AD | What’s the first thing you associate with the beautiful City of Bath, England? The famous Georgian architecture? The Roman Baths? A Theatre Royal that attracts all the celebrities and shows before they head to the West End? All this and more probably, but what about some fun free things to do in Bath? Much as I love my home town, a visit to Bath is not an inexpensive trip. By the time you’ve travelled here, booked your accommodation, and paid for your food, you’d be forgiven for wondering if there are any fun things to do in Bath on a budget. Well, you’re in luck, as there are lots of free attractions in Bath, and here are my top 15 picks to tempt you.
15 Free Things To Do in Bath
One of the beauties of Bath is its size. It’s all pretty compact, albeit hilly, and everything is within walking distance, unlike say Bristol, which is larger and more spread out. So if you’re willing to adopt a slower pace, there are a huge amount of things to do and places to visit in Bath for free.
Mayor’s Guides Walking Tours
If you want to learn more about the city’s history, from Roman to modern times, then you need to join a two hour walking tour with the Mayor’s Honorary Guides. Starting outside the Roman Baths, they run every day except Christmas Day, and they’re completely free (tips are actively refused). Wheelchair users are welcome too and the route will be adjusted to avoid steps. It’s an absolute must at the start of any visit to Bath.
The Royal Crescent, The Circus, Queen’s Square
Designed by architect John Wood the Elder, with construction overseen after his death by his son, John Wood the Younger, these three set pieces are among the most famous 18th century landmarks in Bath. When viewed from above, The Circus, Gay Street, and Queen Square form a key shape. And following Wood the Elder’s studies of Stonehenge, it’s believed that The Circus and Royal Crescent are joined by a ley-line, with their design representing the sun and the moon.
Queen Square comprises four terraces of Georgian houses around a square and is the first part of the architectural sequence. Originally laid out to a formal design with elaborate parterres for elegant promenading, nowadays, the communal central garden is perfect for lunch on the grass under one of the cherry trees. In July it’s filled by marquees for Bath’s International Food Festival and annual Bath Boules Festival.
A sweeping crescent of 30 Georgian houses, the Royal Crescent is arranged around a lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park. You can enjoy a stunning view of this iconic terrace, made famous in many period drama and films, with a picnic on the lawn below the ha-ha ditch, separating private and public space.
The Circus consists of three curved segments of terraced town houses, forming a circle with three entrances. Don’t miss all the different symbols carved into the decorative stonework above the doors as you walk round – see if you can guess what each one means. Fun fact: if you stand right in the middle of The Circus, you can find the exact spot where anything you say will echo.
Pulteney Bridge
Designed by Robert Adam, Pulteney Bridge spans the River Avon and links the old city with the Pulteney Estate. One of the most photographed examples of Georgian architecture in Bath, it’s one of only four bridges in the world to have shops across its full span on both sides too. (The others being Florence’s Ponte Vecchio, Venice’s Ponte Rialto, and Erfurt’s Krämerbrücke). Tip: check out the rear view, it’s not nearly as picturesque as the front!
Bath Abbey
Known as “The Lantern of the West” because of all the stained glass windows, our Anglican church is one of the most magnificent examples of Gothic architecture in the UK. Beautiful both inside and out, the fan-vaulted roof is quite simply breathtaking. Entry is free but donations are accepted. Tip: if you’re feeling fit, book on to one of the Abbey Tower Tours (not free) and climb up the 212 steps to revel in the panoramic views across Bath and beyond.
Bath Skyline Walk
Speaking of views, the Bath Skyline Walk is a must, not only for overlooking the city but the woodlands, meadows, hidden valleys and sights like the Sham Castle too. Sham Castle, as its name suggests, is a fake built to look like the real thing and “improve” the view from the city centre town house of Ralph Allen (Bath’s first postmaster and limestone quarries owner).
Kennet and Avon Canal walk
Another shorter and less hilly walk is the route from Sydney Buildings down to Widcombe, admiring the perfectly formed Regency houses and allotments as you go. We used to stroll the canal path most Sundays when we lived in the centre of Bath.
Sydney Gardens
Bath has a plethora of beautiful gardens and parks and some of the loveliest are Sydney Gardens, which sit by the canal behind the Holburne Museum. Incidentally, while there aren’t many free museums in Bath, admission at the Holburne is free from 3 to 5pm every Wednesday and from 5 to 9pm on the last Friday in the month – so plan your visit carefully! Sydney Gardens are free though, and very worth a visit to while away a few hours on a weekend.
