Heritage Open Days in Bath

About

Venues across Bath and North East Somerset will open their doors this September for Heritage Open Days. This is a chance to see inside hidden places and try out new experiences – all for free.

Bath and North East Somerset has a packed programme of events to look forward to: you can see inside churches, mills, cemeteries and more; enjoy exclusive talks and guided tours; and take part in family-friendly activities and trails.

One-day events

Victoria Art Gallery - Store tour (11 Sep, pre-booking required)

Explore the wonderful collection housed in the art stores.

St Stephen's, Bath (12 Sep, pre-booking not required)

Hear about St Stephen’s illustrious past and its optimistic future with guided tours of this Grade II* Victorian Gothic Revival Church. Your guide will regale you with stories of the early challenges of this notable Bath church.

Cleveland Pools Open Day (13 Sep, pre-booking not required)

Cleveland Pools in Bath (Grade ll*) is the UK's oldest public outdoor swimming pool. It was restored in 2023 after a long campaign. It is currently closed for swimming but HODs will be a chance for you to visit and for the Trustees to hear from you.

American Museum & Gardens (13 Sep, pre-booking not required)

Free garden entry for all at the American Museum & Gardens. The perfect time to experience our late summer gardens with family and friends.

Bath Jewish Burial Ground (13 Sep, pre-booking not required)

Visit this beautiful cemetery, resting place of Bath's Jewish community in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Experience its peaceful atmosphere, and learn about the lives of the people buried here who came to this country from so many places.

Lansdown Store tour - Splendid Spa (15 Sep, pre-booking required)

Discover the treatments & equipment used in the historic spa complex in Bath, from the Victorian period to the 1970s. In the words of its visitors & patients, find out more about the health treatments of the time in this behind-the-scenes store tour.

Lights! Camera! Action! History of Cinema Going in Bath (15 Sep, pre-booking not required)

Illustrated talk to accompany the 'Lights! Camera! Action! Exhibition on show at the Museum of Bath at Work. A presentation by Ann Cullis who created the exhibition.

Bath on Film - Short Films about or made in Bath (15 Sep, pre-booking not required)

A selection of short documentary films made about Bath in the 20th century. 13.00-14.00 Programme 1: short films and documentaries relating to Bath 14.30-15.30 Programme 2: more short films and documentaries relating to Bath

Discovering The Romans (17 Sep, pre-booking required)

Excavate, reconstruct and explore in our behind-the-scenes Investigation Zone, and handle original artefacts from the museum collection to discover the people behind the objects. Ages 16+, booking essential.

Service and Splendour - the other side of Georgian Bath (18 Sep, pre-booking required)

A talk on the Georgian Guildhall which has been researched using the archives and gives a fresh and fascinating insight into the people who designed, built and decorated what is one of finest examples of Georgian architecture in the country.

Bath Elim Church: Past, Present & Beyond (19 Sep, pre-booking not required)

Come and explore the rich history of this unique 10-sided decagon church. Whether you're captivated by history, seeking inspiration, or simply curious about the story of the church, you are welcome to come and enjoy this beautiful space.

Multiples dates

Roman Baths Clore Learning Centre Tour (Multiple dates, pre-booking required)

Join a member of the learning team on a guided tour of the Roman Bath's Clore Learning Centre.

The Mayor's Parlour (Multiple dates, pre-booking not required)

Celebrating over 800 years of history – see the City’s Royal Charters, gold & silver collection, ceremonial maces, sword & robes.

Prior Park Landscape Garden (Multiple dates, pre-booking not required)

Georgian landscape garden in Bath with one of only four Palladian bridges in the world.

Museum of Bath Stone Open Weekend (Multiple dates, pre-booking not required)

Discover the history of the village and the Global Heritage Stone that built the city of Bath, and stories of the lives of the quarrymen.

Walcot Methodist Chapel (Multiple dates, pre-booking not required)

The original ‘Walcot Chapel’ is the oldest Methodist chapel in Bath. It is a place of worship for the congregation of Bath Methodist Church on Sundays and open for other activities and community groups during the week.

Life and Lodging on Abbey Green: Elton House Open Days (Multiple dates, pre-booking preferred)

Elton House is in the very centre of Bath, close to the Abbey. Originally one of Georgian Bath's many lodging houses, this fine Georgian building is now cared for by the Landmark Trust.

There are many more places to visit across Bath & North East Somerset during the 10-day celebration. Please see the Heritage Open Days website for full listings.