Exploring Bath – A guide to family friendly things to do in Bath on a budget : Bath is a city steeped in history and charm. Not just a visual delight, the city of Bath also offers a plethora of family-friendly activities for a holiday or a day trip that won’t cost you a fortune.
One of our favourite places to visit in England for a spontaneous short family holiday or a day trip is undeniably the city of Bath.
The city of Bath is a unique destination with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a wealth of cultural offerings. When in Bath you will be spoilt for choices for things to do .
Don’t forget to ensure your cameras / phones are fully charged and have ample space, as you would want to capture every moment ,every place, every nook and corner of the city.
Bath is as charming as it gets.
Here is a list of some Bath city attractions we always visit and budget-friendly activities that we normally do when we are visiting Bath.
These experiences and activities are not only fun but also quite pocket friendly.Even if you are on a day trip to Bath you can always add a few of these to your bucket list.
1. Roman Baths Exploration
The Roman Baths set in the city of Bath, somerset, are a captivating journey into the city’s past. Visiting Roman baths, Bath is like a journey understanding the historical significance of the Roman baths. There is so much to marvel at the architecture,walk on the original Roman pavements and see the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva.
You explore the Roman Baths complex, walk on the original Roman pavements and see the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva.
Inside the complex itself there is the Bath museum hosting a beautiful collection collection of artifacts, including a gilt bronze head of the Goddess Sulis Minerva, and other Roman artefacts (artifacts).
You need almost 1.5 to 2 hours to visit the roman baths. Of course you can spend more time if you wish. Both grown ups and children can have their audio guides from the ticket centre.
If you are carrying any buggys or prams , these can be kept at the ticket centre, and collected after your visit.
Residents of Bath & North East Somerset who are Discovery Card holders, and full-time students at University of Bath and Bath Spa University can get a free entry to the Roman Baths.
You can book your tickets Roma Bath tickets online at Roman Baths official website , or you can purchase the tickets at the door.
2. High Tea at the Pump room
If you are visiting the Roman Bath’s in Bath , you might also want to visit the Pump room for a traditional afternoon tea experience.
Though this is on the pricier side, but if you love experiencing the traditions you should pay this place a visit. I wouldn’t say this is something that you cannot not miss out on when in Bath.
Bath has some amazing other tea rooms, cafes and dining experiences, so you can try some other places as well for afternoon tea.
However if you planning to visit the Pump room, it is advisable to book online in advance .
3. Bath Abbey
Adjacent to the Roman Baths is the magnificent Bath Abbey, which again is an architectural masterpiece.
Tickets for the visit to the Abbey can be purchased at their welcome desk on visit.
If you do not intend to go inside the Abbey, a leisurely stroll around Abbey Square, admiring the intricate details of the magnificent abbey, is breathtaking as well.
Head to Stall Street, where you’ll often find lively street performers showcasing their talents. From musicians to magicians, these entertainers add a vibrant atmosphere to Bath’s bustling streets. Enjoy the performances as a family, offering a unique and cost-free form of entertainment right in the heart of the city.
4. Jane Austen Centre
For literature enthusiasts, the Jane Austen Centre offers a glimpse into the Regency era . It showcases the food, fashion and the life of the famous author of classics like ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Sense and Sensibility’ .
Jane Austen Centre is a little piece of heaven for literature buffs .
It is preferable to book online to see the exhibition, and for an added touch of fun you should try on some period costumes.
If you have not purchased the tickets for the exhibition you can still visit the Tearooms and the Gift center .
And If you are visiting Bath in September you are in for a treat as that’s the time for the Jane Austen festival that runs in Bath for almost over 10 days.
Jane Austen’s fans would not want to miss this.
5. Fashion Museum, Bath
The Fashion Museum in Bath is a fascinating institution dedicated to the history of fashion and costume.
It provides a captivating journey through the world of fashion, offering a blend of historical artifacts, contemporary design, and educational experiences that appeal to fashion aficionados and curious visitors alike.There are exhibitions showcasing clothing styles from different eras.
During our first visit , we loved the experience at the fashion museum. There is so much to see and learn. My daughter was quite excited to try out the fashion costumes and do a ramp walk in all her glitz and glamour.
However as of now the fashion museum ,Bath is closed for public for a few years as they are preparing for the move to centre of the bath in the Old Post Office.
Please do check the fashion museums website if you plan to visit the museum.
6. Picnic Paradise at Parade Gardens (a small entry fee, under 5’s go free)
Parade Gardens (Originally St james’s park ) is situated by the scenic River Avon. It is the ideal spot for a family picnic if the weather permits.
