An Exciting Guide to Fun Free Things to do in Bath 2023
There are plenty of fun, free things to do in Bath, England, a beautiful Roman city in the South West of England. The city is one of the more expensive UK city breaks, but it does not need to be. One of the best things about Bath is that the city is full of architectural delights and landmarks, and seeing a lot of them is entirely free.
Did you know that Bath city centre is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site city in the UK? It has held the status for over 30 years because of its breathtaking landscape, Roman remains and 18th-century architecture.
We genuinely believe that it is a fantastic city break, so we have created a comprehensive guide to places to visit in Bath for free, so you can wander more and create your budget itinerary.
We know that many people visit for the Roman Baths and the Pump Room (which can be costly). However, people have been falling in love with Bath for years, and it has a strong literary heritage, so it is your turn to see what all the fuss is about. From Jane Austen to Mary Shelley, you will soon understand why they took inspiration from this beautiful city.
Luckily, Bath is compact and easy to get around, which means that you can walk on foot to most of the free attractions in Bath.
23 Best Free Things to do in Bath
Here is a detailed guide to the best places to visit in Bath for free. So get inspired and decide what suits your needs to plan a fabulous budget trip in Bath. It will be one to remember!
Royal Victoria Park
Royal Victoria Park first opened in 1830 just below the Royal Crescent. It was opened by Queen Victoria when she was 11 years old (there is an obelisk dedicated to her). Today you can visit the 57-acre park, and you’ll find a boating pond, the botanical gardens, a tennis court, a mini-golf and A Temple of Minerva.
If the weather is on your side, it is a fantastic spot to take a picnic and escape to watch the hot air balloons in the summer months. It is known to be great all year round, and there is an ice-rink here in winter.
Listen to Music
Buskers are alive in Bath and luckily it is free to listen and get involved. Kingsmead Square is a great spot to head to im the evening, as well as outside of Bath’s Abbey during the day as you can see in the picture below.
Bath Skyline Walk
Rising to popularity in recent years is the Bath Skyline Walk, a 10km route that prides itself on beautiful views. It is not too far from the centre, and you will be able to see Roman settlements an Iron Age hill fort whilst experiencing nature. It will likely take between 3-4 hours and steep in places.
However, it is one of the best free things to do in Bath and should not be missed on your next trip, especially on a sunny day. There’s nothing better.
Dogs love it too.
Victoria Art Gallery
On the first floor you can visit the permanent collection of art and it is completely free to the public. It is definitely worth a visit. It is open from 10.30am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm) Tuesday-Sunday.
Royal Crescent
Visiting the Royal Crescent is a must-do in Bath. You simply cannot see the city without admiring the set of 30 Georgian houses that make a half-moon shape. It is easy to reach on foot from the city centre and is one of the best places to visit in Bath for free.
It was designed by architect John Wood in the 18th century, and has been home to many of Bath’s historical figures and offers its visitors stunning views of the city centre. Also, it is over 500m long, so it is much larger than you might expect.
Walk along the Canal
Walking down the Avon and Kennet Canal is easily one of the best free things to do in Bath. The riverside is beautiful, and it is a great place to escape the city to watch canal boats glide down the river.
You will also see many beautiful buildings as you stroll down the canal, which means it is one of the best free things to do in Bath. You can also cycle down if you prefer. One way will take you to the River Avon and the other to the countryside! It also runs past Sydeny Gardens which is beautiful to admire.
Bath Christmas Market
It only applies at Christmas, but one of the best free things to do in Bath on a budget is to visit the Christmas market. The atmosphere is fantastic, and Bath at Christmas is truly magical. There are many excellent stalls to browse, and you could even treat yourself to a gluhwein, although that will not be free. Soaking up the atmosphere is, though!
Garden Maze
In Beazer Gardens, you will be able to have a go at trying to solve the small garden maze. It is a fun free activity, which is popular with families with children who love a puzzle, or adults of course.
Alexandra Park
Alexandra Park was opened in 1902 to memorialise the coronation of Edward VII. You will find it on top of Beechen Cliff, which offers 360 views over the city. There is a children’s playground here too, which means that visiting the park is an excellent option if you’re with kids.
Pulteney Bridge
You simply should not miss walking over and photographing Pulteney Bridge. It is one of only four bridges globally that has shops on both sides of it and was built in 1773. The Grade I Listed Venetian Bridge was inspired by Ponte Vecchio in Florence, and it is straightforward if you’ve ever visited. You will also have a good view of the weir, which was made in 1603.
Interestingly, this bridge was used in Les Miserables when Russell Crowe’s character, Javert, committed suicide.
Bath Abbey
Admiring Bath Abbey and its Gothic architecture is easily one of the best free things to do in Bath. People have been praying for centuries at this magnificent church, and today you can visit to see the gorgeous stained glass windows, enjoy a service or soak up the atmosphere and history of the abbey.
The church you see today was created in the 19th century, but three different churches have been here since 675AD, which means their history goes back over 1,300 years. It is one of our favourite abbeys in the UK, and we cannot believe it is free to enter and explore. For example, York Minster and Durham Cathedral are much more pricey!
You can climb the 212 steps to Bath Abbey’s Tower to have fantastic views over Bath city. However, this will cost £8 per person, so it is not free. But you will see the old bells and more on a 45-60 minute guided tour.
