Fashion Museum Bath: A Journey Through Style and History
Discover centuries of style and culture at Bath’s Fashion Museum, soon reopening in a stunning new city-centre home.
The Fashion Museum Bath, formerly housed in the Assembly Rooms, is a renowned museum dedicated to the art and culture of fashion. Currently closed for relocation to the historic Old Post Office in Bath city centre, it promises to become one of the world’s leading fashion museums. The collection spans centuries, showcasing iconic garments and contemporary designs, with plans for interactive exhibits and wider accessibility in its new home.
A brief summary to Fashion Museum Bath
- Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath, BA1 2QH, GB
- +441225477789
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the museum’s official website for updates on reopening dates and ticketing options as the new location is prepared.
- Explore Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage city centre while waiting for the museum’s reopening to enjoy its rich architectural and cultural context.
- Engage with the museum’s digital content and community pop-up exhibits to experience fashion history remotely.
- Plan to spend 1 to 2 hours at the museum once it reopens to fully appreciate the extensive collections and interactive displays.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
-
Bus
Bath city centre is well served by frequent bus routes from surrounding areas, with travel times typically between 15 to 40 minutes depending on origin. The museum’s new location near the Old Post Office is within easy walking distance from central bus stops. Bus fares generally range from £2 to £5.
-
Train
Bath Spa railway station is approximately 1.5 km from the museum’s new site, a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride. Trains connect Bath with London, Bristol, and other major cities, with ticket prices varying by route and time.
-
Car
Driving to Bath city centre is possible but parking is limited and can be expensive. Several public car parks are available within 10 to 15 minutes’ walk of the museum, with daily rates typically between £10 and £20. Congestion and narrow streets make public transport a preferred option.
-
Walking
If staying nearby in Bath city centre, the museum’s new location is easily accessible on foot via mostly flat, paved streets. Walking times range from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point, making it a pleasant urban stroll.
Fashion Museum Bath location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Fashion Museum Bath
A Legacy of Fashion in Bath
The Fashion Museum Bath has long been a cultural gem within the historic city, originally located in the elegant Assembly Rooms. It was celebrated for its comprehensive collection of fashion artifacts, ranging from 18th-century gowns to cutting-edge contemporary designs. The museum’s dedication to preserving and interpreting fashion history made it a unique institution in the UK, attracting visitors fascinated by the evolution of style and craftsmanship.Transition to a New Era
Since October 2022, the museum has been closed as it prepares to move to a new, purpose-adapted home in the Old Post Office building in Bath’s city centre. This relocation represents a significant transformation, aiming to establish one of the world’s great fashion museums. The new venue will offer enhanced accessibility and more engaging storytelling, broadening its appeal to diverse audiences and expanding the range of narratives told through fashion.Collections and Exhibitions
The museum’s collection is renowned for its breadth and depth, featuring historical garments that illustrate changing tastes and social contexts across centuries. Highlights include the celebrated 'Dress of the Year' exhibits, which spotlight influential contemporary pieces and designers. Visitors could previously engage with interactive elements such as a dress-up area featuring replica costumes, fostering a hands-on appreciation of fashion heritage.Educational and Community Engagement
Beyond exhibitions, the Fashion Museum Bath has been active in community outreach and education, collaborating with local institutions like Bath Spa University to develop a new Fashion Collection Archive. This archive will house extensive collections not currently on display, supporting research and learning. The museum also offers digital content and mini pop-up exhibits, such as the innovative 'Fashion Unpacked' project, which brings fashion heritage directly into local communities.Architectural and Cultural Context
The museum’s former home, the Assembly Rooms, is an iconic Georgian building that adds historical gravitas to the fashion displays. The forthcoming Old Post Office location, itself a historic structure, will provide a fitting backdrop for the museum’s collections. Bath’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site enriches the visitor experience, situating the museum within a city celebrated for its architectural beauty and cultural significance.Looking Ahead to Reopening
Preparations are underway for the museum’s reopening, anticipated around 2030. This new chapter promises a state-of-the-art facility designed to be welcoming and inclusive, with expanded exhibits and improved visitor amenities. Until then, the museum continues to engage the public through digital initiatives and community events, maintaining its role as a vibrant centre for fashion history and culture.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Royal Crescent
0.3 km
Georgian perfection in stone: 150 metres of architectural harmony overlooking Bath's parkland landscape.
Part of the mediaeval wall of the City of Bath
0.4 km
Explore a rare surviving fragment of Bath’s medieval city walls, a stone sentinel guarding centuries of history at 13 Trim Street.
Royal Cres
0.4 km
Experience Bath’s Royal Crescent, a stunning Georgian crescent with iconic Ionic columns, historic charm, and sweeping parkland views.
The EASTGATE
0.5 km
Explore The EASTGATE, a captivating historical landmark in Bath, showcasing stunning Georgian architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Marlborough Buildings
0.6 km
Georgian elegance in a Grade II listed terrace, where Bath's architectural ambition meets refined 18th-century townhouse design.
The Pump Room Restaurant
0.6 km
Experience exquisite British and European cuisine in a historic setting at The Pump Room Restaurant, a must-visit gem in Bath.
Green Park Station
0.6 km
Historic railway station turned vibrant market hub offering fresh local produce, unique crafts, lively eateries, and cultural events in Bath.
Archway
0.6 km
Discover Bath’s elegant Victorian Archway, a historic stone bridge carrying spa waters across York Street in the city’s UNESCO heritage heart.
In and Beyond Bath
0.6 km
Experience the rich history and stunning architecture of Bath with personalized tours from In and Beyond Bath, your expert local travel guide.
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum
0.7 km
Experience the rich history and delectable flavors at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum in Bath, where tradition meets taste.
Parte de la muralla medieval de la ciudad de Bath
0.7 km
Explore a rare surviving fragment of Bath’s medieval city wall, a gateway to the city’s rich Roman and medieval heritage.
Monks Mill
0.7 km
Discover Monks Mill, a rare medieval watermill ruin nestled in Bath’s picturesque Parade Gardens, echoing centuries of monastic industry and wool trade heritage.
North Parade, Bath
0.7 km
Experience the historic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of North Parade, Bath, where Georgian architecture meets the charm of the River Avon.
City Sightseeing Bath Hop On Hop Off
0.7 km
Discover the best of Bath with City Sightseeing's flexible hop-on hop-off bus tour, exploring iconic landmarks and hidden gems at your own pace.
Chapel Arts Centre
0.7 km
Discover the lively spirit of Bath at Chapel Arts Centre, where live music meets a cozy café atmosphere for an unforgettable experience.
Unmissable attractions to see
National Trust - Bath Assembly Rooms
0.0 km
Step into the elegant world of Georgian Bath at the Assembly Rooms, a historic hub of dance, music, and society since 1771.
Bartlett Street Antiques Centre
0.1 km
Discover over fifty dealers’ treasures in Bath’s largest antiques centre, where history and craftsmanship meet in a vibrant, historic setting.
Antiques in Bath
0.1 km
Explore Bath’s largest antiques centre with over fifty expert dealers offering fine art, jewellery, vintage collectibles, and timeless treasures.
The Museum of East Asian Art
0.1 km
Explore 7,000 years of East and Southeast Asian art in Bath’s unique Georgian townhouse museum.
Bath Independent Shops
0.1 km
Discover Bath’s vibrant independent shops at Fountain Buildings, where craftsmanship meets Georgian charm in a unique shopping enclave.
The Circus - Bath
0.1 km
Discover The Circus, Bath’s iconic Georgian circle blending classical architecture, druidic symbolism, and Masonic mystery in a stunning urban masterpiece.
Museum of Bath Architecture
0.1 km
Discover Bath’s architectural heritage through immersive exhibits and a detailed city model in a historic chapel setting.
Georgian Garden
0.2 km
Step into Bath’s Georgian Garden, a serene, historically restored 18th-century town garden nestled between iconic Georgian landmarks.
Museum of Bath at Work
0.2 km
Step inside Bath’s industrial past with interactive workshops, historic machinery, and immersive exhibits in a unique 18th-century setting.
Milsom St
0.2 km
Elegant Georgian street in Bath famed for upscale shopping, vibrant dining, and lively courtyards at Milsom Place.
Beau Nash
0.2 km
Discover exquisite antique furniture in Bath’s historic district at Beau Nash, where timeless craftsmanship meets elegant heritage.
Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein
0.2 km
Step into the gothic world of Mary Shelley and Frankenstein in this immersive museum experience in the heart of historic Bath.
The Jane Austen Centre
0.2 km
Step into Regency Bath and explore the life, legacy, and world of Jane Austen at this immersive Georgian townhouse museum and tea room.
Victoria Falls Adventure Golf
0.3 km
An enchanting 18-hole adventure golf course in Bath, blending scenic gardens and playful challenges for all ages.
The Raven
0.3 km
A cozy multi-floor Bath pub famed for unique pies, local ales, and a warm, friendly atmosphere steeped in British tradition.
Essential places to dine
Henry's Restaurant Bath
0.0 km
Intimate Georgian fine dining celebrating seasonal British cuisine with worldly influences and zero-waste principles.
