No. 1 Royal Crescent
Experience Georgian elegance in Bath's most iconic townhouse, where 18th-century luxury meets immersive storytelling.
Step into 18th-century elegance at No. 1 Royal Crescent, a meticulously restored Georgian townhouse museum in Bath. This Grade I listed building offers an immersive journey through aristocratic life, featuring period furnishings, servant quarters, and interactive exhibitions. Located at the heart of the iconic Royal Crescent—a sweeping row of 30 honey-coloured stone houses designed by John Wood the Younger—this museum brings Georgian Bath to life through film, sound, and expert storytelling.
A brief summary to No. 1 Royal Crescent
- 1 Royal Cres, Bath, BA1 2LR, GB
- +441225428126
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment, especially during peak seasons. Tickets can be reused for up to 12 months, making them ideal for return visits.
- Arrive at least 5 minutes before your timed slot to ensure you don't miss the beginning of the immersive experience, which runs on a continuous loop.
- Allow 1–2 hours to fully explore the house and absorb the stories shared by guides in each room. The experience is self-paced but richly detailed.
- Visit during special late openings on the third Thursday of June through September for a magical twilight atmosphere and access to the on-site bar and gift shop.
- Combine your visit with a walk around the full Royal Crescent and neighbouring Circus to appreciate the broader architectural context of John Wood's vision for Bath.
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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Train
Bath Spa railway station is approximately 1 kilometre away, a 15–20 minute walk uphill to No. 1 Royal Crescent. First Great Western and other operators provide regular services to Bath. Journey times from London Paddington are approximately 90 minutes. Train tickets vary by operator and advance booking; expect £15–£60 return from London depending on timing and class.
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Local Bus
First Buses serve multiple stops near the Crescent: Nile Street Stop on Upper Bristol Road (Routes 1, 14, 38, x39), Alfred Street Stop on Lansdown Road (Routes 6, 7, Park & Ride 31), and Newbridge Stop (Park & Ride 21). City Sightseeing buses stop directly on Royal Avenue and at the Royal Crescent. Single fares typically range from £2–£4; day passes cost approximately £5–£7.
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Walking from City Centre
No. 1 Royal Crescent is just a 10-minute walk from Bath city centre. The route is straightforward and mostly level, passing through the historic core. This is the most atmospheric approach, allowing you to experience Bath's Georgian streetscape before arriving at the Crescent.
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Car and Parking
Charlotte Street car park is the nearest option, a 5-minute walk from No. 1 Royal Crescent. Note that this car park may have a minimum 4-hour stay requirement. Parking charges vary but typically range from £2–£3 per hour. On-street parking in the immediate area is limited and restricted.
No. 1 Royal Crescent location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about No. 1 Royal Crescent
A Monument to Georgian Perfection
No. 1 Royal Crescent stands as the first house in one of Britain's most celebrated architectural achievements. Built between 1767 and 1774, the Royal Crescent represents a revolutionary approach to urban design—a sweeping crescent of 30 terraced houses unified by a magnificent 150-metre façade adorned with 114 Ionic columns, each reaching 47 feet in height. Designed by architect John Wood the Younger, this Grade I listed building exemplifies the harmonious proportions and classical elegance that define Georgian architecture. The honey-coloured Bath stone, quarried locally, gives the façade its distinctive warm glow, while the rusticated ground floor and Palladian-style entablature create an impression of timeless grandeur.The Ingenious Design Philosophy
What makes the Royal Crescent architecturally fascinating is the paradox at its heart. While the front presents absolute uniformity and symmetry—each house appearing virtually identical—the rear tells a completely different story. John Wood the Younger sold lengths of the façade to individual purchasers, who then employed their own architects to design the interiors and rear elevations to their specifications. This resulted in what Bathonians call 'Queen Anne fronts and Mary-Anne backs'—a jumble of differing roof heights, window placements, and building depths visible only from behind. This ingenious system allowed for both architectural coherence and individual expression, making the Crescent a masterclass in urban planning.Life in the Georgian Townhouse
No. 1 Royal Crescent has been restored to reflect the life of wealthy 18th-century residents with meticulous attention to period authenticity. The museum guides visitors through elegantly appointed reception rooms, including the Parlour, Gentlemen's Retreat, and Lady's Bedroom, each furnished with original pieces and carpets sourced from historical archives dating to 1790. The grand staircase and landing areas showcase the refined taste of the era. Below stairs, the original kitchen, scullery, coal-holes, and servants' corridors reveal the hidden infrastructure that supported this world of leisure and refinement. The Housekeeper's Room and Servants' Hall tell the parallel story of the domestic staff who maintained these grand households.Immersive Storytelling and Modern Interpretation
