Bath on a budget – 7 of the most affordable things to do in Bath

6 April 2018

It’s easy to overspend in a city like Bath, with its plethora of quirky boutiques, vintage and designer shops, amazing eateries and fantastic bars all tempting you in. There are also other attractions to spend your money on, such as the indulgent Thermae Bath Spa, the Roman Baths and the many museums, theatres and galleries spread across the city.

However, you don’t need to spend a lot to experience a heady, culture-rich weekend in Bath. There are lots of free, cheap and affordable things to do in Bath, and we’ve rounded up just 7 of the best.

Here’s our guide to Bath on a budget, for the perfect mini-break without emptying your bank account:

  1. Drink in the architecture. One of the city’s most popular features is its incredible Palladian-revival Georgian architecture. Best of all, it’s completely free to view highlights such as The Royal Crescent, The Circus, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey from the outside.
  2. Free walking tours. There are dozens of different walking tours to enjoy in Bath, on virtually every topic imaginable in connection with the city. Some are even free, such as those run by Free Walking Tours. Volunteers from The Mayor of Bath’s Honorary Guides will take you around the city in small groups, starting from The Pump Rooms.  
  3. Free museums and galleries. If you don’t want to shell out for your culture fix, head to the Holburne Museum and the Victoria Art Gallery as both offer free entry to their permanent exhibitions.
  4. Picnic in the park. One of the best free things to do in Bath is to take a stroll in one of its many green spaces, such as the resplendent and historic Royal Victoria Park. Why not take a picnic and really make a day of it?
  5. Cheap theatre and comedy. Canny tourists know how to enjoy the best nights out in Bath without spending a fortune. Head to Komedia, one of Bath’s most vibrant arts venues, on a Monday to discover some of Bath and Bristol’s best new comedy acts for just £2. If you have your heart set on a show at The Theatre Royal, watch out for standby tickets sold for just £6 on the day of a performance. 
  6. Cheap eats in Bath. There are many affordable restaurants in Bath, and our favourites include The West Gate, Sotto Sotto, Mission Burrito and The Cork. All have delicious, great quality food at affordable prices.
  7. Walk along the Bath Skyline. For the very best views over the city, revitalising fresh air and a completely free way to spend an afternoon, take the Bath Skyline walk. It’s 10km in total but you can do as much or as little as you like. The route includes Roman settlements, open meadows, forests and more, so you may want to make a whole day of it!

At the end of each fun-packed day in Bath, you’ll need somewhere lovely to stay. Bath Holiday Rentals has many fantastic properties to choose from, most within the city centre and surrounding areas. Our top tip – book one of our larger properties with friends and share the cost, for the perfect affordable break in Bath.