Woods Restaurant
0.0 km
Family-run modern British bistro with French technique and locally sourced ingredients, opposite Bath's Assembly Rooms.
Olive Tree Restaurant
0.1 km
Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, where seasonal British ingredients shine in inventive, multi-course tasting menus beneath the Queensberry Hotel.
Clayton's Kitchen
0.2 km
Modern British fine dining in a Georgian townhouse, where seasonal ingredients and refined technique create memorable meals.
Comptoir+Cuisine
0.2 km
A cozy French bistro in Bath serving refined tapas-style dishes with quirky charm and attentive service.
The Circus Restaurant
0.2 km
Classic Georgian charm meets seasonal European cuisine in a warm, relaxed setting between Bath’s iconic Circus and Royal Crescent.
Crescent Restaurant & Bar Bath
0.3 km
A cozy, family-run restaurant near Bath’s Royal Crescent serving fresh, seasonal dishes with local ingredients in a warm, inviting setting.
The Ivy Bath Brasserie & Garden
0.3 km
Sophisticated British dining with seasonal flair, elegant interiors, and a charming garden in the heart of historic Bath.
Côte Bath
0.3 km
Stylish French brasserie in Bath’s historic Milsom Place, serving seasonal modern classics with vegan and gluten-free options in a charming courtyard setting.
The Salamander - A Great British Pub.
0.3 km
Intimate Georgian pub serving locally sourced British classics and Bath Ales in Bath's historic city centre.
La Terra
0.3 km
Contemporary Italian fine dining rooted in family tradition, impeccable sourcing, and warm hospitality in Bath's city centre.
Ole Tapas
0.3 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant Mediterranean flavors in the heart of Bath’s historic city centre.
Boho Marché
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Moroccan-Mediterranean fusion cuisine in Bath’s eclectic Boho Marché, where bold flavors meet whimsical décor.
Pintxo de Bath
0.4 km
Authentic Basque tapas and sherry bar in Bath’s theatre district with a sunny garden and vibrant Spanish flavors.
Bonghy Bo
0.4 km
Experience Bath’s vibrant Asian fusion scene with Bonghy Bo’s eclectic menu and intimate, stylish setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
BIBICO
0.1 km
Discover timeless, ethically made women’s fashion at BIBICO, Bath’s pioneering boutique for sustainable and artisan-crafted clothing.
Grace & Mabel Ltd
0.2 km
Discover timeless British and European fashion with a sustainable focus at Grace & Mabel, Bath’s family-run boutique gem.
Fat Giraffe Gifts
0.2 km
Discover unique, handcrafted wooden gifts with a sustainable heart at Bath’s welcoming Fat Giraffe Gifts on Milsom Street.
The Yellow Shop
0.2 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique accessories in Bath’s creative Walcot Street at The Yellow Shop.
Boho
0.2 km
Discover Boho, a stylish ladies' clothing boutique on Broad Street, Bath, blending bohemian flair with attentive service in a historic setting.
Vinegar Hill
0.2 km
Discover quirky gifts and unique homewares in the heart of Bath’s historic Milsom Street at Vinegar Hill.
House of Fraser
0.3 km
Historic department store blending heritage and modern retail in the heart of Bath’s shopping district.
Milsom Place
0.3 km
Discover Bath’s elegant Georgian shopping and dining oasis nestled within tranquil courtyards on fashionable Milsom Street.
Always Sunday
0.3 km
A vibrant Bath boutique blending vintage charm, artisan homewares, and creative community spirit in a colorful, maximalist setting.
Jigsaw
0.4 km
Elegant ladies’ fashion and accessories boutique offering refined style and attentive service in the heart of Bath’s historic Old Bond Street.
Anthropologie
0.4 km
Discover Anthropologie Bath: vibrant women's fashion and unique home décor in a stylish boutique at the heart of historic New Bond Street.
Vintage Abs Bath
0.4 km
Discover authentic vintage clothing and accessories in Bath’s charming Upper Borough Walls at Vintage Abs, a haven for fashion lovers.
Firefly Vintage Bath
0.4 km
Discover unique vintage gems and timeless style at Firefly Vintage Bath, a cozy boutique for curated vintage clothing in the heart of Bath.
Wadswick - Bath
0.5 km
Discover authentic British country lifestyle and designer clothing in a historic boutique on Bath’s iconic Pulteney Bridge.
