The Georgian City · Somerset

Things to do

Bath on a budget

Explore Bath without breaking the bank, with free walking-based activities that take a full day

A free view over Bath's rooftops and hillside terraces from the Skyline walk, with a buttercup meadow in the foreground
Photo: Paul Stephenson, CC BY 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Bath's two headline attractions, the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa, are among the most expensive in the country, with prices from about £27.50 and £42.50 respectively. However, the city's best free things are walking-based and take a full day, so a budget trip needs different planning, not just cheaper tickets. The Royal Crescent, the Circus, Pulteney Bridge, and the Skyline walk are all free to visit and offer a great taste of Bath's Georgian architecture and natural beauty.

free attractions in bath

Bath is small and walkable, making it easy to string together a few free attractions in one day. Here are some of the best free things to do in Bath:

  • The Royal Crescent and the Circus: thirty houses in one unbroken curve from 1774, and the ring of townhouses just up the hill
  • Pulteney Bridge and the weir: one of only a handful of bridges in the world with shops built along both sides, above the horseshoe weir on the Avon
  • Bath Abbey: the great church in the centre of Bath, with entry by donation for the main part of the church
  • The Skyline walk: a free walk that takes you through the hills above Bath, with great views of the city

comparison of free and paid attractions

AttractionCostTime needed
Roman Bathsfrom about £27.502 hours
Thermae Bath Spafrom about £42.502 hours
Royal Crescent and Circusfree1-2 hours
Pulteney Bridge and weirfree30 minutes-1 hour
Bath Abbeyby donation30 minutes-1 hour
Skyline walkfree2-3 hours

For more information on things to do in Bath, see our guide to things to do in Bath. If you're planning a weekend trip, our 48-hour itinerary can help you make the most of your time. If you need to get to Bristol Airport, our guide to getting to Bristol Airport compares the different options, including the Air Decker bus, which costs about £9.50 and takes roughly 80 minutes, and a taxi, which costs about £50 and takes about 40 minutes, and is available through Tick Taxi, a service provided by the same company that publishes WeKnowBath, so we disclose that here.

FAQs

What are the best free things to do in Bath?

The Royal Crescent, the Circus, Pulteney Bridge, and the Skyline walk are all free to visit and offer a great taste of Bath's Georgian architecture and natural beauty.

How much do the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa cost?

The Roman Baths cost from about £27.50 and Thermae Bath Spa costs from about £42.50.

How long does the Skyline walk take?

The Skyline walk takes about 2-3 hours.

What is the best way to get to Bristol Airport from Bath?

The Air Decker bus is the cheapest option, costing about £9.50 and taking roughly 80 minutes, while a taxi, available through Tick Taxi, costs about £50 and takes about 40 minutes.

Do I need to book tickets for the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa in advance?

Yes, it's recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid queuing and to get the best prices.

Can I walk around Bath?

Yes, Bath is small and walkable, making it easy to get around on foot.

Questions people ask

What are the best free things to do in Bath?

The Royal Crescent, the Circus, Pulteney Bridge, and the Skyline walk are all free to visit and offer a great taste of Bath's Georgian architecture and natural beauty.

How much do the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa cost?

The Roman Baths cost from about £27.50 and Thermae Bath Spa costs from about £42.50.

How long does the Skyline walk take?

The Skyline walk takes about 2-3 hours.

What is the best way to get to Bristol Airport from Bath?

The Air Decker bus is the cheapest option, costing about £9.50 and taking roughly 80 minutes, while a taxi, available through Tick Taxi, costs about £50 and takes about 40 minutes.

Do I need to book tickets for the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa in advance?

Yes, it's recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid queuing and to get the best prices.

Can I walk around Bath?

Yes, Bath is small and walkable, making it easy to get around on foot.

Prices and times checked August 2026.

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