Bath Abbey Discovery Centre

About the museum

The Discovery Centre lies in the ancient vaults beneath Bath Abbey and opened on 7 March 2023. It was the final phase of the Footprint Project, a multi-million-pound scheme that repaired the Abbey's historic floor, which was at risk of collapse, installed new heating powered by the city's hot springs, and created new spaces for learning and music.

The centre replaces an earlier heritage exhibition in the vaults. It shows objects from the Abbey's archives, some of them never displayed before, such as Anglo-Saxon crosses, carved medieval stone fragments, historic silver and the Benefactors' Book, which records gifts made to the Abbey's rebuilding after the Reformation.

A timeline traces the history of the Abbey and of Bath, and films, replica period costumes and hands-on activities make the story easier for children and families to follow. The museum is reached by lift from the Abbey floor and is visited as part of the Abbey ticket. The Abbey is a working church, so access can be restricted at short notice for services and events.

Highlights

• Anglo-Saxon crosses and medieval carved stone fragments
• The Benefactors' Book recording gifts for the Abbey's rebuilding
• Timeline of the history of the Abbey and Bath
• Replica costumes and interactive displays for families
• Set in the ancient vaults beneath the Abbey

Permanent exhibition

• Bath Abbey Discovery Centre – Objects from the Abbey archives, including Anglo-Saxon crosses, medieval stone fragments and historic silver, with a timeline of the Abbey and Bath and interactive displays.

Founded

2023

Operated by

Bath Abbey

Admission & discounts

Entry to the Discovery Centre is included in the Abbey ticket. Free entry for Discovery Card holders, residents of the BA1 and BA2 postcode areas with proof of address, and carers of visitors with a disability. Tower tours need a separate ticket.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Abbey has step-free main entrances and the Discovery Centre is reached by lift. An accessible toilet is on the Abbey floor and a Changing Places toilet is available on request. A wheelchair can be borrowed if reserved in advance. A hearing loop is installed. Large-print guides, ear defenders and free Sensory Explorer backpacks are available at the Welcome Desk. Tower tours are not accessible by wheelchair. Accessible parking bays are in most city centre car parks.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Families can use interactive exhibits, animated timelines and dress-up costumes in the Discovery Centre. A free family trail, Little Explorer backpacks for under-5s and Sensory Explorer backpacks for children with additional needs are available at the Welcome Desk. A baby-changing facility is on the ground floor.

Getting there & parking

Bath has a Clean Air Zone; higher-emission vehicles other than private cars and motorbikes may have to pay to enter the city centre. Left luggage is available near Bath Spa station.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available
• Lockers: not available

Abbey Shop. Suitcases are not allowed inside and there is no luggage storage. Only assistance dogs are allowed.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit