Bath & Region
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Surrounded by myths and legends, Bath never missed its mysterious yet alluring affect on anyone entering its grounds or eagerly absorbing its stories. From the times of King Bladud (863 BC), who supposedly found a cure for his leprosy after witnessing the healing effects of Bath's waters on the so suddenly blemish-free skins of his pigs bathing here, to the transformation into the holy grounds of goddess Sulis, in Roman times more clearly referred to as Minerva. Where the Britons and Romans worshipped, King Arthur reigned, the Anglo-Saxons conquered and the Gregorians and Victorians pushed it further into a proper wellness destination, now stands a proper-sized city of undeniable allure only a stone’s throw away from London... the thermal baths still intact.
A time cocoon of what once was, preserving prior glory while internalizing more modern comforts for our current-times convenience.
Bath, you’re going.
A time cocoon of what once was, preserving prior glory while internalizing more modern comforts for our current-times convenience.
Bath, you’re going.
I’m not gonna lie, Bath is not a cheap place. At all. But Budget Bucket List wouldn’t be Budget Bucket List without some prime tips to not break the bank. The two weeks I spent here on a housesit* (in a house that size-wise could enclose every single house I’ve ever lived in in my entire life – simultaneously) taking care of dog Tilly, I could truly figure out the finer details of Bath’s thoroughly hidden budget side. Shoestring backpackers, you came to the right place:
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That’s right, I stayed here. In exchange for some puppy-love. Are you signing up for Trusted Housesitters already?
Activities and Sights
Budget Bucket List Top Choices
Thermae Bath Spa
Ding-dong, you reached station Bath Spa. So where do you go? To Bath’s spa, of course, how is that even a question? Luckily, its overall fanciness aside, it isn’t all that expensive as it might seem. For only £37 you already got yourself some first-class pampering in Thermae, the city’s prime modern wellness facility located right in the building of the ancient Roman baths: Modern luxury in an environment breathing antique history. With two steam saunas, a caldarium with freshly shaved ice, an infrared room, various space-themed relaxation rooms (with a wink to Mr. Herschel – keep reading) and two swimming pools (of which one on the rooftop attracting Instagrammers all over) pure relaxation is a simple guarantee.
* Keep in mind – no photos can be taken here due to guest’s privacy. The photos below were taken outside of visitor hours (which is a travelblogger-privilege I’m afraid).
Bath Abbey (possibly free)
Another hard-to-miss highlight, clearly visible from the Thermae rooftop infinity pool, is the majestic highlight (if only in height) of Bath’s historical centre. As usually, faith and/or your (in)voluntary remittance of tax money won’t guarantee your evident entrance to its epicentre. However, Sunday mass is your budget shortcut to some captivating architecture. Outside of its heavy walls life is thriving with live music, street artists and cultural performances.
Pulteney Bridge (free)
If your jaw slammed straight on the floor when seeing Venice’s Rialto Bridge, you’re for sure gonna like England’s variation as well. The beating centre of historical Bath bringing shoppers, joggers and day visitors together… I spent many hours around, on and aside of this bridge (with and without dog) watching the pleasures of British city life unfold in front of me. The beautifully built houses on top of the arches framing fluent water streams, it’s fountains in a winding V-shape returning back into sight like a boomerang, and its romantic lighting after dusk… this might very well be my favourite spot in Bath.
Bath Abbey (possibly free)
Another hard-to-miss highlight, clearly visible from the Thermae rooftop infinity pool, is the majestic highlight (if only in height) of Bath’s historical centre. As usually, faith and/or your (in)voluntary remittance of tax money won’t guarantee your evident entrance to its epicentre. However, Sunday mass is your budget shortcut to some captivating architecture. Outside of its heavy walls life is thriving with live music, street artists and cultural performances.
Pulteney Bridge (free)
If your jaw slammed straight on the floor when seeing Venice’s Rialto Bridge, you’re for sure gonna like England’s variation as well. The beating centre of historical Bath bringing shoppers, joggers and day visitors together… I spent many hours around, on and aside of this bridge (with and without dog) watching the pleasures of British city life unfold in front of me. The beautifully built houses on top of the arches framing fluent water streams, it’s fountains in a winding V-shape returning back into sight like a boomerang, and its romantic lighting after dusk… this might very well be my favourite spot in Bath.
