Bath is one of England’s most fascinating heritage cities, known for its Roman baths and elegant Georgian architecture. Dive into Bath’s museums to uncover its history as a Roman and Medieval center of worship, famous for its healing mineral waters that attracted 18th-century high society.

Experience Bath through the perspectives of Jane Austen, Mary Shelley, wealthy art collectors, and the everyday workers who ran the local shops and workshops. No matter your interest, there’s a museum in Bath for everyone!

### The Roman Baths
Perfect for families, the Roman Baths are a must-visit, featuring a Victorian recreation of the original Roman bathing pools and a museum that spans 2000 years of history. An audioguide is available to help you explore at your own pace, with explanations suitable for both children and adults, including reflections from travel writer Bill Bryson. Discover the temple of the goddess Sulis Minerva, see models of the temple and bath complex, and walk through spaces where Romans once bathed and prayed. The museum offers interactive displays with Roman characters projected onto the walls and live re-enactors sharing their stories. It’s a world-class attraction for all ages, and booking tickets online in advance is recommended during holidays and weekends.

### Bath Abbey
For a glimpse of Bath’s medieval and monastic past, visit Bath Abbey, located near the Roman Baths. This stunning cathedral features beautiful stained glass, a vaulted stone ceiling, and tombs from the 15th century. The Discovery Centre in the crypt, opened in 2023, explores the history of the monastic Abbey founded in the 1st century AD. The family-friendly space includes artefacts, videos, interactive exhibits, and costumes for dressing up as a monk.

### No 1 Royal Crescent
Fans of Bridgerton and Georgian lifestyle will love No 1 Royal Crescent, a Georgian townhouse at the end of Bath’s famous Royal Crescent. Furnished as it might have been in the 18th century, the house offers an immersive experience with voices of a wealthy family and their servants bringing the rooms to life. The final room provides insights into the real family that inspired the characters.

### Jane Austen Centre
Jane Austen fans should visit the Jane Austen Centre, which starts with a video about Georgian life in Bath and a talk from a costumed character about Austen’s time in the city. Exhibits include information about Austen’s residences, costumes her characters might have worn, and a life-size wax model of the author. The top floor Regency tea room offers formal afternoon teas with menu options named after Austen’s characters.

### Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein
Located next to the Jane Austen Centre, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is dedicated to the author of Frankenstein. The museum’s decor reflects the novel’s dark Gothic horror theme, with rooms dedicated to different parts of Shelley’s tragic life and a recreation of her imaginary monster. The basement features a spooky experience with creatures lurking in the darkness, and escape rooms are available for groups.

### Victoria Art Gallery
Art lovers on a budget will enjoy the Victoria Art Gallery, which houses Bath’s art collection spanning 500 years. The upper gallery, currently under renovation, features 18th-century portraits and works from the Bath Academy of Art. The ground floor hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists.

### Holburne Museum
The Holburne Museum, featured as Lady Danbury’s townhouse in Bridgerton, is an elegant Georgian mansion with a collection of objects, artworks, and books amassed by Sir William Holburne. The museum includes a modern glass extension, a ballroom, and a cafe with a terrace overlooking the gardens.

### Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Stargazers will appreciate the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, the former home of William and Caroline Herschel, who discovered the planet Uranus. The house includes a music room, basement workshop, and exhibition space with telescopes and globes from the period.

### Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum
Visit Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House to try the famous Sally Lunn bun and explore the small museum in the cellar, which showcases the original bakery and evidence of a building from Roman times.

### Museum of Bath at Work
The Museum of Bath at Work highlights the everyday lives of Bath’s working people, with displays of a grocer’s shop, workshops, and a printing press. The core collection includes the Bowler engineering and soft drinks factory, reconstructed as it was when operational.

### Museum of East Asian Art
Near the Royal Crescent, the Museum of East Asian Art houses a collection of 2,000 objects from East and South East Asia, including jade, bronzes, ceramics, and small collectables.

### Old Theatre Royal
The Old Theatre Royal, now a Masonic hall, offers guided tours covering the main hall, backstage areas, and vaults, ending with a visit to the Edward Gayner Museum of Masonic artefacts.

### Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI)
The BRLSI operates as an online museum with regular low-cost lectures and events on diverse topics. Collections related to geology, natural history, and human history can be viewed through themed online exhibitions.

### Fairfield House
Fairfield House, the former residence of Emperor Haile Selassie I during his exile, now serves as a museum and community center. It preserves the legacy of Haile Selassie and hosts multicultural events and Rastafari Sabbath Worship.

### Bath World Heritage Centre
The Bath World Heritage Centre is a visitor center and museum that provides information about Bath’s heritage, including hot springs, Georgian architecture, and the spa town’s development from Roman times.

### Museum of Bath Architecture
The Museum of Bath Architecture celebrates Bath’s transformation from a medieval town to a Georgian spa. Housed in a restored Gothic revival chapel, the museum features maps, models, and architectural drawings, including a scale model of Bath.

### American Museum & Gardens
Located just outside Bath, the American Museum & Gardens features American decorative arts and exhibitions related to American culture. The Georgian manor house is surrounded by 125 acres of gardens, with an arboretum, wilderness trails, and a children’s garden.

### Beckford’s Tower
Beckford’s Tower, set to reopen in Summer 2024, was built for William Beckford as a study retreat. The tower offers outstanding views over Bath and houses a museum illustrating Beckford’s life as a collector and social outcast.

### Free Museums in Bath
Bath offers several free museums, including the Bath World Heritage Centre and the Victoria Art Gallery’s permanent collection. The Sally Lunn Museum charges a nominal fee, and the Fashion Museum is temporarily closed but plans to reopen in a new location.

### Recommended Hotels in Bath
– The Z Hotel: A modern budget hotel with compact rooms and a central location.
– Hotel Indigo: A boutique-style mid-range hotel close to the sights.
– The Queensberry Hotel: A luxury boutique hotel in a Georgian townhouse with an award-winning restaurant.
– No 15 by GuestHouse: A luxury boutique hotel with a spa, perfect for romantic getaways.