TILLIUS
0.5 km
Discover unique gifts in TILLIUS, a charming boutique nestled on Bath’s iconic Georgian Pulteney Bridge, blending history with distinctive finds.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mandalyns Bath
0.1 km
Bath’s oldest gay bar, Mandalyns offers vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife with drag shows, karaoke, and a welcoming atmosphere in historic Fountain Buildings.
Slug & Lettuce - Bath
0.1 km
Lively cocktail bar and British restaurant in Bath with stylish interiors, a secluded garden, and celebrated bottomless brunch experiences.
Bath Stag & Hen
0.1 km
Tailored stag and hen party planning in Bath’s historic George Street, blending vibrant nightlife with expert local service for unforgettable celebrations.
Circo - Cellar Bar
0.2 km
Discover Bath’s elegant cellar bar with a circular centerpiece, Michelin-starred cocktails, and a vibrant late-night atmosphere.
Revolution Bath
0.2 km
Lively cocktail bar in Bath’s city centre offering creative drinks, American-inspired eats, and vibrant nightlife until the early hours.
Walcot House
0.2 km
A stylish fusion of historic charm, seasonal dining, craft cocktails, and vibrant nightlife in the heart of Bath’s Walcot Street.
Hall & Woodhouse Bath
0.3 km
Historic multi-floor pub and restaurant in Bath offering classic ales, diverse menu, and rooftop city views.
The Botanist Bath
0.3 km
A botanical haven in Bath blending historic charm, seasonal menus, award-winning cocktails, and live music across three vibrant floors.
Belushi's Bath
0.3 km
A lively sports bar and live music venue in Bath offering great food, cocktails, and an energetic atmosphere near the city’s historic heart.
The Old Green Tree
0.3 km
A cozy and historic Bath pub with quality ales, warm wood interiors, and a welcoming, timeless atmosphere.
The Bath Distillery Gin Bar
0.4 km
Discover Bath’s historic gin revival in a vibrant Georgian bar with exclusive small-batch gins and expertly crafted cocktails.
Henrietta Restaurant, Bar & Garden
0.4 km
Elegant dining and classic Afternoon Tea in a charming historic villa with a tranquil garden terrace in the heart of Bathwick.
Fidel Rum Bar
0.4 km
Discover Bath’s cozy rum sanctuary with expert cocktails, a global rum collection, and a warm, inviting atmosphere at Fidel Rum Bar.
Opium Bar
0.4 km
Discover vintage charm and expertly crafted cocktails in Bath’s secretive vaults beneath Grove Street.
Saint James Wine Vaults
0.5 km
Authentic Bath pub blending historic charm with vibrant live music and creative community spaces.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Sub 13
0.1 km
Bath’s award-winning cocktail bar and nightclub offering masterclasses, vibrant nightlife, and a heated terrace in a stylish three-floor venue.
Zero / Zero
0.2 km
Experience Bath’s vibrant nightlife at Zero / Zero, a cozy nightclub and cocktail lounge with a lively atmosphere and late-night beats.
Lomah
0.2 km
Experience Bath’s industrial-chic nightlife at Lomah, a stylish underground club with hip hop beats and a laidback vibe for 21+ guests.
Komedia
0.5 km
Bath’s vibrant community-owned venue offering comedy, live music, cabaret, and more in a beautifully restored historic cinema.
Labyrinth Bar & Nightclub
0.7 km
Experience Bath’s vibrant nightlife at Labyrinth Bar & Nightclub with four unique rooms, eclectic music, and a lively social atmosphere.
Second Bridge
0.9 km
A lively nightclub in Bath offering cocktails, shisha, and a buzzing beer garden for vibrant nightlife experiences.
The Tub
2.5 km
A vibrant student nightclub on University of Bath campus, perfect for dancing, socializing, and late-night fun in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Motion
16.4 km
Bristol’s iconic warehouse nightclub, Motion, pulses with underground beats and community spirit, celebrating decades of electronic music culture.
Dare to Club
16.5 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife at Dare to Club, where diverse music and welcoming vibes create unforgettable nights.
The Loco Klub
16.8 km
An atmospheric subterranean arts venue in Brunel’s Temple Meads arches, where tunnels, brick vaults and intimate soundscapes host club nights, theatre and live music.
Thekla
17.5 km
A converted cargo ship transformed into Bristol’s compact, industrial live-music venue and late-night club, famed for close-up shows and throbbing club nights.
Popworld - Bristol
17.8 km
Dance to 90s and 00s pop anthems under neon lights at Bristol's ultimate nostalgic nightclub, where cheesy hits and POPTAIL cocktails fuel epic nights out.
Forró Bristol
17.8 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Lakota
17.9 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
PRYZM
17.9 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Cultural Heritage
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
