Free Things to Do in Bath
23rd Jan 2023
Whilst Bath is certainly packed out with plenty of wonderful eateries, boutiques and bars that will stretch the holiday/travel budget, it’s a myth that you can’t ‘do Bath’ without spending a small fortune. In fact, we would argue quite the opposite is true, and that by its very nature, Bath offers a glut of free, fun and wonderful opportunities that are central, easily accessible and showcase this glorious city in the best ways possible.
So here is our top ten things to do in Bath for free…
Walk the Bath Skyline
One of our favourite things to do in Bath for free, the Skyline is a National Trust signed walk that gives you some of the best views of the city. Bath’s unique geography offers a flat-lay look at the city with breath-taking views that includes Capability Brown’s Prior Park Palladium bridge. It will also keep you fit as there will be a hill to tackle before you start, but believe you us, there is no pain without gain…..this walk comes highly recommended. Your Instagram feed will thank you!
nationaltrust.org.uk/bath-skyline
Cycle the Two Tunnels
The Two Tunnels is part of a 13-mile circular route that Sustrans, the English walking and cycling route organisation, worked to open in 2013. The route starts in central Bath, takes in the now iconic Two Tunnels along the old Somerset and Dorset rail line, and includes the Combe Down tunnel, a dark but lit long mile, making it the longest cycling and walking tunnel in the UK.
See the Finest Architecture – For Free!
You can’t come to Bath without sampling some of the world’s finest architecture. A bold claim you might say but we don’t exaggerate, UNESCO, who are kind of a big deal have listed the city as a World Heritage Site which means Bath is of ‘outstanding universal value’. Whatever the season, or the weather, you won’t fail to be impressed on each and every visit. Take in The Circus and/or Great Pulteney Street too and you can easily imagine life as a Georgian Bathonian.
bath-preservation-trust.org.uk
Check the Calendar
Whatever time of year you are here, there is always something street side that creates ambience and excitement throughout the city. The Bath Festival kicks off in May bringing a literary and musical buzz to the city, whilst the Jane Austen festival follows in September and brings a traffic stopping smile to Bath. Street artists are here all year around with their puzzling art and street sculpture trails adding free family fun.
The Mayor of Bath Guides
The Mayor of Bath Guides are completely free (they won’t accept tips) and are manned by incredible volunteers. They will lead you on two daily 2-hour tours of Bath taking in the main sights as well as other places of interest to their groups and the tour leader’s area of expertise. They work to welcome visitors to Bath on behalf of the Mayor and have been doing so since 1934!
Discover the Canals & Waterways
Bath sits on the River Avon. It also has the only natural hot water spring in the UK, so its history is steeped in water references and why the Romans named it Aquae Sulis. Wander or cycle the canal paths to Bradford-on-Avon or the other way towards Bristol for more of a challenge, which links up with the Bristol to Bath railway path too.
Bath sits on the River Avon. It also has the only natural hot water spring in the UK, so its history is steeped in water references and why the Romans named it Aquae Sulis. Wander or cycle the canal paths to Bradford-on-Avon or the other way towards Bristol for more of a challenge, which links up with the Bristol to Bath railway path too.
canalrivertrust.org.uk
bristolbathrailwaypath.org.uk
Visit the Parks
Having consistently won Britain in Bloom titles across the years Bath has a reputation for its floral designs. Its numerous parks offer beautiful spaces across the city for walking, playing and picnicking. Victoria Park is the headline act and boasts a large and brilliant play park, alongside Alice and Alexandra (with unrivalled views of the city) Parks both offering something for all the family.
Here’s our list of the best parks in Bath…
Locations and opening time can be found here.
Visit Bath Abbey
No list of things to do in Bath for free would be complete without mentioning the Abbey! Bath’s city status relies upon it having an Abbey. And what a glorious example of Victorian gothic architecture it is! Whether you are visiting to worship or to soak up its unique atmosphere and marvel at its sheer scale we’d recommend a look inside its vast doors. It’s the final stop at the end of the Cotswold way too so a welcome sight for many a walker.
Holburne Museum – Free entry!
Check out the latest installations at the Holburne museum, situated at the end of Great Pulteney Street. Entry is free and offers both cultural enrichment from its extensive art collection but also a view of an award-winning architectural project where its ‘extension’ is a bolted on modern glass building on this, another example of the finest Bath Georgian architecture.
Victoria Art Gallery
A central space that holds frequent and often modern exhibits. The VAG is proud of its free tag and welcomes residents and visitors alike. You can also grab a free art store tours with a gallery curator if booked in advance.
And that’s our top-ten guide to things to do in Bath for free. Got some money to spend during your time in Bath? Take a look at our guide to the Top 10 Things to Do in Bath.
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Drop us a message today about your next stay in the beautiful city of Bath…