Henrietta Park
Just down from the Holburne Museum, off Great Pulteney Street, is a little slice of heaven in the centre of Bath. Henrietta Park is off the usual tourist trail, which means it’s often quiet and peaceful, so you can enjoy the beautiful plants and mature trees that provide plenty of shade. There are even tree maps dotted around that will teach you all about the specimen trees and planted flowers. This was our local park, and never more appreciated than at the height of a long hot summer when living in a first floor flat with no outside space became too much. 🙂
Alexandra Park
Another park beloved by residents is up the hill by Bear Flat and Poets Corner. Alexandra Park has been a popular spot with locals and tourists alike since opening in 1902, thanks in no small part to its mesmerising views over the city.
Royal Victoria Park
Probably the most famous of Bath’s parks, Royal Victoria Park sits just below the Royal Crescent for a perfect pit stop or picnic. A great place to relax, the botanical gardens are also packed with things to do, including a skateboard park, children’s play area, mini golf (not free) and a model boating pond. But as a gardener, my favourite thing to do is wander around and admire all the gorgeous seasonal planting (I’m sure my regular readers would expect nothing less of me).
Bath Markets
Bath markets are also lots of fun. If you’re visiting the city on the first Saturday of the month, head to the Bath Artisan Market in Queen Square, which is full of craft stalls as well as yummy food and drinks makers. Just down from Queen Square is Green Park Station which hosts the Bath Antique and Flea Market with a fantastic range of retro items and obscure oddities. Another favourite is the Guildhall market, the oldest shopping venue in the city around the corner from Bath Abbey. Tip: don’t miss the famous 18th century stone ‘Nail’ on which transactions took place, believed to be the origin of the saying “Pay on the Nail”. And last but not least, we have the famous Bath Christmas Market, which draws in huge crowds every year.
Bath Festivals
Bath is renowned for its range of festivals – Bath Film Festival, Bath Children’s Literature Festival, Bath Mozartfest, Bath International Food Festival, Bath Boules, the list goes on and on. While these are mainly fee-paying events, the best fun free highlight is the Party in the City on the opening night of the Bath International Music Festival. The city comes alive for a night of folk, rock, classical, jazz, acoustic, swing and soul music and entertainment featuring hundreds of performances from 5.30pm until late on outdoor stages and in historic venues, churches and museums – and it’s all for free!
Bath City Farm
A fab family day out can be had at another of Bath’s free attractions, Bath City Farm which sits on 37 acres of parkland on the outskirts of the city. It’s a great place to explore, see the animals and admire the picturesque views (again). As well as sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and pigs, they also have a pony you can groom. Admission is free but donations are encouraged – think of all those animals they have to feed…
Bath Aqua Glass
One of my favourite fun free things to do in Bath involves a short stroll down artisan Walcot Street to the factory of Bath Aqua Glass. Here you can watch the glass blowing for free, before being tempted by their shop is full of quirky items such as baubles, earrings and paperweights.
Are there any other fun free things to do in Bath?
Indeed there are and my absolute top tip is when walking around the city centre, don’t forget to look up. While the street level shop windows in beautiful Milsom Street and others are similar to those in most towns and cities, the first floor windows and mansard roofs are a definite giveaway that you’re in the World Heritage Site of Bath. Fun fact: while living in the centre of Bath I enjoyed a couple of years as the Manager at the Museum of Bath Architecture on behalf of the Bath Preservation Trust, and this tip was not only the first but also the best piece of advice I learned and always like to share. 🙂
So there we are, 15 fabulous, fun, and most importantly free things to do and places to visit in my home town. What do you think of my top fun free things to do in Bath? Do you know of any best kept secret things to do in Bath for free that should also be on my list?
* This is a sponsored post – please see my Disclaimer.
I’ve never been to Bath but I have heard of it – it’s a beautiful place for taking photo (as this post shows) and a lot of bloggers feature it! It’s nice it’s your home town, so much beautiful architecture and a lot of fun things to do there!
Hope that you had a great weekend 🙂 We had a busy but fun long weekend!
Bath is beautiful (not that I’m biased!) and it does make taking photos incredibly easy! Thank you, Mica 🙂
I’ve not been to bath in a while, but all of these places sound great! The aqua glass sounds like a great activity x
Watching glass blowing is so amazing, I could stand there for hours! x
Oooh thank you for sharing this! I’m always down for a freebie! I’ve only been to Bath once a few years ago & it was lovely. I went just before the Christmas markets opened, they were just getting set up & I’ve always wanted to go back and experience them. I love what you’ve picked here. The royal crescent / circle is a must I think.
