performances held three to four times a week—all for the price of a pint (or two).
Watch Artisan Glassblowers at Work
As you walk up Walcot St to the Bell, you’ll sense a counter-culture feel, a refreshing change after all that Georgian grandeur. You’re in the heart of Bath’s artisan quarter, surrounded by vintage clothes shops, designer homeware stores, and cool cafes.
Just up from the Bell, you’ll probably spot an open doorway at the workshops of Bath Aqua Glass. A wave of heat flows from it; inside, furnaces blaze, and artisans roll, blow, and sculpt molten glass. It’s an absorbing experience, watching unformed blobs being transformed into gleaming works of art.
Take a Genuinely Free Walking Tour
Bath has endless narrow lanes and unexpected paths that can be fantastic fun to explore. However, sometimes you want a guide who can truly bring the place to life. Fortunately, the Mayor of Bath’s Corps of Honorary Guides offer free tours—they won’t even accept tips.
Simply arrange a tour, meet outside the Roman Baths, and let a knowledgeable, enthusiastic guide lead you to both well-known and lesser-known sights while sharing interesting stories of the city’s fascinating history.
Delight in Buskers & History at Kingston Parade
At the end of a day of sightseeing, stand at the side of towering Bath Abbey, looking towards the colonnades and statues of the Roman Baths. The compact square of Kingston Parade is full of conversations in many languages, swirling as people head off to nearby pubs. A busker plays, with her violin notes rising above the chatter.
This area features a rotating lineup of performers, and the surrounding benches create a natural performance space. As you sit enjoying these free, alfresco mini concerts, you’re surrounded by buildings that span over two thousand years of the city’s history—quite a show for whatever you choose to donate.
Walk to City Views
Take a mile-long stroll from central Bath, which will take approximately an hour to reach Bathwick Fields—offering panoramic city views. As you gaze down upon the city, you’ll see towers, spires, and lines of graceful Georgian buildings; it’s a zoomed-out view of the sights you’ve seen up close.
On the way, you’ll wander across the photogenic Pulteney Bridge, past the art collection in the Georgian Holburne Museum (the home of Bridgerton’s Lady Danbury), past Sydney Gardens, where the people of Bath like to relax on sunny days, and alongside the Bath Canal. This walk traces the route taken by dandies and fashionable ladies during the 18th century, a route that visitors still adore today.
One last tip for budget-conscious travelers: consider staying in nearby Bristol (where accommodation is generally less pricey) and commuting to Bath on the train. It takes around 15 minutes, costs £8.50 return, and services run until around 11pm.
