Our top 10 free things to do in Bath

Although Bath is filled with fine architecture, grand views and excursions of the highest quality, you really don’t have to spend a fortune in this elegant city in Somerset during your camping holiday. Enjoying this tourist hotspot on a budget is surprisingly easy thanks to an array of free things to do in Bath. So pack up your rucksack and venture forth for fun and relaxation to one of the UK’s most beautiful World Heritage Sites.

Visit the Royal Victoria Park

Leafy Royal Victoria Park, which was opened in 1830, was the first park to be named after Queen Victoria. Today, its 57 acres are home to tennis courts, a boating pond, masses of green, open spaces and even an 18-hole golf course, making it a perfect place for you and the family to unwind with a picnic.  

Stroll along the canal

The Kennet and Avon Canal runs straight through Bath past some of its most iconic landmarks, including the Pulteney Bridge and Cleveland House, the former headquarters of the Kennet and Avon Canal Company. Alongside spectacular scenery and well maintained bike and pedestrian pathways, there are a selection of traditional British pubs to stop at as well as the Deep Lock, the second-deepest canal lock in the UK.

Visit the Pulteney Bridge

It is easy to see why Bath is now known as a World Heritage Site after witnessing this Grade 1 listed bridge first hand. Pulteney Bridge (pictured above), which was completed in 1774, is one of only four bridges in the world with shops running fully across it on both sides. From the top, visitors can leisurely look across the River Avon after peaking into the quaint little shops.

Stop off at the Pulteney Weir

While you are in the area, why not stop off at one of Bath’s best sites, the Pulteney Weir? Dating back to 1603, the weir has some of the prettiest views in the city.

Wander around Art Museums

The Victoria Art Gallery, situated in the heart of Bath next to the Pulteney Bridge, boasts one of the best temporary exhibition programmes in the country. This free public house offers exciting and varied collections of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts which date back to the 15th century. Just a short walk away, the Holburne Museum is also well worth a look. Located in the Sydney Pleasure Gardens, the Holburne houses examples of fine art, furniture and other decorative pieces. 

Sample the Bath Skyline

If you fancy stretching your legs, head to this 10km hilltop walk for gorgeous views and insight into the history of the area. Nestled between forests and lush open meadows, you can find an Iron-Age hill fort and Roman settlements as well as singing skylarks during the spring if you are lucky.

Witness the Royal Crescent

This crescent-shaped set of stunning Georgian townhouses is probably the most iconic location in Bath. The 30 columned houses, which were designed by architect John Wood during the 18th century, collectively form one of the most striking architectural sites in the city. Take a stroll along the Royal Crescent before relaxing on the lawns.

Amble around the Circus

The Circus sits next to the Royal Crescent and is similar both in its curvature and architectural splendour. This set of columned 18th century houses encircles a small garden that you can wander through.

Go to a free event

Mixed into Bath’s cultural heart is a range of free events and activities throughout the year. Food festivals and art exhibitions can often be found within the city’s lively centre, which lend themselves to Bath’s creative edge.

Visit Bath Abbey

Bath’s awe-inspiring 7th century Abbey welcomes around 420,000 people through its huge doors every year. From the outside, the Abbey sits tall and proud on the Bath skyline. From the inside, its towering main hall, which seats around 1200, is a perfect example of extravagant Gothic architecture and is built of light Bath stone.

We hope our list of free things to do in Bath has given you some extra ideas for your next camping trip. There is plenty to see in this beautiful World Heritage city without spending a penny! Take some time to explore beyond the attractions we’ve mentioned, and you will be sure to make some wonderful holiday memories.