Bath Sights

Bath Abbey

#2 of 59 things to do in Bath

#2 of 503 things to do in Southwest England

1 reviews | Write a review

  • Address
    • City Centre Abbey Courtyard
  • Website
  • Phone
    • tel, info: 01225 422462
  • Price
    • Requested donation £2.50
  • Hours
    • Apr-Oct: Mon-Sat 09:00-18:00, Sun 13:00-14:30 & 16:30-17:30; Nov-Mar: Mon-Sat 09:00-16:30, Sun 13:00-14:30

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Lonely Planet review for Bath Abbey

Bath Abbey was built between 1499 and 1616, making it the last great medieval church raised in England. The nave's wonderful fan vaulting was erected in the 19th century. The most striking feature of the abbey's exterior is the west facade, where angels climb up and down stone ladders, commemorating a dream of the founder, Bishop Oliver King.

The abbey boasts the second largest collection of wall monuments after Westminster Abbey. Among those buried here are Sir Isaac Pitman, who devised the Pitman method of shorthand, and Beau Nash. Also worth a look are the choir stalls, carved with mythical beasts.

On the abbey's southern side, steps lead down to the small Heritage Vaults Museum which explores the abbey's history and its links with the nearby baths. It also contains fine stone bosses, archeological artefacts and a weird model of the 10th-century monk Aelfric, dressed in his traditional black Benedictine habit.

 

Traveller reviews for Bath Abbey (1)

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    Bath Abbey a superb example of Medieval Archtitecture

    barrycooper recommends this,

    Bath Abbey is a stunning building with its magnificent interior and the Chancel fan vaulting dating back to 1520. The same arcihitects, the Virtue Brothers who worked in Kings College Chapel, Cambridge but a superior example of their work.

    There are several stewards who are friendly and helpful and the opportunity should not be missed to take in the tour to the Abbey Tower. From the Tower you can admire the city and have a bird's eye view of the Roman Baths and their 21st century equivalent. You can also have the opportunity to walk on the top side of the 16th Century fan vaulting, see the inside of a clock face and visit the ten bells.

    If you are lucky enough to be there on a Sunday, do not miss attending a Service at which you will hear the fine choir and the Klais Organ considered to be one of the UK's finest.

    A visit to Bath Abbey and experience the beauty and tranquility and feel the centuries old living spirituality is an opportunity not to be missed

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