Good to know: although it is free to visit, there is a suggested donation when you enter
Guildhall Market
When you visit Bath, you must wander around Guildhall Market, the city’s oldest indoor market. It is enjoyable to walk around and browse the different stalls because they are so inviting. There are over 20 stalls selling a variety of goods and services. You can find it opposite the famous Pulteney Bridge. It is worth going for a browse!
Honorary Guides Tour
If you want to learn about Bath’s rich history and architecture, there is no better place than on one of the tours run by the Mayor of Bath (established in 1934). The tour begins in the Abbey Church Yard and will last for roughly two hours. You will visit many beautiful sights and learn about their importance as you go, with a chance to ask questions too. It is crazy how you can do this in Bath for free – they don’t accept tips either.
Booking is essential to reserve a spot if you are in a group, and you can book on the Bath Guides website. For regular walks, you can just turn up outside the Pump Room!
Alternatively, you can download an app to complete your walking tour of the city. Again, there are different options, either a Heritage Site tour or a Jane Austen tour. Finally, you can download more information and listen on Visit Bath.
Solsbury Hill
One of the best places to visit in Bath for free is Solsbury Hill, which is located northeast of the city. It is looked after and owned by the National Trust and is well-maintained. It offers fabulous views over the green lush countryside and city, which is 191m high. There is an Iron Age hill fort here too. You can reach it by car (park in Batheaston) by bus (take bus 3) or you can walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal if you fancy more of a walk.
The Corridor Arcade
One of the best free things to do in Bath is to walk through The Corridor. It is arguably one of the first examples of an indoor shopping arcade. It is beautiful to walk through and is full of independent stores to browse! You shouldn’t miss it on your next trip to Bath.
Sham Castle
Sham Castle was designed in 1755 and built-in 1752 and is a Grade II Listed building. It looks like something from the Medieval period, but it is only a wall made to look like one. Nonetheless, even though it is not a real castle and is only worth admiring from one side, it is still one of the best free things to do in Bath because of the views from the top.
Good to know: if you want to walk here, you can continue down the track from Sham Castle Lane.
Henrietta Park
One of the best free things to do in Bath on a budget is wandering around Henrietta Park. The park is stunning and has beautiful Maple, Elm and Sycamore trees that provide shade on a summer’s day, and it is just minutes away from the city centre. You can access the park from several entrances because it is 2.8 hectares. You will also be able to see King George V Remembrance Garden, where you can see a beautiful fountain. It is a great place to take a deep breath and get your daily dose of nature and peace in the city.
Holburne Museum
Named after Sir William Holburne and opened at his request to allow Bath’s residents to see and enjoy his art collection is the Holburne Museum. You will have to time your visit when they offer free entry to visit for free. It is from 3-5 pm on Wednesdays and the last Friday of the month from 5-9 pm.
It usually costs, so it is worth going at those times if possible. They have many different collections and exhibitions, focusing on portraits, oil paintings and portraits, to name just a few. The building is Grade I Listed too, making it one of the best free places to visit in Bath.
Visit the University of Bath
Established in 1885, the University of Bath is worth checking out on your next trip to Bath. It is one of the top 10 universities in the UK and is a research university. The buildings were built in a modernist style, so there is an apparent difference between the university and the Georgian buildings you see in the city centre.
The main campus is Claverton Down, which is 1.5 miles away from the city centre and you can visit. The grounds are beautiful to walk around, and they have won awards from Bath in Bloom for their beauty.
The Circus
Like the Crescent, you should not miss the Circus on a visit to Bath. It was built to symbolise the sun and the moon and is an excellent example of Georgian architecture. It comprises three curved Grade I Listed townhouses, and when it is viewed from above, you will see a key shape.
Bath Walking Festival
Bath Walking Festival offers excellent free guided tours exploring the countryside on the city’s doorstep. Hiking in the surroundings is exciting, and the event has an excellent reputation. Check the website for updates to when the next walk is. The main events are annual (September 2022), but there are other options throughout the year on the Bath Walking Festival Event’s Page.
Bath Festival
Luckily, the walking festival is not the only one you can attend. There are plenty of things to get involved in throughout the year, from the International Food Festival, to the Music Festival, to Bath’s Film Festival. Likewise, there is plenty to get involved in throughout the year. You can also see the parades and colourful costumes at Bath Carnival. There’s one thing for sure; Bath is alive and welcoming.
Bridgerton DIY Tour
You have likely heard about the Netflix hit ‘Bridgerton’? Well, if you have watched it when you wander around Bath, you will see some familiar spots because a lot of the filming took place in the city due to the abundance of pretty Georgian streets.
These include the Royal Crescent, Featherington’s family home, and the Abbey Deli, the Modiste dress shop. The balls in the show were shot at Guildhall and Assembly Rooms at The Holburne Museum as Lady Danbury’s mansion. So grab your camera and get ready to transport yourself into your period drama because the DIY tour is one of the best free things to do in Bath on a budget.
Undeniably, this list of the best free things to do in Bath on a budget has proven that many Bath attractions are free to enjoy. We hope you find this helpful list, and please let us know if we have missed anything important on the list. Happy exploring!
Are you interested in affordable UK city breaks? Please read our guides to:
Free things to do in Birmingham
Free things to do in Liverpool
Photo Credits: Averagelives.com