Museum of Bath at Work
Step inside Bath’s industrial past with interactive workshops, historic machinery, and immersive exhibits in a unique 18th-century setting.
The Museum of Bath at Work offers an immersive journey through over two millennia of Bath’s industrial and commercial heritage. Housed in a unique 18th-century former Real Tennis Court, it showcases reconstructed workshops, a Bath Stone mine, Victorian engineering, and local trades, bringing to life the city’s working past with interactive displays and machinery demonstrations.
A brief summary to Museum of Bath at Work
- Julian Rd, Bath, BA1 2RH, GB
- +441225318348
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least two hours to fully explore the reconstructed workplaces and enjoy machinery demonstrations.
- Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience and more personal interaction with knowledgeable volunteers.
- Use the rear level-access entrance and call ahead for assistance if you require wheelchair access.
- Take advantage of the free audio guides to enrich your understanding of the exhibits.
- Check the museum’s website for seasonal opening hours and special events before planning your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Take bus numbers 700 or 20C to the Julian Road stop, or buses 2, 6, 7, 79, or 620 to Lansdown Road. The Lansdown Park and Ride service also stops nearby. Buses run frequently with fares typically between £2 and £4 for a single journey, depending on operator.
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Walking
From Bath city centre, it is a 10 to 15-minute walk to the museum via Russell Street and Julian Road. The route is mostly flat and suitable for most visitors, including those with moderate mobility.
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Car
Visitors arriving by car should use the Charlotte Street car park, about a 5-minute walk from the museum. Parking fees range from £1.50 to £3.50 per hour. Note the museum itself has no dedicated parking and the nearby Christ Church car park is not for visitor use.
Museum of Bath at Work location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Museum of Bath at Work
A Living Chronicle of Bath’s Industrial Heritage
The Museum of Bath at Work presents a vivid narrative of the city’s working life spanning more than 2,000 years. From Roman-era commerce through to the 18th-century building trades and Victorian engineering feats, it captures the evolution of Bath’s industries and crafts. The museum’s setting—a rare 1777 Real Tennis Court—provides a historic and atmospheric backdrop for its extensive exhibits.Authentic Reconstructed Workplaces and Machinery
Visitors step into authentically recreated environments including a Bath Stone mine, a 19th-century soft drinks factory, a cabinet maker’s workshop, and an ironmonger's shop originally belonging to J.B. Bowler & Sons. Many large machines are operational during demonstrations, immersing visitors in the sounds and movements of a bygone industrial era. The displays also include a 1914 Horstmann car and an 1851 Bath Chair, connecting local craftsmanship to broader historical contexts.Engaging Educational Experiences and Community Involvement
The museum offers free audio guides and daily short talks by knowledgeable staff, enhancing visitor understanding of Bath’s working history. Temporary exhibitions and children’s activities add variety and appeal to families. The museum is run by a dedicated team of volunteers and operates as a charitable educational trust, emphasizing community engagement and learning.Accessibility and Visitor Comfort
The two main display galleries are fully accessible, with a wheelchair lift to the upper floor and level access at the rear entrance. Seating is available throughout the galleries, and there is a disabled-accessible toilet. Visitors are encouraged to contact the museum on arrival for assistance with access. A small café and gift shop provide refreshments and unique souvenirs.Location and Surroundings
Situated on Julian Road, the museum is a short walk from Bath city centre and near landmarks such as the Royal Crescent and Victoria Park. Public transport options include nearby bus stops served by multiple routes, and secure cycle stands are available. Parking is limited, with the nearest car park located some distance away, encouraging sustainable travel choices.Preserving Bath’s Working Legacy for Future Generations
Through its carefully curated collections and dynamic programming, the Museum of Bath at Work preserves the stories of the city’s tradespeople and industries. It highlights the importance of Bath’s working communities in shaping the city’s character and economy, offering visitors a unique window into the everyday lives and innovations that have defined Bath’s past and continue to influence its future.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Royal Crescent
0.4 km
Georgian perfection in stone: 150 metres of architectural harmony overlooking Bath's parkland landscape.
Royal Cres
0.4 km
Experience Bath’s Royal Crescent, a stunning Georgian crescent with iconic Ionic columns, historic charm, and sweeping parkland views.
Marlborough Buildings
0.5 km
Georgian elegance in a Grade II listed terrace, where Bath's architectural ambition meets refined 18th-century townhouse design.
Part of the mediaeval wall of the City of Bath
0.6 km
Explore a rare surviving fragment of Bath’s medieval city walls, a stone sentinel guarding centuries of history at 13 Trim Street.
The EASTGATE
0.7 km
Explore The EASTGATE, a captivating historical landmark in Bath, showcasing stunning Georgian architecture and rich cultural heritage.
The Pump Room Restaurant
0.8 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
0.8 km
Historic railway station turned vibrant market hub offering fresh local produce, unique crafts, lively eateries, and cultural events in Bath.
In and Beyond Bath
0.8 km
Experience the rich history and stunning architecture of Bath with personalized tours from In and Beyond Bath, your expert local travel guide.
Archway
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Discover Bath’s elegant Victorian Archway, a historic stone bridge carrying spa waters across York Street in the city’s UNESCO heritage heart.
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum
0.9 km
Experience the rich history and delectable flavors at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum in Bath, where tradition meets taste.
Monks Mill
0.9 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.
Parte de la muralla medieval de la ciudad de Bath
0.9 km
Explore a rare surviving fragment of Bath’s medieval city wall, a gateway to the city’s rich Roman and medieval heritage.
North Parade, Bath
0.9 km
Experience the historic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of North Parade, Bath, where Georgian architecture meets the charm of the River Avon.
Sydney Gardens
0.9 km
Explore the lush beauty and historical charm of Sydney Gardens, a tranquil park in Bath perfect for leisurely strolls and serene picnics.
City Sightseeing Bath Hop On Hop Off
0.9 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Museum of East Asian Art
0.2 km
Explore 7,000 years of East and Southeast Asian art in Bath’s unique Georgian townhouse museum.
Museum of Bath Architecture
0.2 km
Discover Bath’s architectural heritage through immersive exhibits and a detailed city model in a historic chapel setting.
Fashion Museum Bath
0.2 km
Discover centuries of style and culture at Bath’s Fashion Museum, soon reopening in a stunning new city-centre home.
National Trust - Bath Assembly Rooms
0.2 km
Step into the elegant world of Georgian Bath at the Assembly Rooms, a historic hub of dance, music, and society since 1771.
The Circus - Bath
0.3 km
Discover The Circus, Bath’s iconic Georgian circle blending classical architecture, druidic symbolism, and Masonic mystery in a stunning urban masterpiece.
Bartlett Street Antiques Centre
0.3 km
Discover over fifty dealers’ treasures in Bath’s largest antiques centre, where history and craftsmanship meet in a vibrant, historic setting.
Beau Nash
0.3 km
Discover exquisite antique furniture in Bath’s historic district at Beau Nash, where timeless craftsmanship meets elegant heritage.
Antiques in Bath
0.3 km
Explore Bath’s largest antiques centre with over fifty expert dealers offering fine art, jewellery, vintage collectibles, and timeless treasures.
Bath Independent Shops
0.3 km
Discover Bath’s vibrant independent shops at Fountain Buildings, where craftsmanship meets Georgian charm in a unique shopping enclave.
Georgian Garden
0.3 km
Step into Bath’s Georgian Garden, a serene, historically restored 18th-century town garden nestled between iconic Georgian landmarks.
No. 1 Royal Crescent
0.4 km
Step back into Georgian elegance at No. 1 Royal Crescent, Bath’s iconic townhouse museum showcasing 18th-century aristocratic life in stunning detail.
Milsom St
0.4 km
Elegant Georgian street in Bath famed for upscale shopping, vibrant dining, and lively courtyards at Milsom Place.
Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein
0.4 km
Step into the gothic world of Mary Shelley and Frankenstein in this immersive museum experience in the heart of historic Bath.
Royal Avenue Bath
0.4 km
A peaceful, tree-lined promenade in Royal Victoria Park with live music, café comforts, and stunning views of Bath’s historic landmarks.
Victoria Falls Adventure Golf
0.4 km
An enchanting 18-hole adventure golf course in Bath, blending scenic gardens and playful challenges for all ages.
Essential places to dine
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.
Henry's Restaurant Bath
0.2 km
Intimate Georgian fine dining celebrating seasonal British cuisine with worldly influences and zero-waste principles.
Woods Restaurant
0.3 km
Family-run modern British bistro with French technique and locally sourced ingredients, opposite Bath's Assembly Rooms.
The Circus Restaurant
0.3 km
Classic Georgian charm meets seasonal European cuisine in a warm, relaxed setting between Bath’s iconic Circus and Royal Crescent.
Hudson Steakhouse
0.3 km
Experience expertly aged steaks and Victorian charm in Bath’s beloved Hudson Steakhouse, where tradition meets refined dining.
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.
Clayton's Kitchen
0.4 km
Modern British fine dining in a Georgian townhouse, where seasonal ingredients and refined technique create memorable meals.
Comptoir+Cuisine
0.4 km
A cozy French bistro in Bath serving refined tapas-style dishes with quirky charm and attentive service.
Montagu's Mews
0.4 km
Contemporary British fine dining in a Georgian setting, where seasonal ingredients and technical mastery meet genuine hospitality.
The Ivy Bath Brasserie & Garden
0.5 km
Sophisticated British dining with seasonal flair, elegant interiors, and a charming garden in the heart of historic Bath.
Côte Bath
0.5 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.
0.5 km
Intimate Georgian pub serving locally sourced British classics and Bath Ales in Bath's historic city centre.
La Terra
0.5 km
Contemporary Italian fine dining rooted in family tradition, impeccable sourcing, and warm hospitality in Bath's city centre.
Ole Tapas
0.5 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant Mediterranean flavors in the heart of Bath’s historic city centre.
Boho Marché
0.6 km
Experience vibrant Moroccan-Mediterranean fusion cuisine in Bath’s eclectic Boho Marché, where bold flavors meet whimsical décor.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
BIBICO
0.3 km
Discover timeless, ethically made women’s fashion at BIBICO, Bath’s pioneering boutique for sustainable and artisan-crafted clothing.
The Yellow Shop
0.3 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique accessories in Bath’s creative Walcot Street at The Yellow Shop.
Fat Giraffe Gifts
0.4 km
Discover unique, handcrafted wooden gifts with a sustainable heart at Bath’s welcoming Fat Giraffe Gifts on Milsom Street.
Grace & Mabel Ltd
0.4 km
Discover timeless British and European fashion with a sustainable focus at Grace & Mabel, Bath’s family-run boutique gem.
Boho
0.4 km
Discover Boho, a stylish ladies' clothing boutique on Broad Street, Bath, blending bohemian flair with attentive service in a historic setting.
Vinegar Hill
0.4 km
Discover quirky gifts and unique homewares in the heart of Bath’s historic Milsom Street at Vinegar Hill.
Milsom Place
0.5 km
Discover Bath’s elegant Georgian shopping and dining oasis nestled within tranquil courtyards on fashionable Milsom Street.
House of Fraser
0.5 km
Historic department store blending heritage and modern retail in the heart of Bath’s shopping district.
Always Sunday
0.5 km
A vibrant Bath boutique blending vintage charm, artisan homewares, and creative community spirit in a colorful, maximalist setting.
Jigsaw
0.6 km
Elegant ladies’ fashion and accessories boutique offering refined style and attentive service in the heart of Bath’s historic Old Bond Street.
Anthropologie
0.6 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
0.6 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
0.6 km
Discover unique vintage gems and timeless style at Firefly Vintage Bath, a cozy boutique for curated vintage clothing in the heart of Bath.
