Museum of Bath Architecture at the Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel
Discover Bath’s architectural evolution in the historic Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, where heritage and craftsmanship come alive.
Housed in the historic Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel in Bath’s Vineyards, the Museum of Bath Architecture offers a detailed exploration of Bath’s architectural evolution. It showcases the city’s transformation from medieval origins to Georgian Palladian grandeur through models, maps, and architectural drawings. The museum provides a unique insight into the craftsmanship and classical design that shaped Bath’s iconic cityscape.
A brief summary to Museum of Bath Architecture
- The Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, The Paragon, Bath, The Vineyards, Bath, BA1 5NA, GB
- +441225333895
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan to spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the museum to fully appreciate the detailed exhibits and scale model.
- Visit Wednesday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm for regular opening hours and a relaxed experience.
- Familiarize yourself with architectural terms like 'oolitic limestone' and 'Palladian style' to enhance your visit.
- Check the museum’s website before visiting, as it may be temporarily closed for maintenance or refurbishment.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Bus
Take local bus services from Bath city centre towards The Vineyards area; journey times range from 10 to 20 minutes depending on route. Buses run frequently but check schedules for weekends and holidays. A single fare costs approximately £2.50 GBP.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from Bath city centre to the museum takes about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on traffic. This is a convenient option if you prefer direct access. Typical fares range from £6 to £10 GBP.
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Walking
From Bath city centre, a pleasant 20 to 30-minute walk along paved streets leads you to The Paragon in the Vineyards district. The route is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors.
Museum of Bath Architecture location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Museum of Bath Architecture
Historic Foundations and Setting
The Museum of Bath Architecture is uniquely situated within the Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, a building with deep historical roots tied to Selina Hastings, a prominent 18th-century evangelical patron. The chapel itself, located on The Paragon in the Vineyards area of Bath, was originally built to serve the Countess’s religious community. Today, it serves as the home of this specialized museum, preserving both architectural heritage and spiritual history in one remarkable site.Architectural Heritage Explored
The museum offers a comprehensive look at Bath’s architectural development, focusing on the city’s transformation from its medieval beginnings through the height of Georgian Palladianism. Exhibits include detailed architectural drawings, maps, and a notable 1:500 scale model of Bath’s historic city centre. This model allows visitors to visualize the layout and growth of the city, highlighting the classical motifs and design principles that define Bath’s distinctive style.Exhibits and Visitor Experience
Visitors can explore how 18th-century architects and craftsmen used specific tools and techniques to create Bath’s iconic buildings. The museum’s compact but thorough exhibits provide an in-depth understanding of architectural terminology and styles, such as oolitic limestone and Palladian design. The displays are designed to engage both architecture enthusiasts and general visitors, offering a layered experience that rewards careful study.Community Engagement and Educational Role
Beyond its exhibitions, the museum plays an active role in community education and cultural preservation. It hosts events, talks, and group tours, often catering to schools and community groups. While currently closed for maintenance and refurbishment, the museum continues to engage the public through private tours and monthly events, emphasizing its commitment to lifelong learning and heritage conservation.Location and Atmosphere
Nestled in the picturesque Vineyards district, the museum benefits from a tranquil and historic urban setting. The chapel’s architecture and the surrounding area provide a serene backdrop that complements the museum’s focus on classical design and heritage. This location offers visitors a peaceful, contemplative environment to appreciate Bath’s architectural legacy.Future and Sustainability
The Museum of Bath Architecture is undergoing essential repairs and a strategic review to ensure its long-term sustainability. This process includes gathering community feedback to shape its future direction. The museum aims to remain a vital cultural resource, preserving Bath’s architectural story for future generations while adapting to contemporary needs and expectations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Royal Crescent
0.5 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
0.5 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
0.5 km
Explore The EASTGATE, a captivating historical landmark in Bath, showcasing stunning Georgian architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Royal Cres
0.6 km
Experience Bath’s Royal Crescent, a stunning Georgian crescent with iconic Ionic columns, historic charm, and sweeping parkland views.
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.
Archway
0.7 km
Discover Bath’s elegant Victorian Archway, a historic stone bridge carrying spa waters across York Street in the city’s UNESCO heritage heart.