It has a lovely view of Avon, Bath Abbey, Pulteney bridge and the Weir. The Parade gardens have some of the finest flower displays in the country.
The gardens are free for Bath residents, however for visitors there is a small entry fee for viewing the beautiful gardens. A small price to pay for a family picnic in one of the most quaint places.
So get ready to pack your favourite snacks , unwind on the green lawns, and savour the picturesque surroundings and beauty of the City of Bath.
7. Art Appreciation at Victoria Art Gallery
If you are an Art lover you would love to rejoice at the Victoria Art Gallery. Here you can explore a diverse art collection .
Engage with paintings, sculptures and pottery spanning different eras, creating an enriching experience for the entire family.The exhibitions are spread across two floors.
The exhibitions on upper floor gallery are usually free. They also have some children’s art and craft workshops and holiday activities going on on the upper floor.
However please ensure to check the Victoria Art gallery Website to see what exhibitions are on, and if all areas are open to public on the day to avoid any disappointments later.
For entry to the paid exhibitions check out the ticket prices here.
8. Indulge in a delicious Sally Lunn’s treat- The famous Bath delicacy Sally Lunn’s buns ( Home of the original Bath bun )
If you are a food lover , your trip to Bath is incomplete without a visit to the Sally lunn’s Bath.
You have to savour a piece of Bath’s culinary history at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House.
Sally Lunn’s serve the famous Bath Buns. The vast menu offers both sweet and savoury bun options.
The vintage ambiance adds extra charm to this experience.
You can also visit the tiny Sally Lunn’s museum showcasing the original kitchen where the famous Sally Lunn bun was first made.This quaint little museum is located beneath the historic Sally Lunn’s Eating House.
9.The Royal Crescent
Another iconic architectural marvel located in Bath, England is The Royal Crescent. It is a crescent-shaped row of 18th century 30 terraced houses, all built with beautiful Georgian architecture.
The crescent overlooks a large open lawn known as Royal Victoria Park, adding to its picturesque setting. The Royal Crescent is a popular tourist attraction, and some of its houses are privately owned, while others have been converted into hotels, museums, or residential apartments.
10.The Circus
Visit The Circus, another impressive example of Georgian architecture in Bath. This circular space features townhouses with unique facades and a central garden area.
Explore The Circus, a circular arrangement of Georgian townhouses showcasing distinctive facades and a central garden—an architectural gem in Bath’s cityscape.
11.Pulteney Bridge
Take an evening stroll across the Pulteney Bridge, a beautiful Georgian bridge lined with shops, spanning the River Avon. It gives a different perspective of Bath’s architecture.
You can enjoy a riverside stroll or opt for a boat tour to appreciate Bath’s architectural beauty from the water.
12. River Avon Boat cruise
There are some amazing cruise experience options to explore the River Avon. You can decide between the Bath city tour, canal tours, or avon river cruises depending on your time, and budget.
There are Bath city tours as well as tours to various destinations and villages from the Bath. Exploring the historic viewpoints within the city through cruise is a unique and budget-friendly adventure. And if you have more time in hand , take the river avon tours visiting the nearby villages to Bath and soaking in their history and beauty.
The boat trip to explore the city of Bath and its landmarks is around an hour and is quite reasonable.
13. Herschel Museum and No.1 Royal Crescent
If you have love for the world of astronomy a visit to the Herschel Museum Of Astronomy ,Bath is a must . The Herschel museum is where you can learn about the Herschel family’s contributions to space exploration. This is the house from where the planet ‘Uranus’ was first spotted.
You need to prebook the visit, or buy tickets on the spot, children (Under 18’s) go free.
You can either purchase the tickets for Herschel house of astronomy or buy a combined ticket for Herschel house and No.1 Royal crescent.
No.1 Royal crescent is a well-preserved splendidly restored Georgian townhouse museum , where you can explore fashionable life in Georgian Bath of the 18th Century.
14. Royal Victoria Park , Bath Botanical Gardens and Henrietta park
Royal Victoria Park, Bath stands out as a haven for family activities. With playgrounds, botanical gardens, and open spaces, it’s the perfect place for a day of family fun (Of course only if the English weather permits).
Victoria park is a popular destination and hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year.
Another historic and serene park with a sensory garden and lush greenery is Henrietta park.
If you plan to visit any of these beautiful green spaces make sure to check what’s on , on your day of visit to make the most of your day.
15. Bath City Farm Excitement (Free to visit)
Although every nook and corner of the City of Bath has its own charm and visiting a farm on a holiday might not be very exciting for everyone. However this farm in bath offers a delightful experience for families with little ones.