TILLIUS
0.6 km
Discover unique gifts in TILLIUS, a charming boutique nestled on Bath’s iconic Georgian Pulteney Bridge, blending history with distinctive finds.
Wadswick - Bath
0.6 km
Discover authentic British country lifestyle and designer clothing in a historic boutique on Bath’s iconic Pulteney Bridge.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mandalyns Bath
0.3 km
Bath’s oldest gay bar, Mandalyns offers vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife with drag shows, karaoke, and a welcoming atmosphere in historic Fountain Buildings.
Walcot House
0.3 km
A stylish fusion of historic charm, seasonal dining, craft cocktails, and vibrant nightlife in the heart of Bath’s Walcot Street.
Slug & Lettuce - Bath
0.3 km
Lively cocktail bar and British restaurant in Bath with stylish interiors, a secluded garden, and celebrated bottomless brunch experiences.
Bath Stag & Hen
0.4 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
0.4 km
Discover Bath’s elegant cellar bar with a circular centerpiece, Michelin-starred cocktails, and a vibrant late-night atmosphere.
Revolution Bath
0.4 km
Lively cocktail bar in Bath’s city centre offering creative drinks, American-inspired eats, and vibrant nightlife until the early hours.
Saint James Wine Vaults
0.4 km
Authentic Bath pub blending historic charm with vibrant live music and creative community spaces.
Henrietta Restaurant, Bar & Garden
0.5 km
Elegant dining and classic Afternoon Tea in a charming historic villa with a tranquil garden terrace in the heart of Bathwick.
Hall & Woodhouse Bath
0.5 km
Historic multi-floor pub and restaurant in Bath offering classic ales, diverse menu, and rooftop city views.
The Botanist Bath
0.5 km
A botanical haven in Bath blending historic charm, seasonal menus, award-winning cocktails, and live music across three vibrant floors.
Belushi's Bath
0.5 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
0.5 km
A cozy and historic Bath pub with quality ales, warm wood interiors, and a welcoming, timeless atmosphere.
The Bath Distillery Gin Bar
0.6 km
Discover Bath’s historic gin revival in a vibrant Georgian bar with exclusive small-batch gins and expertly crafted cocktails.
Opium Bar
0.6 km
Discover vintage charm and expertly crafted cocktails in Bath’s secretive vaults beneath Grove Street.
Fidel Rum Bar
0.6 km
Discover Bath’s cozy rum sanctuary with expert cocktails, a global rum collection, and a warm, inviting atmosphere at Fidel Rum Bar.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lomah
0.3 km
Experience Bath’s industrial-chic nightlife at Lomah, a stylish underground club with hip hop beats and a laidback vibe for 21+ guests.
Sub 13
0.3 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
0.4 km
Experience Bath’s vibrant nightlife at Zero / Zero, a cozy nightclub and cocktail lounge with a lively atmosphere and late-night beats.
Komedia
0.7 km
Bath’s vibrant community-owned venue offering comedy, live music, cabaret, and more in a beautifully restored historic cinema.
Labyrinth Bar & Nightclub
0.9 km
Experience Bath’s vibrant nightlife at Labyrinth Bar & Nightclub with four unique rooms, eclectic music, and a lively social atmosphere.
Second Bridge
1.1 km
A lively nightclub in Bath offering cocktails, shisha, and a buzzing beer garden for vibrant nightlife experiences.
The Tub
2.6 km
A vibrant student nightclub on University of Bath campus, perfect for dancing, socializing, and late-night fun in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Motion
16.3 km
Bristol’s iconic warehouse nightclub, Motion, pulses with underground beats and community spirit, celebrating decades of electronic music culture.
Dare to Club
16.4 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife at Dare to Club, where diverse music and welcoming vibes create unforgettable nights.
The Loco Klub
16.7 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
17.4 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
17.7 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
17.7 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Lakota
17.7 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
PRYZM
17.8 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
- Educational
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic 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
- Family Fun
- Day Trip
- Educational Visits
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
