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The 8 Best History Museums in Bath, England
Known for its restorative wonders, Bath was once the home of Jane Austen. Sure, you could attempt to conjure up this elegant city by reading Pride and Prejudice in your tub, but as Bath has a lot more history than your bathroom (we assume, anyway) you'd be missing out. A stroll through Bath is like visiting an open-air museum, with roughly 5,000 buildings in the city drawing notice for their architectural merit. After your stroll, soak in the natural hot waters of the Thermae Bath Spa, once a favorite of the Celts and Romans.
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1. No. 1 Royal Crescent
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,826 reviews
Step into the past at one of England's finest Georgian townhouses. * 10 display rooms * Upstairs and downstairs * Georgian shop * Free info room with introductory video * Disabled access * Kids explorer packs * Friendly room guides * 'Women's Suffrage 100: Freedom and Fight in Bath' is the exhibition theme in 2018. The website has an Access section which has details of nearest car-parks, floorplans, facilities and information specifically for our visitors with access needs.
Reviewed By Alliemac308
Brilliant to see the house as it would have been in Georgian times, with each room explained by a knowledgeable and welcoming volunteer. Great value for money - a couple of hours flew by!
2. The Roman Baths
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22,941 reviews
The Roman Baths is one of the finest historic sites in Northern Europe, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK. Hidden beneath the present city of Bath lies the stone remains of one of the finest religious spas of the ancient world.
Reviewed By 2chopper - Banbury, United Kingdom
Excellent and unique must see attractions in Bath, is fascinating to learn the history of the Roman Baths, the free audio guide provides extra information too
3. American Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 720 reviews
The American Museum provides a fabulous day out for all adults and children. The New American Garden, Mount Vernon Garden, and play area “The Children’s Garden” awaits explorers of all ages. From winding paths and colourful flowers to woodland wanders with your four-legged friends (yes, dogs on leads are welcome!) and climbing adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Housed in a fine Georgian manor house with outstanding views over the Limpley Stoke Valley, on the edge of Bath, the American Museum takes you on a journey through American history, with its remarkable collection of folk, decorative arts and cultural objects. The only museum of Americana outside of the United States, it was founded to bring American history and cultures to the people of Britain and Europe. The gardens, children’s play area and cafe are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 5pm. The Museum and exhibition remain closed in line with government guidance. Please see our website for updates,
Reviewed By rosannam316 - Inverness, United Kingdom
Such an interesting and informative museum. The gentleman on reception clearly explained how the layout works and from reading up about it beforehand I knew that the emphasis is on the folk art side of things. However I was very pleasantly surprised to find a lot of information about the history of America and it’s good to hear this is likely to be expanded. I particularly enjoyed the Native American section and the quilts and other textiles on display are wonderful. The skill and craftsmanship is just astonishing. A huge bonus was the Kaffe Fassett exhibition and I was blown away by the display. I also enjoyed the Thomas Kellner photos - imaginative and quite stunning. Lovely gift shop and I like the way it’s also used to display museum pieces. I had lunch in the cafe and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice to see American dishes on the menu. Friendly staff and good service. Unfortunately due to the weather I didn’t have chance to go round what looked to be really interesting gardens. I used the hop on/off bus and would just say if you choose to do the same, it’s a good 20 min walk from where you’re dropped off, part of it on a narrow road with no pavement. I’m fit and healthy and enjoy walking but others may wish to consider different options. I also found there was a lack of signage once you turned off the “main” road and I had to check with passers by that I was still heading in the right direction!! I hope to visit again next year with friends who I know will love it.
4. The Museum of Bath at Work
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
The Museum of Bath at Work is the city’s local history museum telling the tale of 2000 years of the city’s development. It features displays on Bath Stone, Bath Chairs and Bath Buns, and all other ways in which Bath people have earned a living since Roman times. Exhibitions include a complete reconstruction of a Victorian engineering and soft drinks making factory, an Edwardian ironmonger, a cabinet maker’s workshop, a Bath Stone mine and the famous Horstmann car of 1914. A lively programme of temporary exhibitions, events and activities run throughout the year. We have a separate wheelchair entrance that gives access to about ninety percent of the museum, but ring beforehand to learn where it is. The museum receives no income from central, regional or local government, and is a charity set up as an Educational Trust. It has one paid employee supported by an enthusiastic team of museum friends and volunteers.
Reviewed By carriehill77 - Bath, United Kingdom
Fascinating view of our industrial heritage in Bath In a building tha was once an indoor tennis court
5. Museum of Bath Architecture
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 153 reviews
This unique collection interprets the rich architectural history of Bath and the men who transformed a provincial town into the world famous Georgian Spa. It demonstrates how classical design influenced the buildings and illustrates the construction of a house from the cellars to the rafters. Based in the Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, the building is also home to the Bath Model, a fully detailed architectural model of the historic city centre, giving a unique insight into the layout of the Georgian City.
Reviewed By SheffieldDavs
A small but interesting museum in a historic converted chapel. To watch the video and then work your way around reading all the displays takes an hour. It costs £6.50 which is very fair given it is run by a small poorly funded charity. There is an excellent knowledgeable guide on reception. a helpful 5 minute intro video, an interesting aerial photo and then a beautiful scale model. A great little gem in an interesting and historic city.
6. Bath Abbey Heritage Vaults
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 34 reviews
Bath Abbey Heritage Vaults are now permanently closed. Bath Abbey remains open, please see our website for more details.
7. Sally Lunn's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,196 reviews
The home of the "Sally Lunn Bun" is the oldest house in Bath, which features a kitchen museum reflecting Roman, Saxon and medieval heritage.
Reviewed By DebbieT1555 - Brisbane, Australia
If you love history you have the oldest house in bath, a history of a local eatery in the 1600s and stalagmites all in one place. We tried four different buns which were all delicious. Service was good. Loved the ambience.
8. Museum of Bath Stone
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Discover the stories of Combe Down Stone, the material from which the Georgian City of Bath was built and Ralph Allen, the man behind the enterprise.
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