My littlest was most happy visiting the Bath City farm. It is beautifully located on a hill with stunning views of the city.
The kids would love Interacting with friendly animals, learn about farming, and enjoy the outdoors playground and woodland area with nature trails. There is a lovely cafe and farm shop as well.
The entrance to the farm is free , however they do accept voluntary donations.
16. Thermae Bath Spa – A perfect way to unwind your day
As the day winds down, consider a visit to the Thermae Bath Spa. It is famous for its natural thermal waters, which have been used for bathing and relaxation for centuries due to their purported health benefits.
One of the highlights of the spa is its rooftop pool, where visitors can enjoy soaking in the thermal waters while enjoying panoramic views of the Bath city skyline.
It’s a serene and picturesque way to end your day, soaking in the warmth while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
The only thing to consider while visiting as a family is that under 16’s are not allowed there. Please check the website and consider pre booking to avoid any last minute disappointments.
17. Explore the Bath City Skyline Walk
The Bath City Skyline Walk is a circular six mile trail that winds through the hills and valleys surrounding Bath, England, offering panoramic views of the city and its countryside.
There is also an accessible 2 miles Family Discovery Trail, accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Along the way you can discover landmarks like Bath Abbey and the Royal Crescent while enjoying the natural beauty of woodlands, meadows, and open fields.
The walk varies in difficulty, so would recommend you to wear suitable clothing and footwear.
It is a great opportunity for photography and wildlife spotting, be prepared with your cameras.
18. Bath’s Hidden Bookstores Gem: Mr. B’s Emporium and Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath
For all bibliophiles here there are two gems of bookstores to visit in Bath-Mr. B’s Emporium located centrally on the John Street ,Bath and Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath located in a historic building in the centre of town, a couple of minutes walk from Abbey.
Both the bookstores are like stepping into a magical world. Full of fascinating nooks and corners, little side rooms, winding staircases and shelf ladders.
A place where i could easily have spent hours in here exploring . My girls were delighted to be here .Both bookstores have fabulous collection of books and amazing amazing staff.
19.Guildhall Market ,Bath
Situated near the Guildhall and Bath Abbey, is a historic market with a rich heritage dating back centuries.It is a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of Bath’s historical and market traditions.
Housed within a historic building, Guildhall Market is a vibrant and authentic market experience where you can shop for local products, soak in the historic ambiance, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of a traditional marketplace in the heart of Bath.
Where we stayed in Bath – Bath city centre budget hotels
During our family visits to Bath we have used two different hotels for our stay – Both Bath city center hotels and with Parking.These hotels were both family friendly and budget hotels .
Travelodge Bath Waterside
A decent hotel with paid parking. However parking is relatively small , so it is based on first come first serve basis.
The rooms are basic , with basic amenities. However this budget hotel is on a lovely location with waterview on on side. This hotel is also just a 10-15 minutes lovely walk from the center of the Bath. It has a late night bar (again basic) and a vending machine for basic snacks and drinks.
The breakfast was ok too. So if you are looking for a cheap but a decent hotel with parking for stay in Bath with a good location near the Bath City center , this one Travelodge Bath waterside is perfect for that.
DoubleTree by Hilton Bath City center
This hotel exceeded our expectations. Reasonably priced (though of course slightly higher prices than the Travelodge),doubletree by Hilton is located right in the center of the Bath City and right next to the River avon.
The location is excellent. It is just a 5 -7 minutes walk from the river Avon, Pulteney bridge, Guildhall market, Sally Luns, Roman Bath and Bath Abbey .
It has lovely views of the city on one side, and excellent views of River Avon and Pulteney bridge on the other.
It has paid parking options nearby in the Podium Car park, that is just next to the hotel.We had a family room which was big compared to some other hotels we have stayed in.
The family room has lovely views of the River Avon, and the Pulteney bridge.We loved watching the river (Although flooded), sunrises and sunsets from our window every morning and evening.
The Breakfast buffet had a great selection ranging from Breads, to fruits, meats , desserts and even a small vegan menu.
A family Holiday in Bath doesn’t have to necessarily come with a hefty price tag.
With some planning and focusing on some budget-friendly activities, your family can create lasting memories while exploring the beauty and history of this charming city, like we did.
So, pack your snacks (If you have kids IYKYK) , put on your walking shoes, and get ready for a holiday filled with laughter, discovery, and fun in the heart of the beautiful City of Bath!
Tell me about your favourite experiences, the food you enjoyed, or your disappointments while you travelled . Are there any places that you want to recommend.Let me know all of this in the comments.I would love to read your stories, and experiences.Tag these using #frombowltosoul, @frombowltosoul
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