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
You’re welcome – and yes, combining a Bath Christmas Market visit with a few of these free things to do would make a perfect visit! x
What an awesome post! I briefly visited Bath around 10 years ago so see the Roman Baths and sadly didn’t have long to look around the city, but this is a great guide 🙂 I would love to watch a glass-blowing demonstration, that sounds like so much fun 🙂 The architecture is so beautiful around the city. I can’t wait to have the opportunity to come back in the future and explore the place more. Thanks for sharing your tips 🙂
https://thetravellingvine.wordpress.com
Thank you, Lindsay, that’s very kind – and I’m so happy to hear you loved Bath and want to come back 🙂 Fingers crossed you can do so at some point in the not too distant future!
I’ve never been to Bath before but it looks lovely! Sounds like there’s so many fun things to do. I definitely want to go to a Christmas market this year! Hopefully the bath one is back on x
It’s such a stunning place to visit (and live) but sadly the Christmas Market isn’t happening this year – fingers crossed for 2022 x
Bath is a beautiful city!
I haven’t been there for a few years and I remember crossing that bridge to see the river cascading over the weir.
Thanks for reminding me of a great weekend.
http://www.ThisHappyHuman.com
Ah, that’s lovely, Matt, happy to have jogged some great memories!
I’ve always wanted to go to Bath – it looks absolutely STUNNING and so many free things to do too! Thanks for sharing
Thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post – I hope you can visit sometime soon 🙂
I would really love to try and get to Bath’s Christmas market this year! I love market’s and have always wanted to spend a day in Bath so it would be perfect. I’ll keep this guide in mind 🙂 x
Thank you, Caroline, although the Christmas Market isn’t running this year, sadly – fingers crossed for 2022! x
What an amazing city to visit! I would love to see the Roman Baths and the gardens. The crescent buildings and the circus buildings look very interesting too. Thank you for sharing Lisa!
It really is, Jenni, I feel so lucky to call it my home town – thank you, glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
I’ve visited Bath in 2002. It was lovely. Wish to visit there again in the future. Thank you for sharing some information on Bath.
Oh, that’s lovely to hear, I hope you can come again sometime soon, I’m sure a lot has changed since your last visit!
You know I’d LOVE to visit Bath. Maybe now we could arrange our visit?! There are so many wonderful free things to do in most cities, it really is a blessing x
I know, I can’t believe we were all set to fix a date for you to come down and then BAM, COVID-19. Yes, I’d love to try and rearrange – there’s no Christmas Market this year so maybe sometime in 2022? x
Bath is a city that I’d like to go to.
Thanks for sharing your tips on what to do there. 😀
You’re welcome, I hope you can visit sometime soon 🙂
I love how they were able to preserve the beauty of this place. Everything is picturesque.
I would love to go there when I get to travel to Europe. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
It’s such a beautiful city, so many gorgeous buildings to admire – we are very lucky to live here, I hope you can visit soon 🙂
This is such a helpful blog post about what to do when visiting Bath. I have wanted to visit Bath, it looks so pretty and there seems like there is lots to do and see. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren
Thank you, Lauren, I’m so glad it was helpful, and I hope you can make it over sometime soon!
I absolutely LOVE Bath but I’ve not been in years. I’m going to book a midweek trip down there to enjoy the Christmas markets!
Rosie
Yay, that’s great to hear – although the main Christmas Market isn’t on this year, there will still be lots of Christmassy events to enjoy!
Bath is such a beautiful city, and I would love to visit one day. That’s amazing there are so many free things to do and see there, and the walks sound lovely.
I feel very privileged to call Bath my home town, and yes, there are lots of lovely walks to enjoy, we are lucky 🙂
Bath is such a magical city. I like that architecture and I’m sure that I will enjoy so much walking around and watch it. I need to put it on my wish list cities which i need to visit. Thank you for sharing.
Bath really is a magical city, you are absolutely right, and I’m so glad it’s made your wish list too 🙂
Hi Lisa,
It really is a beautiful city, isn’t it? I remember being very impressed with Pulteney Bridge. You teased us a little with the ‘one of four’ comment – what are the other three?
It’s been many years since we last visited but, inspired by your fantastic review, I think I’ll add it to our travel ‘to visit’ list. Thank you 🙂
Hi Richie, It is indeed, you are right – and on the strength of your comment I have updated my post to share the other three bridges now, thank you! Hope you make it back to Bath sometime soon 🙂
I’ve never been to Bath as I live up North- but I would love to visit one day 🙂 thanks for sharing x
I hope you can make it down here one day then, thank you for reading 🙂
The Bath Aqua Glass experience sounds like so much fun! I have always wanted to see glass being blown and you bet I would linger in the shop to find the perfect paperweight for me.
