Bath’s best museums – a guide
Bath is famed for its beauty and history, so it would be a shame to visit the World Heritage city and not dip into some of its many fantastic museums. Bath’s best museums are wonderfully varied so have a read to decide which one(s) appeal most to you.
Panda Sanctuaries’ Bath self-catering properties are all located near the city centre making them the perfect base from which to explore the Bath’s best museums. From art to fashion, there’s something for every visitor to indulge their cultural side.
Get in touch or head to our special offers page to find out about any deals and discounts you can benefit from when booking your Bath holiday rental direct with Panda Sanctuaries.
Here is our round up of Bath’s best museums:
Holburne Museum
Standing tall over Great Pulteney Street, the stunning Holburne Museum not only looks wonderful from the exterior, transporting tourists back to the era of Jane Austen, but also houses a wide range of artistic treats. The collection, originally compiled by Sir Thomas William Holburne (1793-1874) includes works by Gainsborough, Zoffany, and Stubbs.
The Fashion Museum
Housed in the Assembly Rooms, familiar to any Jane Austen enthusiast as the setting for Bath’s famous regency gatherings, the Fashion Museum takes visitors on a journey through 400-years of fashionable dress from Georgian gowns to contemporary designs. It even has a dressing up room, enjoyed by adults and children.
No 1 Royal Crescent
This Regency town house which sits, as the name suggests, at No.1 Royal Crescent provides a fascinating insight into Georgian life in Bath. Designed by the famous architect John Wood the Younger and built from 1767 to 1774, the Royal Crescent remains the most iconic edifice in the city. At No. 1 every room is furnished in the style of the period demonstrating what life was like for the wealthy families and their servants.
Jane Austen Centre
A must see for any Jane Austen fan, the Jane Austen Centre‘s expertly curated exhibition explores the author’s time in Bath and the influence it had upon her writing. Housed in an original period property, visitors are welcomed by knowledgeable guides in Regency dress. The centre hosts talks, activities and contemporary exhibits, including the opportunity to dress up in Regency costume. Guests can also enjoy a spot of afternoon tea in the Regency Tea Rooms.
Museum of Bath at Work
Situated ten minutes’ walk uphill from the city centre, the Museum of Bath at Work tells the tale of Bath’s development as a city over 2000 years. It looks at a range of famous local produce including Bath stone, Bath chairs, Bath buns and the many other ways people in the area have earnt a living over two Millennia. Be aware, the museum closes throughout December.
