bath abbey tour

Things to see and do

There is so much to see and do in the Abbey, but definitely some things that you shouldn't miss during your visit. Here is a snapshot of the highlights...

Footprint : The Abbey's floor was collapsing but thanks to the Footprint Project the entire floor has now been repaired and stabilised.

Memorials : There are 1500 memorials on the Abbey's wall and in the floor (ledger stones). Most commemorate people from the 1700s and 1800s. Some interesting names are highlighted with information panels. You can also type names into www.bathabbeymemorials.org.uk to find out more.

Waller Tomb : Sir William Waller’s memorial to his first wife Jane (d. 1633). William Waller fought for parliament in the English Civil War (1642-51). After the Battle of Lansdown (near Bath) in 1643, Waller’s troops sheltered in the Abbey. We hope you know God’s protection, whatever lies ahead.

Ledgerstones : The Abbey floor is made up of 891 flat grave stones called ledgerstones. As part of the Footprint project all of the ledgerstones have been restored and re-laid thanks to the skill of local craftspeople.

King Edgar Window : This window shows the crowning of Edgar as the first king of all England at the Saxon monastery here in 973. He is known as King Edgar the    Peaceful. We invite you to be thankful that we live in a country that is at peace today.

The Great East Window : Completed in 1873 and repaired after World War II, it tells the story of Jesus in 56 scenes.

Birde’s Chantry Chapel : Built by Prior William Birde (d. 1525) as a place for prayers to be chanted for his soul. It continues to be a place of quiet, reflection, and prayer. We invite you to enter and be still in this holy space.

Fan Vaulted Ceiling : Created in the 1500s by the king’s master masons, the stone vaults form beautiful fan shapes to draw us up to God. The Nave ceiling is a copy made in the 1860s, can you spot any differences?

West Window : Completed in 1894, the window tells the stories of the first five books of the Bible. The panels in the bottom left show God’s Creation of Eve and Noah’s Ark. We invite you to be thankful for the beauty of creation today.

The West Front : Represents the dream of Bishop Oliver King that led him to replace the ruined Norman Cathedral with the present Abbey in 1499. Towards the top of the window is a carved dove, representing God’s Holy Spirit.

Join a tour: If you'd like to explore the Abbey further, why not join a Tower Tour to see the clock, bell chamber and the city from the top of our tower?

Fun for Kids! 5 years and under: Borrow a free Little Explorer backpack full of fun items to help you explore the Abbey. A Sensory Explorer back pack for children with SEND is also available. 6 - 11 years: Free 'Alex's Abbey Adventure' Trailsheet and pencil at the Welcome Desk.

What to do if you have...

Have a quick walk around The Abbey, and...

• Light a candle to remember a loved one
• Admire the carved angels that can be found all around the Abbey
• Look up at the original fan vaulted ceiling dating from the 1500s. Parts of it weren't completed until the 1860's, so see if you can spot the difference.

Take a stroll around the Abbey, and pause to...

• Look for the window that shows King Edgar, the first king of all England, being crowned on this site in 973
• Sit inside the Birde Chapel, enjoy the delicate stone carvings, and some quiet reflection
• Stand in front of the 4,000 pipes that make up our Klais organ , and wander into the newly restored North transept. This area is now open to the public so you can walk on the recently repaired floor, enjoy the stained glass windows and spot the spiral staircase that our organists have to climb to play the organ.

Take your time exploring the Abbey, and...

• Take an audio tour on either the 'Highlights of the Abbey' or 'Memorials and Empire', available at £3.50 from the Welcome Desk. They last about 45 minutes and are downloaded onto your phone.
• Follow the story of Jesus told across 56 scenes on the Great East Window. Badly damaged during World War II, it was beautifully restored by a father-and-son team in the 1950s.
• Pause to read a few of the poignant wall memorials. Through these, we learn about the lives, loves and beliefs of people from the 1700s and 1800s
• Take the opportunity to pause and reflect in one of our chapels, or pray with one of our chaplains
• Stop and have a chat with one of our volunteers about Abbey life, past and present.
• Pop by the Abbey Shop and enjoy browsing through our selection of Christian books, music and souvenirs.

