Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein, Bath
Explore the gothic world of Mary Shelley and Frankenstein in Bath’s immersive multi-sensory museum housed in a historic townhouse.
Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein is a unique multi-sensory immersive attraction located in a Grade II listed townhouse at 37 Gay Street, Bath. Celebrating the life of Mary Shelley and her iconic creation, Frankenstein, the attraction spans four atmospheric floors featuring themed rooms, an 8ft animatronic Creature, escape rooms, and a chilling basement experience. It blends museum exhibits with interactive storytelling, offering visitors a gothic journey into literary history and popular culture.
A brief summary to Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein
- 37 Gay St, Bath, BA1 2NT, GB
- +441225551542
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
- Thursday 11 am-4 pm
- Friday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance to secure entry and benefit from discounted prices.
- Allocate at least one hour to explore the museum and an additional hour if you plan to do an escape room.
- Be aware that the basement experience and escape rooms contain dark and intense sensory effects, which may not suit young children or sensitive visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the attraction spans multiple floors accessed by stairs, with no lift available.
- Combine your visit with nearby Bath attractions like the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey for a full cultural day out.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
From Bath Spa train station, it is approximately a 10-minute walk to 37 Gay Street. The route is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for most travelers. No additional transport costs apply beyond your train fare.
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Bus
Several local bus routes serve stops near Bath city centre, within a 5–10 minute walk of the attraction. Bus tickets cost around £2–£4 depending on distance. Services run frequently but check schedules for evenings and weekends.
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Car
Public car parks such as Charlotte Street and SouthGate Shopping Centre are within a 5-minute walk. Parking fees vary, typically £2–£4 per hour with a minimum stay of 4 hours. Bath city centre is a Clean Air Zone, so vehicles must meet emission standards or pay a daily charge.
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Walking
If already in central Bath, walking to the attraction is easy and scenic, taking about 8–15 minutes from major sites like Bath Abbey or the Roman Baths. The terrain is paved and suitable for wheelchairs, though some nearby streets are narrow.
Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein
A Literary Legacy Brought to Life
Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein is dedicated to the author Mary Shelley, who penned the world’s first science fiction novel, "Frankenstein," in 1816 while staying in Bath. This attraction uniquely blends a museum with an immersive visitor experience, housed within a beautifully preserved Grade II listed townhouse on Gay Street. Visitors explore the gothic world of Mary Shelley and her creation through a multi-sensory journey that brings the story and its themes vividly to life.Atmospheric Multi-Floor Experience
The attraction spans four split-level floors, each offering a distinct atmosphere. Eleven themed rooms are enhanced with bespoke soundscapes, aromas, and visual effects that deepen the immersive experience. Highlights include an 8-foot animatronic Frankenstein’s Creature, crafted to reflect Mary Shelley’s original vision, and a screening room showcasing the first ever Frankenstein film from 1910. The setting’s historic architecture adds to the evocative ambiance, making the visit both educational and thrilling.Interactive Escape Rooms and Basement Adventure
For those seeking a hands-on challenge, the venue offers two themed escape rooms—Victor’s Lair and The Shallows—where groups solve puzzles in a gothic setting. These games are monitored by dedicated hosts and last up to one hour. Additionally, the basement features a creepy walkthrough experience with ominous audio and visual effects, designed for braver visitors. The basement’s dark, confined spaces add an intense layer to the overall visit, though it may not be suitable for young children or those sensitive to such environments.Visitor Amenities and Accessibility
The house includes level access from the main entrance to the ticket office and gift shop, but several floors and the basement are reached by stairs, with no lift available. This historic building’s layout requires some mobility considerations. The attraction provides helpful staff, information boards, and a gift shop. While there is no onsite café, the central Bath location offers numerous nearby dining options. Public restrooms are available, and the venue encourages advance booking to ensure entry.Opening Hours and Ticketing
Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein is open daily, generally from 11am to 5:30pm on weekends and 11am to 4pm on weekdays, with slight seasonal variations. Visitors typically spend about one hour exploring the museum, with additional time for escape rooms if booked. Tickets are available online or on arrival, with discounts for advance purchases and concessions. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult, and those under 12 should be assessed for suitability due to some intense sensory effects.Location and Surroundings
Situated between Queens Square and The Circus, the house is an eight-minute walk from Bath city centre and about 10 minutes from Bath Spa train station. While there is no dedicated parking, several public car parks are nearby. Bath’s Clean Air Zone applies in the city centre, so visitors should consider transport options accordingly. The attraction’s central location makes it an excellent addition to a day exploring Bath’s rich cultural and historic offerings.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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The Circus Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Adult Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