I love taking the exploration of a new place slow, or visiting it by way of a tour from a friend who lives in the city I am visiting, so your guide to historical sites and places of note is lovely and perfect for those who cannot spend that much money on paid attractions. 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Jaya, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. While I wouldn’t wish to detract from the many amazing fee-paying attractions in Bath, I do think taking it slowly and on foot has untold merits, so I’m glad we’re in agreement!
I would love to visit Bath again and explore it a bit more, it just looks so picturesque! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I hope you can come down sometime soon, Lucy! x
You are making me want to visit Bath right now, your photos are absolutely stunning. Enjoying a picnic lunch on the grass in the gardens of the Queen Square sounds absolutely lovely.
That’s great to hear, Heidi, I guess my work here is done – meet you in Queen Square next summer then 🙂
I’ve been to Bath many times and I absolutely love it. I’m looking forward to the day I finally get back to the UK — it will be in the top few places to take my husband to see! I love that there is so many things to see/do for free, it makes for a wonderful day trip!
That’s great to hear, Molly, I hope you and your husband will enjoy your visit in the future!
What a pretty city! I need to make a trip to Europe in general. Thanks for sharing these pictures!
`Michelle
Thank you, Michelle, glad you enjoyed it!
Lisa with so many parks and botanical gardens, I’m surprised you made time for much else! Also learned something new re bridges with shops
Thank you so much, your comment made me laugh – and I’m always happy to share something new 🙂
I’m hoping to visit Bath in December so I’m glad this post came to me! Definitely one to save for itinerary ideas 🙂
Oh that’s great timing on my part then, thank you Anika, hope you enjoy your visit 🙂
I’ve never been to Bath but it is definitely on my places to visit when I can return to the UK! I loved your photos and ideas of places to visit so I will be referring back to this when we start planning. Thanks for sharing Lisa.
Thank you, Jodie, I’m so pleased this post was helpful for your visit in due course 🙂
Bath is one of my favourite places to visit, really need to plan another visit soon. I love just wondering around looking at all the buildings and views. I never know about the decorative stonework will have to have a better look when I am next there.
Very glad to hear you love Bath, Janie – and yes, the Circus symbols are fascinating, every one is different!
Fab suggestions! My boyfriend and I actually visited last Friday and although we got to see Royal Victoria Park and the abbey I didn’t know about a lot of these places – we’ll have to visit again soon and do a walking tour! The markets all sound amazing too! Thanks for sharing, you’ve given me lots of ideas for when we next visit haha x
Thank you so much, and yes, a walking tour would be perfect, whether you do your own or a free Mayor’s Guides one – hope you enjoy your next visit!
Thank you so much for this Lisa! Bath has been on my list for a long time. So this is very useful when I’ll finally go. I love that everything is within walking distance. I prefer walking around when visiting a new city as feel being in the car you’re most likely to miss out on places to see
You’re welcome, Soffy, I’m pleased it’s been helpful. And yes, I completely agree with you, going around on foot beats being in the car any day, plus it’s great exercise 🙂
I’ve never been nor heard of bath before this post. It sounds like such a gorgeous and historical place to visit.
It really is, I hope you can visit one day.
Bath has been on my “to visit” list for the longest time. It’s just beautiful, one day we’ll get there. The closest I’ve been is on a train through it on the way to Bristol
It is a beautiful city, I’m very lucky – I hope you get off that train one day, Alice!
Such a great list, thanks for sharing! Bath looks like such a lovely place to visit. 🙂
It really is – thank you, glad the list is helpful 🙂
Bath sounds so lovely. I would love to visit one day. Thank you for sharing. 😊
Pastor Natalie
Letstakeamoment.com
It’s a beautiful city, hope you can see it one day 🙂
I love Bath, but it has been a while since I’ve been. I’d love to go again and include some of these in my trip.
Thank you, Nikki, hope you can make it over soon 🙂
This seems to be a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing it. 🙂
♡ ☯ ☮ P&P style ☮ ☯ ♡
It is indeed, thank you.
Bath has such an amazing architecture. Thank you for sharing this travel guide.
It really does, we are very lucky to live here 🙂
Thanks Lisa! My boyfriend and I are heading to Bath for a few days soon, so this came at the perfect time. 😊
Oh, that’s great timing! Hope you have a lovely visit 🙂