A Budget Travel Guide to Bath UK

Bath is one of the most popular tourist destinations in south-west England. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Bath is named for the mineral-rich hot springs that made it a spa city in Roman times and again during the Georgian period. Today, the city is a bustling centre of shopping, fine dining, and entertainment.

Its elegant streets and its proximity to the Somerset countryside, the Cotswolds, and the south coast all add to its appeal. However, popularity comes at a price and Bath can be expensive, especially if you’re on a budget. With that in mind, we’ve put together a short guide to Bath on the cheap.

1. Accommodation

The city is busy at weekends and during school holidays so if you must visit at these times, book in advance to get the best deals. Bath is a university town and campus accommodation and youth hostels are a great budget-friendly option for younger travellers.

If you’re visiting with the family, why not look for hotels in areas like Claverton Down, Newbridge, or Lansdown? You’ll still be within easy reach of the city centre but you’ll pay less for hotels or bed & breakfast accommodation. Be sure to look for early bird and last minute offers – it’s still one of the best ways to find cheap rooms.

2. Take advantage of special offers

Many people travel to the city by rail. Great Western Railway offers regular trains from London Paddington Station to Bath Spa stopping at Reading, Swindon, and Chippenham. Book early or via a discount service to get cheap tickets.

Plus, if you hang on to your ticket, you can get two for the price of one entry into some of the city’s leading museums including the Museum of Bath at Work and the Museum of East Asian Art. Your budget ticket also gets you four hours instead of two at the famous Thermae Bath Spa.

3. Discover the city on foot

Bath is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most beautiful city and it’s a joy to walk in its elegant Georgian crescents and avenues. And, of course, walking won’t eat into your budget.

Take a stroll along The Royal Crescent and The Circus, two of its most famous streets. Enjoy a few moments as the sun sets over the River Avon at Pulteney Bridge or head for the south of the city for fabulous views at Prior Park Landscape Garden or the Bath Skyline Walk. Be sure to look out for free walking tours with Mayor of Bath Honorary Guides – they’re a great way to get to know the city.

4. Nightlife and Entertainment – the Bath Way

Like any big city, central bars can be crowded and they’re not cheap. However, in Bath, you’re not restricted to tourist traps and budget-conscious travellers can choose from dozens of friendly, local establishments. Try the 18th-century Bell Inn for good beer at reasonable prices, a friendly crowd, and free live blues and jazz on Monday and Thursday evenings.

If you like your pubs quiet and traditional, you’ll love the Star Inn. This Bath institution has no loud fruit machines and a no music policy. There’s a handy ‘death-row’ bench just inside the door for elderly patrons and, if you visit on Thursday night you can help yourself to a generous selection of free bar snacks. A cheap evening out and a taste of local culture.

If you prefer your evenings a little more lively but your holiday budget won’t cover the entrance fee at trendy clubs and bars, look for lesser-known nightspots with free entry. Local listings magazines are a good starting point and you’ll find lots of smaller establishments that have DJs or bands at the weekend, or even during the week.

5. Travel

Try to avoid the tourist buses if you’re on a budget. Local buses stop at landmarks like Bath Abbey and The Circus too, and they’re a cheap and convenient alternative. Car rental is cheap in comparison to taxis or public transport and you’ll find local outlets and well-known rental brands in the city. A rental car makes it easy to explore the city, take drives in the rolling Somerset countryside, or plan outings to nearby cities like Bristol.

Whether you’re visiting Bath for a few days during the week to take advantage of budget accommodation, or whether you’re staying for two or three weeks, it’s worth asking locals for recommendations. Local people often know when to find deals at restaurants or where to find cheap tickets for sporting or musical events.