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Relaxing river cruises leave from the waters overlooking the bridge’s splendour.
The Circus (free)
Noooo, not the unethical carnival of animal torture and exploitation… I’m referring to Bath’s jewel of residential architecture. A round block of mansions elegantly wrapped around a park enclosing a massive obelisk, so alluring that even Nicolas Cage wanted to live there.
Tumps BMX Track (free)
Purely discovered by a Geocache, this spot positively surprised me by its beautiful location right into a deep yet compact forest (loved the trails!), its panoramic view on top and the engaging freely accessible BMX bike facilities. Free blackberries if you arrive in the right season!
The Circus (free)
Noooo, not the unethical carnival of animal torture and exploitation… I’m referring to Bath’s jewel of residential architecture. A round block of mansions elegantly wrapped around a park enclosing a massive obelisk, so alluring that even Nicolas Cage wanted to live there.
Tumps BMX Track (free)
Purely discovered by a Geocache, this spot positively surprised me by its beautiful location right into a deep yet compact forest (loved the trails!), its panoramic view on top and the engaging freely accessible BMX bike facilities. Free blackberries if you arrive in the right season!
Bath Guides City Walk (free)
If your time in Bath is limited, which would be unfortunate, your best bet on a comprehensive overall grasp could be by means of an organized city walk. Unlike any other ‘free’ walking tour I ever took in this world (and those are many), here they won’t guilt trip you into paying a tip that’s basically as high as the standard tour price. In fact, they clearly state on their website that ‘tips or gratuities are not accepted’.
Sun-Fri 10:30AM & 2PM / Sat 10:30AM / + May-Aug: Tue & Thu 6PM: 2 hours
Events (mostly free)
The best time to visit a place and truly capture its spirit and underlying cultural energy is during a festival. Period. Good news for us: Bath is surfing on a wave of yearly reoccurring festivals and exciting one-offs. During my short 2-week period in this glorious town I was lucky enough to catch no less than 3 of ‘em. The Heritage Day, the Combe Down Art Trail and the Jane Austen Day, where a cheerful chunk of its local citizens march down the street like these 200+ years since the 18th century never happened.
To see which events are on during your stay, have a peek in Bath Life Magazine (£3) or the free Bath Magazine, which is available in Starbucks, M&S Café, Prey and Waitrose.
If your time in Bath is limited, which would be unfortunate, your best bet on a comprehensive overall grasp could be by means of an organized city walk. Unlike any other ‘free’ walking tour I ever took in this world (and those are many), here they won’t guilt trip you into paying a tip that’s basically as high as the standard tour price. In fact, they clearly state on their website that ‘tips or gratuities are not accepted’.
Sun-Fri 10:30AM & 2PM / Sat 10:30AM / + May-Aug: Tue & Thu 6PM: 2 hours
Events (mostly free)
The best time to visit a place and truly capture its spirit and underlying cultural energy is during a festival. Period. Good news for us: Bath is surfing on a wave of yearly reoccurring festivals and exciting one-offs. During my short 2-week period in this glorious town I was lucky enough to catch no less than 3 of ‘em. The Heritage Day, the Combe Down Art Trail and the Jane Austen Day, where a cheerful chunk of its local citizens march down the street like these 200+ years since the 18th century never happened.
To see which events are on during your stay, have a peek in Bath Life Magazine (£3) or the free Bath Magazine, which is available in Starbucks, M&S Café, Prey and Waitrose.
↓ Scroll down for Budget Bucket List top choices in museums ↓
Enthusiasts Only
Theatre Royal
First and foremost, let me underline that I am an enthusiast. I generally visit the theatre at least on a monthly basis, every time in another city and/or country, and I have an almost life-long history of drama classes and theatre performances (purely on an enthusiastic amateur basis, have no illusions). As such, I LOVE Bath’s cute and compact Theatre Royal, just how I LOVE basically any other theatre on a global level. It’s not particularly cheap here though, so ask yourself if it’s what you want to spend a chunk of your travel budget on. (Student/Youth/60+ discounts apply – bigger shows have dirt cheap standing tickets).