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.
Marlborough Buildings
0.7 km
Georgian elegance in a Grade II listed terrace, where Bath's architectural ambition meets refined 18th-century townhouse design.
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.
Hetling Pump Room
0.7 km
Explore the Hetling Pump Room in Bath: A museum dedicated to the city's medical heritage and the legendary healing waters.
Sydney Gardens
0.7 km
Explore the lush beauty and historical charm of Sydney Gardens, a tranquil park in Bath perfect for leisurely strolls and serene picnics.
Thermae Bath Spa
0.7 km
Discover the healing powers of natural thermal waters at Thermae Bath Spa, a historic haven for relaxation and wellness in the heart of Bath.
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.
Royal Victoria Park Bath
0.7 km
Explore the lush landscapes and historical charm of Royal Victoria Park, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Bath.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fashion Museum Bath
0.1 km
Discover centuries of style and culture at Bath’s Fashion Museum, soon reopening in a stunning new city-centre home.
Bath Independent Shops
0.2 km
Discover Bath’s vibrant independent shops at Fountain Buildings, where craftsmanship meets Georgian charm in a unique shopping enclave.
Bartlett Street Antiques Centre
0.2 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
0.2 km
Explore Bath’s largest antiques centre with over fifty expert dealers offering fine art, jewellery, vintage collectibles, and timeless treasures.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Milsom St
0.3 km
Elegant Georgian street in Bath famed for upscale shopping, vibrant dining, and lively courtyards at Milsom Place.
Georgian Garden
0.3 km
Step into Bath’s Georgian Garden, a serene, historically restored 18th-century town garden nestled between iconic Georgian landmarks.
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.
Henrietta Park
0.4 km
A historic and tranquil 7-acre park in Bath featuring champion trees, scented gardens, and a peaceful Garden of Remembrance.
The Jane Austen Centre
0.4 km
Step into Regency Bath and explore the life, legacy, and world of Jane Austen at this immersive Georgian townhouse museum and tea room.
Beau Nash
0.4 km
Discover exquisite antique furniture in Bath’s historic district at Beau Nash, where timeless craftsmanship meets elegant heritage.
The Raven
0.4 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
0.1 km
Intimate Georgian fine dining celebrating seasonal British cuisine with worldly influences and zero-waste principles.
Woods Restaurant
0.2 km
Family-run modern British bistro with French technique and locally sourced ingredients, opposite Bath's Assembly Rooms.
Olive Tree Restaurant
0.2 km
Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, where seasonal British ingredients shine in inventive, multi-course tasting menus beneath the Queensberry Hotel.
Comptoir+Cuisine
0.3 km
A cozy French bistro in Bath serving refined tapas-style dishes with quirky charm and attentive service.
Clayton's Kitchen
0.3 km
Modern British fine dining in a Georgian townhouse, where seasonal ingredients and refined technique create memorable meals.
Hudson Steakhouse
0.3 km
Experience expertly aged steaks and Victorian charm in Bath’s beloved Hudson Steakhouse, where tradition meets refined dining.
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.
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.
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.
Crescent Restaurant & Bar Bath
0.4 km
A cozy, family-run restaurant near Bath’s Royal Crescent serving fresh, seasonal dishes with local ingredients in a warm, inviting setting.
The Salamander - A Great British Pub.
0.4 km
Intimate Georgian pub serving locally sourced British classics and Bath Ales in Bath's historic city centre.
La Terra
0.4 km
Contemporary Italian fine dining rooted in family tradition, impeccable sourcing, and warm hospitality in Bath's city centre.
Ole Tapas
0.4 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant Mediterranean flavors in the heart of Bath’s historic city centre.
Antica Bath Restaurant
0.4 km
Savor authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the charming Bathwick neighborhood at Antica Bath Restaurant.
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
The Yellow Shop
0.1 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique accessories in Bath’s creative Walcot Street at The Yellow Shop.
BIBICO
0.2 km
Discover timeless, ethically made women’s fashion at BIBICO, Bath’s pioneering boutique for sustainable and artisan-crafted clothing.
