Bath Abbey
About
Bath Abbey is a masterpiece of late English Gothic architecture — its vast windows (which account for 80% of the wall space, earning it the nickname 'Lantern of the West') flood the interior with light in a way that few medieval churches can match. The fan-vaulted ceiling of the nave, added during a Victorian restoration, is exquisite — intricate stone lacework soaring above you. The famous west front features carved angels climbing ladders to heaven — a depiction of a dream that Bishop Oliver King had in 1499 that inspired the rebuilding of the church. The Tower Tours take you behind the scenes — climbing 212 steps through the bell-ringing chamber, past the clock mechanism, and up to the roof for panoramic views across Bath. Evensong is free and beautiful — the Abbey choir performs regularly during term time, and the acoustics in this stone space are wonderful. The Abbey Heritage Vaults below ground tell the story of the building and its predecessor (a Norman cathedral). Allow about an hour for the Abbey, more if you do the Tower Tour. It's right in the centre of Bath, next to the Roman Baths, and feels like the spiritual heart of the city.
https://www.bathabbey.org/ 01225 422462
Tickets & Pricing
Suggested donation £5. Tower Tours: Adult £8, Child £4. Heritage Vaults: £5.
Opening Times
Mon-Sat 10:00-17:30, Sun 13:00-14:30 & 16:30-17:30. Tower Tours: Mon-Sat, hourly.
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