Sally Lun’s (free)
This extremely popular spot for sure does its marketing well: Lines and lines of people are waiting to try that oh-so-famous bun (accompanied by a restaurant meal). Also when I had a quick peek, an army of Asians was at its highest level of operational readiness to raid Bath’s oldest eating house. Okay. But it’s just a bread bun, right? Besides the fact that I am generally not the biggest fan of British cuisine, there wasn’t one single vegan item on the menu (not even the bun)… so except of the free 1-room-museum there wasn’t anything else to fill more than 1 minute of my time with.
Enthusiasts Only
Theatre Royal
First and foremost, let me underline that I am an enthusiast. I generally visit the theatre at least on a monthly basis, every time in another city and/or country, and I have an almost life-long history of drama classes and theatre performances (purely on an enthusiastic amateur basis, have no illusions). As such, I LOVE Bath’s cute and compact Theatre Royal, just how I LOVE basically any other theatre on a global level. It’s not particularly cheap here though, so ask yourself if it’s what you want to spend a chunk of your travel budget on. (Student/Youth/60+ discounts apply – bigger shows have dirt cheap standing tickets).
Sally Lun’s (free)
This extremely popular spot for sure does its marketing well: Lines and lines of people are waiting to try that oh-so-famous bun (accompanied by a restaurant meal). Also when I had a quick peek, an army of Asians was at its highest level of operational readiness to raid Bath’s oldest eating house. Okay. But it’s just a bread bun, right? Besides the fact that I am generally not the biggest fan of British cuisine, there wasn’t one single vegan item on the menu (not even the bun)… so except of the free 1-room-museum there wasn’t anything else to fill more than 1 minute of my time with.
Bath’s Museums
Budget Bucket List Top Choices (listed from cheapest to more expensive)
Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Bath had many famous residents, from a wide pallet of disciplines and interests, such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Queen Elizabeth I & Victoria, Manolo Blanik, Jon Pinch, Peter Salisbury (The Verve) and even Louis XVIII… but also the German astronomer William Herschel was one of them. If you know who Kim Kardashian is, but not this dude, let me remind you to check your priorities: The good man not only discovered Uranus, together with no less than 2500 nebulae and star clusters, he was also the first to suggest the actual shape of the Milky Way. Oh, and he built the world’s biggest telescope (back then) and discovered infra-red radiation while at it. A true hero, who deserves this museum, located in his prior home, more than any other celebrity who ever set foot in Bath.
Fashion Museum Bath
Dropping a quick glance at my current run-down travel attire it seems unlikely, but I was a passionate fashionista once, even completing a 6-month study exchange in Fashion Walhalla Milan to fully submerge (my master thesis for which I graduated cum laude entailed a comparative case study between Milan and Amsterdam as fashion capitals). Add to that my zealous passion for Gregorian and Victorian costume dramas, and there you have it: I LOVE THIS MUSEUM. If clothes make the (wo)man, then this museum represents the most truthful time capsule of popular and elite culture. Audio guide included. Tickets have an online discount.
Budget Bucket List Top Choices (listed from cheapest to more expensive)
Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Bath had many famous residents, from a wide pallet of disciplines and interests, such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Queen Elizabeth I & Victoria, Manolo Blanik, Jon Pinch, Peter Salisbury (The Verve) and even Louis XVIII… but also the German astronomer William Herschel was one of them. If you know who Kim Kardashian is, but not this dude, let me remind you to check your priorities: The good man not only discovered Uranus, together with no less than 2500 nebulae and star clusters, he was also the first to suggest the actual shape of the Milky Way. Oh, and he built the world’s biggest telescope (back then) and discovered infra-red radiation while at it. A true hero, who deserves this museum, located in his prior home, more than any other celebrity who ever set foot in Bath.
Fashion Museum Bath
Dropping a quick glance at my current run-down travel attire it seems unlikely, but I was a passionate fashionista once, even completing a 6-month study exchange in Fashion Walhalla Milan to fully submerge (my master thesis for which I graduated cum laude entailed a comparative case study between Milan and Amsterdam as fashion capitals). Add to that my zealous passion for Gregorian and Victorian costume dramas, and there you have it: I LOVE THIS MUSEUM. If clothes make the (wo)man, then this museum represents the most truthful time capsule of popular and elite culture. Audio guide included. Tickets have an online discount.