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.
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.
Grace & Mabel Ltd
0.3 km
Discover timeless British and European fashion with a sustainable focus at Grace & Mabel, Bath’s family-run boutique gem.
Vinegar Hill
0.3 km
Discover quirky gifts and unique homewares in the heart of Bath’s historic Milsom Street at Vinegar Hill.
Always Sunday
0.3 km
A vibrant Bath boutique blending vintage charm, artisan homewares, and creative community spirit in a colorful, maximalist setting.
Milsom Place
0.3 km
Discover Bath’s elegant Georgian shopping and dining oasis nestled within tranquil courtyards on fashionable Milsom Street.
House of Fraser
0.3 km
Historic department store blending heritage and modern retail in the heart of Bath’s shopping district.
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.
TILLIUS
0.4 km
Discover unique gifts in TILLIUS, a charming boutique nestled on Bath’s iconic Georgian Pulteney Bridge, blending history with distinctive finds.
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.
Wadswick - Bath
0.4 km
Discover authentic British country lifestyle and designer clothing in a historic boutique on Bath’s iconic Pulteney Bridge.
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.
The Antique Map Shop
0.5 km
Discover rare antique maps and prints in a historic shop set on Bath’s iconic Pulteney Bridge, blending history with timeless charm.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Walcot House
0.1 km
A stylish fusion of historic charm, seasonal dining, craft cocktails, and vibrant nightlife in the heart of Bath’s Walcot Street.
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.
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.
Slug & Lettuce - Bath
0.2 km
Lively cocktail bar and British restaurant in Bath with stylish interiors, a secluded garden, and celebrated bottomless brunch experiences.
Bath Stag & Hen
0.3 km
Tailored stag and hen party planning in Bath’s historic George Street, blending vibrant nightlife with expert local service for unforgettable celebrations.
Henrietta Restaurant, Bar & Garden
0.3 km
Elegant dining and classic Afternoon Tea in a charming historic villa with a tranquil garden terrace in the heart of Bathwick.
Circo - Cellar Bar
0.3 km
Discover Bath’s elegant cellar bar with a circular centerpiece, Michelin-starred cocktails, and a vibrant late-night atmosphere.
Belushi's Bath
0.4 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.
Hall & Woodhouse Bath
0.4 km
Historic multi-floor pub and restaurant in Bath offering classic ales, diverse menu, and rooftop city views.
The Botanist Bath
0.4 km
A botanical haven in Bath blending historic charm, seasonal menus, award-winning cocktails, and live music across three vibrant floors.
The Old Green Tree
0.4 km
A cozy and historic Bath pub with quality ales, warm wood interiors, and a welcoming, timeless atmosphere.
Opium Bar
0.4 km
Discover vintage charm and expertly crafted cocktails in Bath’s secretive vaults beneath Grove Street.
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.
Fidel Rum Bar
0.5 km
Discover Bath’s cozy rum sanctuary with expert cocktails, a global rum collection, and a warm, inviting atmosphere at Fidel Rum Bar.
Coeur De Lion
0.5 km
Discover Bath’s smallest pub, Coeur De Lion, where cozy charm meets local ales and simple, tasty fare in a welcoming atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lomah
0.1 km
Experience Bath’s industrial-chic nightlife at Lomah, a stylish underground club with hip hop beats and a laidback vibe for 21+ guests.
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.
Sub 13
0.2 km
Bath’s award-winning cocktail bar and nightclub offering masterclasses, vibrant nightlife, and a heated terrace in a stylish three-floor venue.
Komedia
0.6 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
2.4 km
A vibrant student nightclub on University of Bath campus, perfect for dancing, socializing, and late-night fun in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Motion
16.5 km
Bristol’s iconic warehouse nightclub, Motion, pulses with underground beats and community spirit, celebrating decades of electronic music culture.
Dare to Club
16.6 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife at Dare to Club, where diverse music and welcoming vibes create unforgettable nights.
The Loco Klub
16.9 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
17.6 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
17.9 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
17.9 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Lakota
18.0 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
PRYZM
18.0 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Sacred Sites
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
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
- Solo Female Friendly
