From Monday 17th May visitors to Bath will no longer need to search the streets for an unoccupied outdoor table to have a meal or a drink. Much to the joy of locals and visitors alike: pubs, restaurants, hotels and cafes will be allowed to re-open their indoor premises. Do remember though: a number of Bath's restaurants are both small and popular so if you have a particular restaurant in mind, advance bookings are recommended - particularly for evening meals on a weekend.
The relaxation in the coronavirus rules on Monday also means that Bath's indoor attractions can re-open. Many will be operating at a reduced capacity and will require advance booking so do check their websites for details when planning your visit. Not all of the attractions will be open from Monday so I have highlighted opening dates for the city's most popular attractions:
Monday 17th May:
- The Roman Baths Museum: arguably the city's most popular visitor attraction where you can see the remains of the Roman spa that was built over the city's hot springs will be re-opening on Monday. Advance bookings for a specific time slot are required. https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/
- The Bath Abbey: the Abbey has been open for private prayer, reflection and services for a little while now. From Monday it will be re-opening for visitors. Step inside to see its beautiful stone fan-vaulted ceiling and admire the many floor memorials that grace the floor. The Abbey has recently installed underfloor heating which uses the local hot springs to heat this so do touch the floor and feel the warmth! Visitors are asked to give an entrance donation, no pre-booking required. https://www.bathabbey.org/
- Holburne Museum: The Netflix series, Bridgerton, has just finished filming at this museum for their second series! The museum is re-opening to visitors from Monday. In the museum you can see a large collection of art which was bequeathed to the city and added to over the years. Day tickets can be purchased at the entrance on the day or in advance from their website. https://www.holburne.org/
- Thermae Bath Spa: The spa, which uses Bath's hot springs, has been open since April 12th. Whilst the steam rooms will remain closed, the basement pool and the outdoor rooftop pool are open. I believe its indoor cafe will be re-opening from Monday. Advance bookings are required. https://www.thermaebathspa.com/
Tuesday 18th May:
- The Fashion Museum: see the city's extensive collection of contemporary and historic dress. The museum will not be open on Mondays. Advance booking for a specific time slot is required. https://www.fashionmuseum.co.uk/visit
- Victoria Art Gallery: the city's public art museum will re-open on Tuesday. It houses over 1,500 decorative arts including oil paintings from the 17th century to the present day. The gallery is not open on Mondays. Advance booking for a specific time slot is required. https://www.victoriagal.org.uk/visit
Wednesday 19th May:
- The Jane Austen Centre: learn about the life of one of Bath's most famous residents. Pre-book your time slot on their website: https://janeausten.co.uk/
- The Herschel Museum of Astronomy: visit a small museum dedicated to the astronomy achievements of the Herschel family. The museum is open Wednesday to Sundays. Pre-book your timed slot on their website: https://herschelmuseum.org.uk/
Friday 21st May:
- American Museum & Gardens: the beautiful gardens at the American Museum have been open for a little while now but from the 21st May its museum which displays a collection of folk, decorative arts and cultural objects from America and its exhibition will be re-opening. The only museum of Americana outside of America! Tickets need to be bought at the entrance. https://americanmuseum.org/
- Bath Aqua Glass: for something a little different why not make your own glass bauble with a glass-blower in Bath! The experiences take place on weekends. Pre-book on their website: https://www.bathaquaglass.com/glass-blowing-activities-and-courses.html
Wednesday 2nd June:
- No.1 Royal Crescent Museum: visit a house on the famous Royal Crescent and explore rooms that have been restored to how they would have appeared during the Georgian period. Pre-booking is required for a specific time slot: https://no1royalcrescent.org.uk/
This is not a complete list of Bath's attractions. If you are looking for more ideas on what to do in Bath please feel free to get in touch and I would be delighted to assist you.