The museum experience transcends traditional display through innovative immersive technology. Film projections and ambient sound design bring rooms to life, while knowledgeable guides stationed throughout the house share stories of the past and answer visitor questions. Seasonal exhibitions, including special experiences celebrating Jane Austen's connection to Bath and Georgian Christmas traditions, add layers of cultural context. The self-led immersive tour allows visitors to explore at their own pace, discovering details that reveal the social hierarchies, domestic practices, and aesthetic values of Georgian society.Historical Significance and Royal Connections
The Crescent gained its 'Royal' designation following a visit from Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, in the late 18th century. Over the centuries, the houses have sheltered notable residents including William Wilberforce, composer Thomas Linley, and playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan. The Crescent survived bombing during World War II, which damaged houses 2 and 17, yet restoration efforts have preserved its original character. Today, it remains one of the world's most visited and photographed architectural ensembles, a testament to the enduring appeal of Georgian design and the vision of John Wood the Younger.A Living Connection to Bath's Golden Age
No. 1 Royal Crescent functions not merely as a museum but as a gateway to understanding Bath's transformation into a fashionable resort during the 18th century. The building embodies the concept of 'rus in urbe'—the country in the city—offering views over parkland that once provided respite from urban life. Visitors experience the leisured world that attracted European aristocracy and gentry seeking the health-giving properties of Bath's waters and the refined society that gathered here. The museum's location at the apex of the Crescent, combined with its intimate scale, creates an experience that feels both grand and personal, allowing contemporary visitors to inhabit, if only briefly, the world of Georgian Bath's elite.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Royal Crescent
0.0 km
Georgian perfection in stone: 150 metres of architectural harmony overlooking Bath's parkland landscape.
Royal Cres
0.1 km
Experience Bath’s Royal Crescent, a stunning Georgian crescent with iconic Ionic columns, historic charm, and sweeping parkland views.
Marlborough Buildings
0.2 km
Georgian elegance in a Grade II listed terrace, where Bath's architectural ambition meets refined 18th-century townhouse design.
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.
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 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.
The EASTGATE
0.8 km
Explore The EASTGATE, a captivating historical landmark in Bath, showcasing stunning Georgian architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Archway
0.8 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
0.9 km
Experience the rich history and stunning architecture of Bath with personalized tours from In and Beyond Bath, your expert local travel guide.
Prince Bladud and the Pig
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting story of Prince Bladud and the Pig, a must-see historical landmark in the heart of Bath, England.
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.
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.
Bizarre Bath
0.9 km
Experience the quirky and humorous side of Bath with Bizarre Bath, a unique attraction that blends comedy with captivating local history.
Chapel Arts Centre
0.9 km
Discover the lively spirit of Bath at Chapel Arts Centre, where live music meets a cozy café atmosphere for an unforgettable experience.
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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Beau Nash
0.1 km
Discover exquisite antique furniture in Bath’s historic district at Beau Nash, where timeless craftsmanship meets elegant heritage.
Royal Crescent
0.1 km
Experience the grandeur of Georgian architecture and history at Bath’s iconic Royal Crescent, a sweeping terrace of elegant 18th-century homes.
Royal Avenue Bath
0.1 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
0.2 km
An enchanting 18-hole adventure golf course in Bath, blending scenic gardens and playful challenges for all ages.
The Circus - Bath
0.2 km
Discover The Circus, Bath’s iconic Georgian circle blending classical architecture, druidic symbolism, and Masonic mystery in a stunning urban masterpiece.
Georgian Garden
0.2 km
Step into Bath’s Georgian Garden, a serene, historically restored 18th-century town garden nestled between iconic Georgian landmarks.
The Museum of East Asian Art
0.3 km
Explore 7,000 years of East and Southeast Asian art in Bath’s unique Georgian townhouse museum.
Royal Victoria Park Bath
0.3 km
Historic 57-acre urban park in Bath with botanical gardens, playgrounds, tennis courts, and seasonal events beneath the iconic Royal Crescent.
National Trust - Bath Assembly Rooms
0.3 km
Step into the elegant world of Georgian Bath at the Assembly Rooms, a historic hub of dance, music, and society since 1771.
Fashion Museum Bath
0.3 km
Discover centuries of style and culture at Bath’s Fashion Museum, soon reopening in a stunning new city-centre home.
Museum of Bath at Work
0.4 km
Step inside Bath’s industrial past with interactive workshops, historic machinery, and immersive exhibits in a unique 18th-century setting.
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.
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.
Bartlett Street Antiques Centre
0.4 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
0.4 km
Explore Bath’s largest antiques centre with over fifty expert dealers offering fine art, jewellery, vintage collectibles, and timeless treasures.