Learn about the memorials we have in the Abbey using our new website: www.bathabbeymemorials.org.uk

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Bath Abbey tours and tickets

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The inside story

Surrounded by shops, the renowned Roman Baths and the Grand Pump Room of York Street – visitors are treated to another hotspot in the city, Bath Abbey. Built between 1499 and 1616, the Abbey offers awe-inspiring architecture, services and weekly choir performances. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy in the heart of the city.

The west facade of the abbey is adorned with angels climbing ladders – some of them are even upside down. Let the climbing angels tempt you to ascend the 212 steps of the Abbey Tower. You’ll get a glimpse of the 10 bells, clock face, and a panoramic view of the honey-coloured city. Inside, look up to see the fan-vaulted ceilings, 635 memorials and the Klais organ. Concerts are a wonderful way to listen to its 4,000 pipes fill the air.

Admire the King Edgar Window where Edgar the Peaceful was crowned the first King of England in a coronation that’s not changed since. Spend time near The Great East Window with looming 56 scenes telling the story of Jesus – that’s a lot of stained glass. Pick something up from the Abbey shop before you leave and enjoy the festive activities throughout the year. Christmas offers carol services, festive tours and family-friendly activities.

How to get there

Bath: Bath Abbey Entry Ticket and Guided Tower Tour

Bath Abbey’s guided tower tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover the rich history and stunning architecture of this iconic landmark. As they ascend the 212 steps to the top, guests can expect breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Led by knowledgeable local experts, the tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at the abbey’s inner workings and a chance to explore the on-site Discovery Center. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a memorable experience, this tour promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for Bath’s cultural heritage. What secrets might the abbey tower reveal?

• The tour includes skip-the-line entry to Bath Abbey and its Discovery Center.
• Visitors can climb 212 steps to the top of the abbey tower for panoramic city views.
• A guided tour provides behind-the-scenes access to the abbey tower.
• Exploration of the abbey’s history, architecture, and future plans is included.
• Certain restrictions apply, such as proper footwear and no filming or photography during the tour.

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Overview of the Activity

The Bath Abbey Entry Ticket and Guided Tower Tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the historic abbey, including a climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.

This 1-hour experience provides a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the abbey tower, allowing guests to learn about its rich history and architecture.

Visitors can also explore the abbey itself and the Discovery Center to delve deeper into the site’s past and future plans.

With skip-the-line entry included, this tour provides a comprehensive introduction to one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking stunning vistas, the Bath Abbey tour has a lot to offer.

Highlights of the Tour

A centerpiece of the tour is the 212-step climb to the top of the Abbey tower, offering panoramic views of the charming city of Bath. Visitors can then enjoy a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the tower, learning about its rich history and architectural details. Plus, the tour allows guests to explore the Abbey itself and the Discovery Center, delving deeper into the site’s past and future plans.

Tour Duration and Inclusions

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and includes skip-the-line entry to both Bath Abbey and the Discovery Center.

During this time, visitors will enjoy a guided tour led by a knowledgeable local expert. The tour provides behind-the-scenes access to the Abbey’s iconic tower, allowing participants to climb the 212 steps to the top for panoramic views over the city of Bath.

Along With the tower climb, the tour explores the Abbey’s rich history, stunning architecture, and future plans. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the Abbey and Discovery Center at their own pace, gaining a deeper understanding of this iconic landmark.

Restrictions and Requirements

While the tour offers an immersive experience, certain restrictions and requirements apply to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.

For instance:

• The tower climb isn’t suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, or fear of heights.
• Proper closed-toe footwear is required, and sandals or high heels aren’t allowed.

No filming or photography is permitted during the tour, and cellphone conversations are prohibited to avoid disrupting the experience.

These guidelines are in place to create a seamless and enjoyable tour for everyone. Guests are encouraged to consider their physical abilities and comfort levels before booking the tour.

Meeting Point and Check-in

Where can visitors find the meeting point for the Bath Abbey tour? At the Bath Abbey, in the Abbey Churchyard, guests should check-in at the Welcome Desk rather than joining the queue outside.

This ensures they’re directed to the appropriate entry point and can begin their guided experience on time. Arriving at the Welcome Desk allows tour organizers to verify reservations and provide any necessary instructions or details about the upcoming tour.

