Whether you’re an adventurer, a history lover or a bored student, Bath has plenty of spots to offer that won’t cost you a penny. As students, we all want to spend less money and save up for those nights out our flatmates keep tempting us with. But in a place like Bath it can be hard, especially with so many places catering to tourists and charging a fortune for a coffee and a sandwich. At Unifresher, we want everyone to be able to have the best time in the city you’re in, while saving your pennies along the way. So whether you’re visiting Bath on a budget, a local resident looking for an inexpensive way to spend your weekend, or a student, here’s our list of the best things to do in Bath for free.
1. Pulteney Bridge and The Weir
Address: Pulteney Bridge, Bath, BA2
Retrace the footsteps of famous faces such as Russell Crowe in Les Misérables and visit the place where Javert met his downfall. Pulteney Bridge is one of Bath’s most famous sights, and taking a stroll along the bridge is truly beautiful. You can even take a picnic with you and go down to the public space below, where you can sit overlooking the flowing Weir.
2. The Roman Baths
Address: Stall Street, Bath, BA1 1LZ
Did you know that if you’re a student at either Bath Spa University or the University of Bath, you can take your student ID card down to the Roman Baths and get free entry? It’s undoubtedly Bath’s most famous tourist attraction and is something every student in Bath has to experience before they leave. Hey, when everyone else is paying £15+ you may as well take advantage of it while you still can.
3. Royal Victoria Park
Address: Marlborough Lane, Bath, BA1 2NQ
A short walk from the city centre, Victoria Park is a favourite for locals and tourists alike. With the Royal Crescent as its backdrop, it’s the perfect place for a picnic in the sunshine. Also, there are plenty more attractions to keep you coming back such as crazy golf, duck ponds, tennis, bowling greens and botanical gardens. Bath is full of parks to explore, so why not wander round them all during the sunnier days – it’s a great free activity that’s sort of like a workout too (win-win).
4. The Royal Crescent and The Circus
Address: Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LR and The Circus, Bath, BA1 2EW
Within short walking distance from each other, these two sites are some of the most historic here in Bath and definitely worth a visit. Famous for their architecture, these sites have drawn in many famous stars over the years, including Hollywood star and everyone’s favourite internet meme, Nicholas Cage. Unfortunately, he no longer lives here.
5. Victoria Art Gallery
Address: Bridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AT
Run by BANES Council, the Victoria Art Gallery is the public art museum in Bath. It is home to a collection of more than 1,500 decorative art treasures, including an impressive display of British oil paintings from the 17th Century through to the present day with works by Thomas Gainsborough, Thomas Jones and Walter Sickert.
6. The Holburne Museum
The Holburne (aka Lady Danbury’s house in Netflix’s popular Bridgerton) is one of the UK’s best loved independent museums. As well as housing a wonderful and eclectic collection, it presents world-class exhibitions of historical and contemporary art and a dynamic programme of creative activities and events for all ages. Located at the end of the majestic Great Pulteney Street, and with a fantastic café and gardens, it’s a must see for any student.
Address: Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4DB
7. Tours by the Mayor of Bath Honorary Guides
Discover the amazing story of Bath and the arrival of the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago with this free tour. Starting in the Abbey Church Yard, these free walking tours visit points of historical and architectural interest. Tours last for two hours with no need to book in advance. The service is operated from Sunday to Friday at 10.30am and 2pm and on Saturday at 10.30am every day of the year, excluding Christmas.
Address: Bath Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LT
There are tons of things to do in Bath for students, because it’s a great student city. That means lots of free things to do – as we’ve listed. If you’ve got a bit of cash to spare, we’ve also listed the best cheap things to do in Bath for uni students, which are worth checking out.