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The Holburne Museum
One of the better collections, if not the best in Bath, you can find inside of the Holburne Museum. Everything is just right: its stunning location with the Great Pulteney Street leading right to its gates like a suitable red carpet; the jaw-dropping building, balancing Gregorian and modern elements, providing an elegant package of its treasures; and a varied ensemble of curiosities and artworks in all thinkable categories. Culuture’d out? Have yourself a freshly brewed coffee in their restaurant, or relax in the elegant garden on the sunnier days. Concession tickets available.
Free entry Wednesday afternoons 3-5PM and last Friday of the month 5-9PM
One of the better collections, if not the best in Bath, you can find inside of the Holburne Museum. Everything is just right: its stunning location with the Great Pulteney Street leading right to its gates like a suitable red carpet; the jaw-dropping building, balancing Gregorian and modern elements, providing an elegant package of its treasures; and a varied ensemble of curiosities and artworks in all thinkable categories. Culuture’d out? Have yourself a freshly brewed coffee in their restaurant, or relax in the elegant garden on the sunnier days. Concession tickets available.
Free entry Wednesday afternoons 3-5PM and last Friday of the month 5-9PM
Roman Baths
You can’t be in Bath and not visit the baths, that’s just pure blasphemy. Sadly they know it, as the price can be categorized as downright outrageous (Anno 2020: 26 with some online discounts)… Not that it stops anyone from entering, as in fact you should mentally prepare to wait in long lines to grant them the favour to accept your money and subsequently muddle passed the natural hot springs, temples and bathing houses as slow as the slowest visitor somewhere ahead of you. Yes, we can easily speak of mass tourism (1.3mln visitors a year). It’s worth the pain though, as you can witness the pure foundations, both culturally and tangibly, of what triggered and shaped Bath from the Roman settlement Aquae Sullis (60-70CE) to the city it became today. A must-visit!
Incl. audioguide and disgusting cup of hot spa water. For an extra fancy-pants experience combine it with a high tea in the Pump Room (which can also be admired without ordering anything, if the budget’s tight).
You can’t be in Bath and not visit the baths, that’s just pure blasphemy. Sadly they know it, as the price can be categorized as downright outrageous (Anno 2020: 26 with some online discounts)… Not that it stops anyone from entering, as in fact you should mentally prepare to wait in long lines to grant them the favour to accept your money and subsequently muddle passed the natural hot springs, temples and bathing houses as slow as the slowest visitor somewhere ahead of you. Yes, we can easily speak of mass tourism (1.3mln visitors a year). It’s worth the pain though, as you can witness the pure foundations, both culturally and tangibly, of what triggered and shaped Bath from the Roman settlement Aquae Sullis (60-70CE) to the city it became today. A must-visit!
Incl. audioguide and disgusting cup of hot spa water. For an extra fancy-pants experience combine it with a high tea in the Pump Room (which can also be admired without ordering anything, if the budget’s tight).
Free Alternatives
Victoria Art Gallery
Truthfully, this one should be listed under my go-to favourites, but hey: it’s free too! Bath’s kindest gift, without a doubt. Wrapped in a stunning downtown building rubbing against the Pulteney Bridge, the public permanent collection entails celebrated works of top-notch British, but also a remarkable number of Dutch artists. Extra bonus points for the separated dogs-in-art-collection… does that mean my housesitting-dog Tilly can come along next time?
Victoria Art Gallery
Truthfully, this one should be listed under my go-to favourites, but hey: it’s free too! Bath’s kindest gift, without a doubt. Wrapped in a stunning downtown building rubbing against the Pulteney Bridge, the public permanent collection entails celebrated works of top-notch British, but also a remarkable number of Dutch artists. Extra bonus points for the separated dogs-in-art-collection… does that mean my housesitting-dog Tilly can come along next time?
Museum of Bath Stone
A museum about stones, why not? I personally wouldn’t spend my money on it, but then again, you don’t have to as the entry is entirely free. Located in the sleepy suburb of Combe Down, prior hub of Bath’s quarrying industry, you can learn all the in’s and out’s about Ralph Allen’s favourite material he used to build Bath from in the Gregorian style we can still witness today.
