Emma Everything you need to know about Visiting Bath Abbey
Bath Abbey stands at the heart of the city of Bath and, with the Roman Baths are a top tourist attraction. Here is everything we know about visiting Bath Abbey.
You’ll spot Bath Abbey long before you reach it. Its glowing Bath stone façade rises above the city, framed by the Roman Baths on one side and tempting cafés on the other. The fan-vaulted ceiling, intricate carvings, and towering stained glass make it one of the most beautiful churches in England.
Brief History of Bath Abbey
There has been some kind of religious presence at this site since the 7th century. Bath Abbey has undergone much construction over the years including restoration work, which was also carried out by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 1860s. (This is the chap who designed the hotel at St Pancras Station and the main building at the University of Glasgow).
Founded in the 7th century and rebuilt in the 16th, Bath Abbey is the last great medieval church built in England. Look out for the famous ladder of angels carved into the West Front—said to represent Jacob’s dream of angels ascending to heaven.
Inside, the Abbey feels light and open, thanks to its enormous windows. Pause to admire the floor: those dark stones are memorials, many marking people connected to Bath’s Georgian heyday.
Things to see and do in Bath Abbey
Did you know that there are 1500 memorials on the Abbey walls and in the floor. Most of these commemorate people from the 1700s and 1800s. Visit www.bathabbeymemorials.org.uk to find out about the stones.
Norman Pier Base Remains
Look at one of the remaining Norman Pier Bases, which date from 1090 – 1499.
Waller Tomb
Sir William Waller’s memorial to his first wife Jane. William Waller fought for Parliament in the English Civil War (1642-51)., see the damage created by Royalist supporters to the tomb.
King Edgar Window
The crowning of Edgar as the first king of all England at the Saxon monastery 973.
The Great East Window
Completed in 1873 and repaired after World War II, it tells the story of Jesus in 56 scenes.
Birde’s Chantry Chapel
Built by Prior William Birde as a place for prayers to be chanted for his soul.
Fan Vaulted Ceiling
Created in the 1500s with the Nave ceiling being a copy made in the 1860s.
West Window
Completed in 1894, the window tells the stories of the first five books of the Bible. The panels in the bottom left show God’s Creation of Eve and Noah’s Ark.
The West Front
Represents the dream of Bishop Oliver King that led him to replace the ruined Norman Cathedral with the present Abbey in 1499.
Join a tour
Take part in the Tower Tour to see the clock, bell chamber and the city from the top of our tower.
Tower Tours take place daily (except Sundays) on the hour from 10am to 4pm Mon-Fri and every half hour on a Saturday. a
Or you can explore with a self-guided Austens at the Abbey Tour.
Got Kids?
5 years and under then borrow a free Little Explorer backpack full of fun items. A Sensory Explorer backpack for children with SEND is also available.
6 – 11 years Free ‘Alex’s Abbey Adventure’ Trailsheet and pencil at the Welcome Desk.
Eating Near Bath Abbey
You’re surrounded by excellent options, including:
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House – famous buns, rich history, very Bath
Brasserie Beau – classic French dining in relaxed surroundings.
The Pump Room – classic afternoon tea with a side of grandeur
Colonna & Smalls – outstanding coffee just moments away
The Abbey Deli – great for quick sandwiches and picnic supplies
Grab something to go and sit in Abbey Churchyard for prime people-watching with your snack.
Pair a visit with
Bath Abbey works beautifully as part of a slow, indulgent day:
Roman Baths → Bath Abbey → long lunch
Abbey visit → tower climb → afternoon tea
Morning coffee → Abbey → bus tour
Everything is within a few minutes’ walk, which makes it ideal for relaxed exploring.
Getting to Bath Abbey
By train
The railway station for Bath is Bath Spa. There are frequent high-speed connections to London Paddington.
Connections can be made via Bristol Temple Meads to further afield railway stations.
Bath Abbey is less than ten minutes walk from the station.
By car
From the M4 – Leave the M4 at Junction 18 and take the A46 towards Bath.
From Bristol – Take the A4 into Bath.
From Salisbury – Take the A36 into Bath.
From the South West – Take the M5 and M4 approaching Bath from the north and using the Lansdown Park and Ride.
Parking
The nearest short stay car park is a five-minute walk away at the Podium in Northgate Street, BA1 5AL, or the Southgate Car Park in St. James Parade, BA1 1TP. For details of disabled parking, please see the Bath and North East Somerset Council website.
Bath offers four Park & Ride services.
Book a ticket for Bath Abbey
Tickets can be purchased online or from the Welcome Desk on arrival at the Abbey.
No charge for Discovery Card holders or BA1 & BA2 residents wth card or proof of address
Carers accompanying visitors with a disability are admitted to the Abbey free of charge.
Looking for where to stay in Bath? We stayed at The Grfifin Inn, click here to read all about it.
