The Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Dedicated to the many achievements of the Herschels, who were distinguished astronomers as well as talented musicians.
19 New King Street, Bath, BA1 2BL
Facilities
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Facilities for children
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No parking
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Shop
We believe that access to our museum should be as easy as possible for all visitors, and where possible, we make sure that we’re able to accommodate visitors with a disability in exploring the museum. The museum is a grade listed 18th century townhouse across three floors with stair access to the 1st floor and basement level. Please ensure you can manage these steps or call the museum to find out more, request assistance and plan your visit. Further information can be found on our website.
Carers can visit for free with an accompanying visitor, please pay for your ticket on arrival and you carer will be able to visit with you free of charge. The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is proud to be a supporting attraction of the Rainbow Resource Scheme, which supports Bath & North East Somerset families of children with SEND.
We are running a family trail and will provide sheets you can keep.
Hand sanitiser will be available throughout the building. Face coverings are a personal choice for each visitor.
The shop is open and in the museum reception, you can enjoy the shop before or after your visit.
BPT reserves the right to close the museum at short notice. If BPT cancel events, pre-booked ticket holders will be informed and fully refunded.
The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is dedicated to the many achievements of the Herschels, who were distinguished astronomers as well as talented musicians. It was from the house at 19 New King Street, using a telescope of his own design that William discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. His observations helped to double the known size of the solar system. Following a tradition of the great astronomers of the Renaissance he pushed forward the science of building telescopes. He was rewarded for his work by King George III, and also received the Copley Medal. Caroline also made a huge contribution to the field of astronomy. The work of the Herschels clearly had an impact on modern science and space exploration.
The displays can be viewed over three floors of the house – highlights include scientific and musical instruments used by the Herschels, pages from Caroline Herschel’s memoirs, and the kitchen and workshop spaces used by the family. The Star Vault is where the museum’s children’s activity area is set up, including Space Lego and crafts.
The special exhibition gallery hosts changing exhibitions – the current exhibition is ‘Capturing the Cosmos: Astrophotography by the Bath Astronomers’ featuring the incredible nightscape, planetary, and deep sky photography of the local amateur astronomy community in and around Bath. On display until 4th January 2026.
We offer a guide on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, making our museum and collections more accessible for onsite visits through photo, audio and video features. We have devices that visitors can borrow to access these new guides. The guide also include sections just for children so that they can engage with the museums independently.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
1 February 2025 to 4 January 2026 (Tuesday to Sunday)
10am to 5pm, last entry 4pm.
Open Mondays during school holiday
Occasionally closed between 1pm and 2pm at weekends.
Please note: We will occasionally be closed for School and other group bookings so do take a look at the website (https://herschelmuseum.org.uk) or call the museum before visiting, to check up to date opening information.
Adult Annual Pass £12.50 (Herschel Museum of Astronomy only)
Concession Annual Pass £11.00 (Herschel Museum of Astronomy only) Senior 65+, Student, NHS & Blue Light
Under 18s Free – with accompanying adult
Bath Preservation Trust Members Free – Proof of membership required upon entry
Admission to Herschel Museum of Astronomy INCLUDING No.1 Royal Crescent and Beckfords Tower
Adult Annual Pass £29.50 (includes No. 1 Royal Crescent and Beckfords Tower)
Concession Annual Pass £27.50 (includes No. 1 Royal Crescent and Beckfords Tower)
Under 18s Free – with accompanying adult
Bath Preservation Trust Members Free – Proof of membership required upon entry
We recommend to make a pre-booked purchase of the ‘Annual Pass – includes No.1 Royal Crescent and Beckfords Tower’ ticket via https://bath-preservation-trust.merlintickets.co.uk/product/EVE-00257 to guarantee a timed slot at No.1 Royal Crescent.
Concessions
Bath Discovery Card – We offer a 25% discount to Bath Discovery Cards holders. You must bring your valid Discovery Card as ID.
Artfund discount – We offer a 50% discount to Art Fund Members. You must bring your valid Art Fund card with you when you visit to validate your museum ticket.
Groups pricing is available here. For all group and school bookings please contact the museum by emailing [email protected]. Groups arriving at the museum without a booking may be refused entry.
For school bookings please contact the museum by emailing [email protected]. Groups arriving at the museum without a booking may be refused entry.
For further information about what is offered to educational groups please contact our learning team at [email protected]
We believe that access to our museum should be as easy as possible for all visitors, and where possible, we make sure that we’re able to accommodate visitors with a disability in exploring the museum. The museum is a grade listed 18th century townhouse across three floors with stair access to the 1st floor and basement level. Please ensure you can manage these steps or call the museum to find out more, request assistance and plan your visit. Further information can be found on our website.
Carers can visit for free with an accompanying visitor, please pay for your ticket on arrival and you carer will be able to visit with you free of charge. The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is proud to be a supporting attraction of the Rainbow Resource Scheme, which supports Bath & North East Somerset families of children with SEND.
We are running a family trail and will provide sheets you can keep.
Hand sanitiser will be available throughout the building. Face coverings are a personal choice for each visitor.
The shop is open and in the museum reception, you can enjoy the shop before or after your visit.
BPT reserves the right to close the museum at short notice. If BPT cancel events, pre-booked ticket holders will be informed and fully refunded.
Getting here
19 New King Street, Bath, BA1 2BL
On Foot
New King Street is within easy walking distance of the city centre, Bath Spa Station, Queen Square and other landmarks. Wayfarer kiosks are in place throughout Bath. The Herschel Museum is marked on these.
Getting here by public transport
The nearest railway station is Bath Spa. The museum is half a mile’s walk from the station.
Taxis are available at the station. If you require an accessible taxi we suggest you book this in advance.
The nearest bus stop is half a mile from the museum. Take the No 1 or No 6 bus from Bath Bus Station to Alfred Street (on Lansdown Hill). To return take the No 1 or No 7 bus to Bath Bus Station. Buses run approximately every 10 minutes. All buses are accessible and can accommodate one wheelchair.
Alternatively take the Tour Buses from City Sightseeing Bath, which has a stop at Westgate Buildings, approx. 500m from the museum. The low floor buses are suitable for wheelchair access.
You can plan your journey by public transport using Journey Planner website; simply enter your postcode and ours, which is BA1 2BL, to get directions.
By Car
The museum is in the centre of New King Street, approx 500m from the city centre. A large pay and display car park is a 10 minute walk from the museum (Charlotte Street). There are no designated accessible bays outside the museum but designated accessible bays are available near the Charlotte Street car park entrance and next to the WC block (please see map on website).
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