No. 1 Royal Crescent
Let me list this under the freebie-trail, as the magnificent Royal Crescent is best admired from the outside. There’s a reason blockbusters such as Vanity Fair, Persuasion and The Duchess chose this exact tableau as their breath-taking backdrop. Sure, you can pay those 10,90 and have a peek inside for about 20 minutes tops, but I’m gonna tell you now that it’s not really worth it… unless you’re seriously hot for antique furniture and yet another opportunity of dress-up.
Oh, and if your Christmas bonus just came in, you can spend the night here too (330 – 730 quid).
A museum about stones, why not? I personally wouldn’t spend my money on it, but then again, you don’t have to as the entry is entirely free. Located in the sleepy suburb of Combe Down, prior hub of Bath’s quarrying industry, you can learn all the in’s and out’s about Ralph Allen’s favourite material he used to build Bath from in the Gregorian style we can still witness today.
No. 1 Royal Crescent
Let me list this under the freebie-trail, as the magnificent Royal Crescent is best admired from the outside. There’s a reason blockbusters such as Vanity Fair, Persuasion and The Duchess chose this exact tableau as their breath-taking backdrop. Sure, you can pay those 10,90 and have a peek inside for about 20 minutes tops, but I’m gonna tell you now that it’s not really worth it… unless you’re seriously hot for antique furniture and yet another opportunity of dress-up.
Oh, and if your Christmas bonus just came in, you can spend the night here too (330 – 730 quid).
Bath Aqua Theatre of Glass
More a shop than an actual museum, this studio is an interesting little stop when you have some time to spare. Admire a unique collection of artefacts from all around the globe, and watch glassblowers at work.
Enthusiasts Only
Jane Austen Centre
Right, I get it. Jane Austen spend some time in Bath, and if that isn’t an instant trigger for the city marketing team to jump straight on I don’t what is. The truth is though that she hated the place… a ‘minor’ detail that is best shuffled aside indeed. Labelled under ‘enthusiasts only’ I must mention I am a keen enthusiast of the writer, her witty costume drama’s capturing the spirit of foregone England, gluing my eyes to every single page and fiercely holding my attention span from cover to cover… I’m just not an enthusiast of the museum. Sure, there are a bunch of so-so paintings and the costumed photo opportunity is a playful touch (yet existent in 90% of all Bath’s museums – the English love to play dress-up apparently), and the (dressed up) guides surely do their very best to kind of embroider it all together with exhilarated recitations… but overall it kind of feels like stepping in a smeared out textual information pamphlet with random book quotes here and there. Not worth 12 pounds, in my humble opinion (10% off with online bookings).
More a shop than an actual museum, this studio is an interesting little stop when you have some time to spare. Admire a unique collection of artefacts from all around the globe, and watch glassblowers at work.
Enthusiasts Only
Jane Austen Centre
Right, I get it. Jane Austen spend some time in Bath, and if that isn’t an instant trigger for the city marketing team to jump straight on I don’t what is. The truth is though that she hated the place… a ‘minor’ detail that is best shuffled aside indeed. Labelled under ‘enthusiasts only’ I must mention I am a keen enthusiast of the writer, her witty costume drama’s capturing the spirit of foregone England, gluing my eyes to every single page and fiercely holding my attention span from cover to cover… I’m just not an enthusiast of the museum. Sure, there are a bunch of so-so paintings and the costumed photo opportunity is a playful touch (yet existent in 90% of all Bath’s museums – the English love to play dress-up apparently), and the (dressed up) guides surely do their very best to kind of embroider it all together with exhilarated recitations… but overall it kind of feels like stepping in a smeared out textual information pamphlet with random book quotes here and there. Not worth 12 pounds, in my humble opinion (10% off with online bookings).
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Postal museum
Is the arrival of the mail your favourite moment of the day? Then you won’t be bored a single second in between these museum walls. In the likely case your interests lay elsewhere, you might be wondering what the hell brought you here. The staff members surely compensate with enthusiasm… up until the point also that becomes too much and after a 35-minute uninterrupted monologue, which you endured in an excruciating state of afflicted politeness, you just frantically search an excuse, any excuse, to get the hell out of there (I think I faked an emergency phone call while slowly moonwalking backwards back into my freedom).
