Bath on a Budget

Bath is a city with a high standard of living, and residents often grumble about how expensive it is to live here. The prices in some of our shops and museums may be initially daunting for the budget traveller, but in actual fact there are cheap things to do and you don't need to spend a great deal of money to enjoy the city. Here are our tips on how you can avoid breaking the bank while staying in Bath.

Don't take the tourbus; walk. Open top tours of Bath are an interesting way to see the city in a quick and comfortable fashion. But if you are reasonably fit, you'll find it much more interesting to explore the city on foot. A cheap guidebook will provide plenty of useful information, and you'll be able to see the sights at your own pace. Alternatively take a free walking tour (see below). In any case, the buses aren't able to drive along many of the most interesting streets (including the Royal Crescent). The interesting sights of Bath are quite close together, and even if you take the tourbus, you'll end up travelling on foot between the museums you wish to visit. Plus you'll be enjoying good exercise (especially if you walk to some of the hillside crescents!), minimising vehicle pollution and earning the gratitude of residents, who hate the tourbuses. If, however, you do take a tourbus, enquire about discounts and get your money's worth from the tickets, which may last up to two days.

Free walking tours. Free walking tours of Bath are led by the Mayor's Guides, volunteers who will take small groups of people around the medieval and Georgian City, explaining Bath's history. Tours leave from outside the Pump Room, and take place every day of the year (except Christmas Day). Sunday to Friday - 10.30am and 2pm, Saturday - 10.30am. There are also evening tours in summer months. For times and further details, see the link on the right.

Save on food. Bath boasts some lovely restaurants. But if you're really keen to save money, consider eating at cheaper cafes. Or drop into a takeaway like Pasty Presto (opposite the Pump Rooms), or a delicatessen like the one just inside the Guildhall Market. Or even stock up on picnic ingredients from one of Bath's central supermarkets (try Waitrose in the Podium, close to Pulteney Bridge).

Free attractions. Unfortunately most of Bath's museums are expensive. Read the publicity and decide which you really want to see. The Roman Baths are probably the most important paying attraction (but if you're really desperate head around the side of the Pump Rooms, next to the Abbey, and you can get a glimpse of the Baths over a wall). One of the few free indoors attractions is the Victoria Art Gallery, Bath's municipal art collection. As well as a good permanent display, the museum also hosts some interesting temporary exhibitions. Most mornings and afternoons you can visit the Guildhall and view its first floor banqueting room - a large ornate hall hung with portraits where balls and meetings still take place (ask permission at the ground floor desk). Bath Abbey does not insist tourists pay an entrance fee, although it does ask you to contribute what you can towards maintenance, with a suggested voluntary donation of £2.50.

Outdoors sights and events. Among Bath's chief glories is its architecture, and you can enjoy that without paying a penny - pick up a free or cheap guide/map from the Tourist Information Office and explore the sights. While you're at the Tourist Information Office, check whether there are any free events on during your stay. Some occasions, like the opening night of Bath International Music Festival, can be enjoyed by all.

Parks and gardens. Bath is extremely proud of its reputation as a repeat winner of the 'Britain in Bloom' contest, and the town boasts plenty of pleasant public spaces. If you're looking for somewhere to enjoy that picnic, to take a pleasant stroll or to let the children play, visit one of Bath's public parks. The largest is Victoria Park, which stretches from the Royal Crescent to the west of the city centre. As well as lawns, trees and a sadly-neglected bandstand you'll find a children's adventure playground and the city's fine Botanic Gardens, which date back to 1887. Those with an interest in historic gardens should visit the Georgian Garden, the back garden of one of the townhouses in the Circus. Access is from the Gravel Walk which connects the Royal Crescent and Queen Square. Admission is free.