Essential places to dine
Crescent Restaurant & Bar Bath
0.1 km
A cozy, family-run restaurant near Bath’s Royal Crescent serving fresh, seasonal dishes with local ingredients in a warm, inviting setting.
Montagu's Mews
0.1 km
Contemporary British fine dining in a Georgian setting, where seasonal ingredients and technical mastery meet genuine hospitality.
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.
Olive Tree Restaurant
0.3 km
Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, where seasonal British ingredients shine in inventive, multi-course tasting menus beneath the Queensberry Hotel.
Woods Restaurant
0.3 km
Family-run modern British bistro with French technique and locally sourced ingredients, opposite Bath's Assembly Rooms.
Henry's Restaurant Bath
0.3 km
Intimate Georgian fine dining celebrating seasonal British cuisine with worldly influences and zero-waste principles.
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.
Corkage Bath
0.5 km
Award-winning wine bar and restaurant serving creative Mediterranean small plates in a charming Bath city-centre setting.
Boho Marché
0.5 km
Experience vibrant Moroccan-Mediterranean fusion cuisine in Bath’s eclectic Boho Marché, where bold flavors meet whimsical décor.
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.
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.
Pintxo de Bath
0.5 km
Authentic Basque tapas and sherry bar in Bath’s theatre district with a sunny garden and vibrant Spanish flavors.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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.
BIBICO
0.4 km
Discover timeless, ethically made women’s fashion at BIBICO, Bath’s pioneering boutique for sustainable and artisan-crafted clothing.
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.
Vinegar Hill
0.4 km
Discover quirky gifts and unique homewares in the heart of Bath’s historic Milsom Street at Vinegar Hill.
House of Fraser
0.5 km
Historic department store blending heritage and modern retail in the heart of Bath’s shopping district.
Boho
0.5 km
Discover Boho, a stylish ladies' clothing boutique on Broad Street, Bath, blending bohemian flair with attentive service in a historic setting.
Milsom Place
0.5 km
Discover Bath’s elegant Georgian shopping and dining oasis nestled within tranquil courtyards on fashionable Milsom Street.
The Yellow Shop
0.5 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique accessories in Bath’s creative Walcot Street at The Yellow Shop.
Always Sunday
0.5 km
A vibrant Bath boutique blending vintage charm, artisan homewares, and creative community spirit in a colorful, maximalist setting.
The Bath Independent Market
0.6 km
Discover Bath’s vibrant independent makers beneath the iconic glass roof of Green Park Station every Sunday.
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.
Firefly Vintage Bath
0.7 km
Discover unique vintage gems and timeless style at Firefly Vintage Bath, a cozy boutique for curated vintage clothing in the heart of Bath.
Vintage Abs Bath
0.7 km
Discover authentic vintage clothing and accessories in Bath’s charming Upper Borough Walls at Vintage Abs, a haven for fashion lovers.
Anthropologie
0.7 km
Discover Anthropologie Bath: vibrant women's fashion and unique home décor in a stylish boutique at the heart of historic New Bond Street.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.7 km
Discover playful Scandinavian design and affordable creative gifts at Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Bath’s vibrant Union Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Saint James Wine Vaults
0.2 km
Authentic Bath pub blending historic charm with vibrant live music and creative community spaces.
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.
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.
Slug & Lettuce - Bath
0.4 km
Lively cocktail bar and British restaurant in Bath with stylish interiors, a secluded garden, and celebrated bottomless brunch experiences.
Mandalyns Bath
0.4 km
Bath’s oldest gay bar, Mandalyns offers vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife with drag shows, karaoke, and a welcoming atmosphere in historic Fountain Buildings.
Hall & Woodhouse Bath
0.4 km
Historic multi-floor pub and restaurant in Bath offering classic ales, diverse menu, and rooftop city views.
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.
Walcot House
0.5 km
A stylish fusion of historic charm, seasonal dining, craft cocktails, and vibrant nightlife in the heart of Bath’s Walcot Street.
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.
The Bath Distillery Gin Bar
0.5 km
Discover Bath’s historic gin revival in a vibrant Georgian bar with exclusive small-batch gins and expertly crafted cocktails.
Fidel Rum Bar
0.6 km
Discover Bath’s cozy rum sanctuary with expert cocktails, a global rum collection, and a warm, inviting atmosphere at Fidel Rum Bar.
Belushi's Bath
0.6 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
0.6 km
A cozy and historic Bath pub with quality ales, warm wood interiors, and a welcoming, timeless atmosphere.
Vino Vino
0.6 km
Sophisticated yet relaxed wine and cocktail bar in Bath with artisan sharing plates and a vibrant al fresco terrace.
The Dark Horse
0.7 km
Discover Bath’s moody, intimate cocktail bar with inventive drinks, warm service, and a hidden underground charm.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