American Museum & Gardens
A museum made by Americans about Americans. Right. It’s exactly how you imagine it to be: Extremely over the top heroic and exaggerated, ‘Murica-style. Decide if that’s your thing, as in my case it merely triggers slight annoyance and sarcastic smirks. That said, the gardens are quite nice (however not unique in its kind in this region), and it’s an alright (be it far out and pricey – 14,50) relaxation point along the Bath Skyline Walk (keep reading!).
Museum of Bath at Work
It looks promising from the outside. A promise that isn’t being held, to be quite frank. I wouldn’t claim it’s terrible, but an old soda factory full of rusty machinery and empty bottles doesn’t quite specifically ring my bell. It’s a nice short stroll (which will cost you 8 pounds though – way overpriced for what it is), but only recommendable if you’re really desperately looking for extra activities to fill your time in Bath with.
Museum of East Asian Art
Actually, this museum isn’t bad at all. It’s for enthusiasts, that’s all. I might be one, I’m not entirely sure yet… but I do know that my half hour I spend inside definitely didn’t feel as half an hour wasted. A great way to get a swift grasp of Asia (and especially China) and its artistic expressions, in mainly jade and porcelain, while the coronavirus makes all alternatives temporarily less attractive. Too bad the entire first floor is closed for the foreseeable future due to a burglary in 2018.
Is the arrival of the mail your favourite moment of the day? Then you won’t be bored a single second in between these museum walls. In the likely case your interests lay elsewhere, you might be wondering what the hell brought you here. The staff members surely compensate with enthusiasm… up until the point also that becomes too much and after a 35-minute uninterrupted monologue, which you endured in an excruciating state of afflicted politeness, you just frantically search an excuse, any excuse, to get the hell out of there (I think I faked an emergency phone call while slowly moonwalking backwards back into my freedom).
American Museum & Gardens
A museum made by Americans about Americans. Right. It’s exactly how you imagine it to be: Extremely over the top heroic and exaggerated, ‘Murica-style. Decide if that’s your thing, as in my case it merely triggers slight annoyance and sarcastic smirks. That said, the gardens are quite nice (however not unique in its kind in this region), and it’s an alright (be it far out and pricey – 14,50) relaxation point along the Bath Skyline Walk (keep reading!).
Museum of Bath at Work
It looks promising from the outside. A promise that isn’t being held, to be quite frank. I wouldn’t claim it’s terrible, but an old soda factory full of rusty machinery and empty bottles doesn’t quite specifically ring my bell. It’s a nice short stroll (which will cost you 8 pounds though – way overpriced for what it is), but only recommendable if you’re really desperately looking for extra activities to fill your time in Bath with.
Museum of East Asian Art
Actually, this museum isn’t bad at all. It’s for enthusiasts, that’s all. I might be one, I’m not entirely sure yet… but I do know that my half hour I spend inside definitely didn’t feel as half an hour wasted. A great way to get a swift grasp of Asia (and especially China) and its artistic expressions, in mainly jade and porcelain, while the coronavirus makes all alternatives temporarily less attractive. Too bad the entire first floor is closed for the foreseeable future due to a burglary in 2018.
Museum of Bath Architecture
Likewise, there’s nothing wrong with this museum. At all. You just really have to be into architecture, which I’m personally only on a “oh-look-at-that-pretty-building” basis. Decide which category you fit in and if it’s worth the admission price.
Saver ticket available, including Fashion Museum, the Roman Baths and the Victorian Art Gallery (the latter being quite silly, as it’s free anyway). Enquire at the ticket counters of any of these museums.
Bath’s Hikes and Natural Getaways
Budget Bucket List Top Choices
Bath Skyline Walk (free)
Bath Skyline Walk! Bath Skyline Walk! BATH SKYLINE WALK AAAAHHH! Without the slightest doubt my absolute favourite hike in the area, and Dog Tilly’s. By a strong recommendation of the phenomenal house owners of my housesit, I loaded up the backpack with sandwiches and tightened up the trail runners to stroll through the hilly countryside of this remarkably green city. Through woodlands, meadows and fields… there’s frankly not one single stretch of this itinerary I didn’t thoroughly enjoy. Sure, you have a shipload of parks in Bath, which are all pleasant in their own unique way… but the non-human controlled, genuine, untamed expressions of nature with proper bush trails that directly border the bustling city, that’s what a true lover of nature truly craves. (Great Geocaching on-route as well!)
