Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein, Bath

A Literary Landmark in Georgian Bath

Nestled in the heart of Bath at 37 Gay Street, Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein occupies a charming Grade II listed Georgian townhouse. This historic city, known for its elegant architecture and Roman heritage, was where Mary Shelley penned much of her iconic novel Frankenstein in 1816. The building itself, with its period features and central location, provides an authentic backdrop that connects visitors directly to the author’s world and the early 19th-century setting that inspired her work.

An Immersive Journey into Gothic Imagination

This attraction is not a traditional museum but a multi-sensory experience that blurs the lines between history, literature, and theatrical storytelling. Spanning four floors, visitors encounter immersive environments that reveal Mary Shelley’s life story, the cultural context of her writing, and the enduring legacy of Frankenstein. Highlights include a foreboding basement designed to evoke the novel’s darker themes, interactive exhibits that engage all senses, and a meticulously crafted 8-foot-tall Creature brought to life exactly as Mary imagined.

Exploring Mary Shelley’s Tragic and Brilliant Life

The exhibition delves into Mary Shelley’s personal history, including her youth, family background, and the tragic events that shaped her writing. Through a combination of vintage artefacts, detailed plaques, and multimedia storytelling, visitors gain insight into her creative process and the scientific and philosophical ideas that influenced Frankenstein. The experience also touches on the novel’s impact on popular culture and its place as the world’s first science fiction novel.

Interactive and Engaging Activities

Beyond the exhibits, the House of Frankenstein offers an Escape Room experience with two themed games: The Body In A Suitcase and The Gift. These puzzle-based challenges are suitable for groups and provide a thrilling way to engage with the story’s mystery and suspense. The attraction encourages visitors to spend around one hour exploring the museum, with additional time if participating in the Escape Room.

Atmosphere and Visitor Experience

The atmosphere is gothic and immersive, enhanced by darkened rooms, ominous audio effects, and carefully curated lighting that evoke the eerie mood of the novel. The staff are known to be friendly and helpful, contributing to a welcoming yet thrilling environment. The attraction is family-friendly for older children (12+), though the basement and Escape Rooms contain intense sensory effects that may not suit younger or sensitive visitors.

Location and Accessibility

Situated just a short walk from Bath city centre landmarks such as Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, the House of Frankenstein is easily accessible on foot, by bus, or from Bath Spa train station. While there is no dedicated parking, several public car parks are nearby. Bath’s Clean Air Zone may require a daily charge for certain vehicles. The attraction operates daily with varying hours, generally opening from 11am to 5pm or 5:30pm depending on the day.