Following the easing of lockdown restrictions, visitors are once again being invited to explore some of Bath’s most historic locations run by the Bath Preservation Trust.
No 1 Royal Crescent | Photo © Bath Preservation Trust
The public will once again be able to engage with the stories and histories of No.1 Royal Crescent, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Beckford’s Tower and Museum of Bath Architecture.
Beckford’s Tower is due to reopen by appointment from 17th May. You’ll be able to book a guided tour or take advantage of a self-led visit and follow in William’s footsteps, following Beckford’s Ride up to the Tower, which is now home to a museum displaying original furniture that has been found and brought back to the Tower, alongside paintings, prints and objects, illustrating his controversial life.
Visitors can also climb the spiral staircase to the Belvedere and experience the panoramic views.
The Museum of Bath Architecture will also reopen by appointment from 17th May.
Using maps, designs, drawings, videos, paintings and tools, including a 1:500 scale model of Bath which gives a miniature, birds-eye-view of the whole city, visitors can discover Bath’s famous architectural treasures including the iconic Royal Crescent and The Circus, before seeing them for real just a short walk away.
The Herschel Museum of Astronomy will open once again from 19th May, Wednesday – Sunday each week.
A brand-new audio tour will be made available for adult visitors that brings the house to life, with stories about how the Herschel family lived and worked in Bath, exploring their contributions to science and music during their time in 19 New King Street.
Also new for 2021 is an audio-visual guide for children – meet Caroline Herschel as she takes you around her home and helps you to explore the home and collections, encouraging you to make your own discoveries.
And finally, No.1 Royal Crescent will open on Wednesday 2nd June.
When it reopens, No.1 Royal Crescent will feature a new immersive experience, which will allow visitors to see life as it was lived in Georgian Bath during the late 1700s.
Life below stairs is also revealed, with new displays to be enjoyed in the servants’ hall, housekeeper’s room, kitchen and scullery.
Bath Preservation Trust’s Director of Museums, Claire Dixon, said: “After such a long time closed, it is so exciting to be able to welcome visitors back to our museums.
“Each one represents an important time in Bath’s history and bears testimony to the astonishing people who came to live in this beautiful and significant part of the world.”
“To ensure visitor safety we have implemented some new changes, such as pre-booked timed tickets only, rule of 6 people or two households per time slot and offering exclusive guided tours on selected days.
“Each of our museums will be rigorously cleaned throughout the day, paying particular attention to bannisters, door handles, light switches and so on.
“Georgian Bath was founded on being a popular tourist destination and with this in mind, the entire team here is doing its utmost to ensure that today’s visitors are every bit as welcome and guaranteed of a memorable experience in 2021, as they were in the 18th and 19th centuries.”