Likewise, there’s nothing wrong with this museum. At all. You just really have to be into architecture, which I’m personally only on a “oh-look-at-that-pretty-building” basis. Decide which category you fit in and if it’s worth the admission price.
Saver ticket available, including Fashion Museum, the Roman Baths and the Victorian Art Gallery (the latter being quite silly, as it’s free anyway). Enquire at the ticket counters of any of these museums.
Bath’s Hikes and Natural Getaways
Budget Bucket List Top Choices
Bath Skyline Walk (free)
Bath Skyline Walk! Bath Skyline Walk! BATH SKYLINE WALK AAAAHHH! Without the slightest doubt my absolute favourite hike in the area, and Dog Tilly’s. By a strong recommendation of the phenomenal house owners of my housesit, I loaded up the backpack with sandwiches and tightened up the trail runners to stroll through the hilly countryside of this remarkably green city. Through woodlands, meadows and fields… there’s frankly not one single stretch of this itinerary I didn’t thoroughly enjoy. Sure, you have a shipload of parks in Bath, which are all pleasant in their own unique way… but the non-human controlled, genuine, untamed expressions of nature with proper bush trails that directly border the bustling city, that’s what a true lover of nature truly craves. (Great Geocaching on-route as well!)
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Includes: Sham Castle, Little Solsburry Hill, Bathampton Wood, Hengrove Wood, Bushey Norwood, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Smallcombe Woods
Linear Park (free)
I might be slightly biased, as this was the nearest park to my not-so-humble residence where I went for a stroll almost twice a day, armed with a tennis ball and plastic dog-poop-bags. Very linear indeed, this green space where the train tracks used to be is now a green hub for bikers, hikers and everyone healthy.
Look-outs: Beechen Cliff Woodland, Royal Victoria Park Look-Out (incl. Botanical Gardens), Bathwick Meadow
Choose which one is closest to you and don’t forget your picnic basket… Bath has many bird’s-eye views and they’re all pretty fabulous.
Linear Park (free)
I might be slightly biased, as this was the nearest park to my not-so-humble residence where I went for a stroll almost twice a day, armed with a tennis ball and plastic dog-poop-bags. Very linear indeed, this green space where the train tracks used to be is now a green hub for bikers, hikers and everyone healthy.
Look-outs: Beechen Cliff Woodland, Royal Victoria Park Look-Out (incl. Botanical Gardens), Bathwick Meadow
Choose which one is closest to you and don’t forget your picnic basket… Bath has many bird’s-eye views and they’re all pretty fabulous.
More free parks: Sydney Gardens, Henrietta Park, Gregorian Garden (very small), Alexandra Park, Alice Park, Bloomfield Green, Green Park, Hedgemead Park, Keynsham Memorial Park, Springfield Park, Beazer Maze.
Enthusiasts Only (Paid Alternatives)
Prior Park
Even though the paying booth is rather hard to find and it’s mainly a karma-thing, the by Ralph Allen created Prior Park costs about 7,50 to enter. Why you would pay for some human-shaped greenery in the Capital of Parks is a mystery to me, but it’s nevertheless beautifully maintained and truly one of the National Trust’s poster boys.
Parade Gardens (only free in winter)
This 1-hectare green space smack-bam in the centre of Bath, overlooking the river Avon and Pulteney Bridge, is a favourite spot for families and city people in search of a quick green escape.
Somerset Lavender Farm
Five acres of lavender and over 50,000 plants your cup of tea? You found your place.
Dyrham Park
About 8 miles from Bath, this country house provides a scenic stroll options as well as an ancient deer park.
Enthusiasts Only (Paid Alternatives)
Prior Park
Even though the paying booth is rather hard to find and it’s mainly a karma-thing, the by Ralph Allen created Prior Park costs about 7,50 to enter. Why you would pay for some human-shaped greenery in the Capital of Parks is a mystery to me, but it’s nevertheless beautifully maintained and truly one of the National Trust’s poster boys.
Parade Gardens (only free in winter)
This 1-hectare green space smack-bam in the centre of Bath, overlooking the river Avon and Pulteney Bridge, is a favourite spot for families and city people in search of a quick green escape.
Somerset Lavender Farm
Five acres of lavender and over 50,000 plants your cup of tea? You found your place.
Dyrham Park
About 8 miles from Bath, this country house provides a scenic stroll options as well as an ancient deer park.
Outside of Bath: The Best Daytrips
Stonehenge (possibly free)
Stonehenge free?! Not if you look on their website, that’s for sure. Luckily you’re looking on this website, and I’m gonna tell you how to save 19 bucks when visiting the UK’s most famous stone circle. When heading to Stonehenge and you’re getting close, simply stop following the signs to the (also paid) public parking spot, which is by the way located on quite a walk from the attraction. Just loop to the right and follow the road that has Stonehenge on the left hand (you can actually see it already just driving by from this side – but be aware: once you drive by, you already went too far)… with the sight on the left ahead of you, search for a dirt road on the left side and drive in. Not only can you park here for free, you can actually walk to the gate of the attraction. Instead of the ‘official’ ticketed entry gate, you just take the path literally 10 centimetres on the left side of it. There will be a small fence in between you and the paying visitors (waist high), which only indicates who’s the smartest one of the two groups. As you can’t actually stand in between the stones or touch them, not even with the paid option, there’s no essential difference in experience, besides that lovely feeling of outsmarting the system.
Stonehenge (possibly free)
Stonehenge free?! Not if you look on their website, that’s for sure. Luckily you’re looking on this website, and I’m gonna tell you how to save 19 bucks when visiting the UK’s most famous stone circle. When heading to Stonehenge and you’re getting close, simply stop following the signs to the (also paid) public parking spot, which is by the way located on quite a walk from the attraction. Just loop to the right and follow the road that has Stonehenge on the left hand (you can actually see it already just driving by from this side – but be aware: once you drive by, you already went too far)… with the sight on the left ahead of you, search for a dirt road on the left side and drive in. Not only can you park here for free, you can actually walk to the gate of the attraction. Instead of the ‘official’ ticketed entry gate, you just take the path literally 10 centimetres on the left side of it. There will be a small fence in between you and the paying visitors (waist high), which only indicates who’s the smartest one of the two groups. As you can’t actually stand in between the stones or touch them, not even with the paid option, there’s no essential difference in experience, besides that lovely feeling of outsmarting the system.
Lacock
Like you, I’m reading this word as an insult pronounced with a thick French accent. But it’s in fact quite a lovely stop at about half an hour drive from Bath. To say you’ll need a day to appreciate it would be slightly exaggerated, but enjoy half an hour to an hour here to get an authentic grasp of England how it was meant to be.
Like you, I’m reading this word as an insult pronounced with a thick French accent. But it’s in fact quite a lovely stop at about half an hour drive from Bath. To say you’ll need a day to appreciate it would be slightly exaggerated, but enjoy half an hour to an hour here to get an authentic grasp of England how it was meant to be.
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Salisbury
Did Bath’s Abbey leave you longing for more? Give Salisbury a go, as its cathedral will simply take your breath away. Regarded as one of the leading examples of Early English Architecture, this fine piece has many superlatives added to its name: The UK’s tallest church spire (404 feet / 123 m), the largest cloister, the largest cathedral close of entire Britain (80 acres / 32 ha), and also the best surviving of the four original copies of Magna Carta (charter of rights agreed to by King John of England in 1215). All very impressive, but the only thing we really wanted to know if dogs can enter or not… and the answer is positive. Go.
Did Bath’s Abbey leave you longing for more? Give Salisbury a go, as its cathedral will simply take your breath away. Regarded as one of the leading examples of Early English Architecture, this fine piece has many superlatives added to its name: The UK’s tallest church spire (404 feet / 123 m), the largest cloister, the largest cathedral close of entire Britain (80 acres / 32 ha), and also the best surviving of the four original copies of Magna Carta (charter of rights agreed to by King John of England in 1215). All very impressive, but the only thing we really wanted to know if dogs can enter or not… and the answer is positive. Go.
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