Ascending the Abbey Tower

After checking in at the Welcome Desk, visitors embark on the 212-step climb to the top of the Bath Abbey tower. This behind-the-scenes guided tour offers panoramic views of the historic city of Bath from the tower’s observation deck.

Passing through various levels of the tower, visitors can glimpse the intricate architecture and engineering that support the structure.

Pausing at strategic points, visitors learn about the Abbey’s history and the city’s rich heritage from the knowledgeable tour guide.

Emerging at the top, sweeping vistas of Bath’s iconic Georgian buildings, the River Avon, and the surrounding hills provide a breathtaking conclusion to the tower climb.

Guided Tour of the Abbey

The guided tour of Bath Abbey unveils the rich history and intricate architecture of this beloved landmark, captivating visitors with stories that bring the space to life.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour takes you behind the scenes, exploring the Abbey’s hidden corners and uncovering the secrets hidden within its walls.

From the magnificent vaulted ceilings to the intricate stone carvings, every aspect of the Abbey’s design is expertly explained, providing visitors with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and vision that went into its creation.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a deeper connection to this iconic building, the guided tour offers an immersive and enlightening experience that will leave you with a newfound respect for Bath Abbey.

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Exploring the Discovery Center

Within the Bath Abbey complex, visitors can explore the captivating Discovery Center, which delves into the rich history and cultural significance of this iconic landmark.

Through interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Abbey’s architecture, art, and the lives of those who’ve worshipped within its hallowed walls over the centuries.

The Discovery Center offers:

Immersive digital displays that bring the Abbey’s past to life, showcasing its evolution from a Saxon monastery to a magnificent Gothic cathedral.

Detailed models and architectural drawings that illuminate the building’s intricate design and construction.

Engaging exhibits that highlight the Abbey’s role as a center of community, faith, and social change throughout its storied history.

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Bath Abbey’s guided tour offers visitors the chance to climb the iconic tower, taking in the stunning panoramic views over the city.

The tour also provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the abbey’s rich history and architecture, as well as access to the interactive Discovery Center.

With skip-the-line entry and a knowledgeable local guide, it’s an engaging and immersive experience for anyone exploring the heart of Bath.

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Bath Abbey Tower Tour

I am incredibly grateful that I was able to go on my trip earlier this year. I had so many incredible and uncommon experiences that I might never have gotten to in the past. One of those things was doing the Bath Abbey Tower Tour. I know that a lot of people get bored with cathedrals, but I could spend days wandering ‘round them. And although the towers are inaccessible to the public, I finally made it up one! If you are lucky enough to find yourself in Bath, if you do nothing else, you must do a Bath Abbey Tower Tour.

Now, onto the tour itself! The Tower Tour was £8, which I think is very reasonable for the experience that we got. It was nearly an hour, we covered the cathedral from bottom to top and back again, with an entertaining and incredibly well-versed guide. Cathedrals are insanely expensive to maintain and continually restore, and I think these tours are a fantastic way to raise needed funds. Bath is also a beautiful city, and any chance you can get to see it should be taken! The tours happen on the hour every hour between 10am and 4pm during the week, and every half hour on Saturdays. (Do make sure to check ahead to make sure there aren’t closures, though!)  If you want more history, you will get that. If you want music, you will also get that. And if you just want stunning views, look no further.

You start by standing right above the west doors of the Abbey . You get a fantastic view of the square, which can be good fun watching people wait hours for the Roman Baths. I loved this bit, because you can see several of the statues lining the front of the Abbey much closer. While there has been some damage, most are in remarkably good condition. I only wish I had known about the ladder when I was doing the tour, I could have scouted upside down angels!

You head further up, and actually get to walk along the roof of the church. It doesn’t sound that spectacular but it gets to be when you realise that you are walking along the body of the church and the floor is several metres below you. There are also some spectacular views when you stop to look out. Everything in medieval Bath is quite close together. On one hand, in means things get hidden when they are behind something taller. On the other hand, it also means that you can see so much more. I also loved getting a closer look at the roof of the chapel, and the details on the spires. The roof itself isn’t that interesting, but all of the carvings around it are something else. Bath stone is specific to the area, it is a type of limestone. I find that it’s yellow colouring gives the carvings a bit more depth, and they are beautiful to see up close.

We then moved up to the bell tower. Bells are omnipresent in a lot of churches but you rarely get to see them up close. I certainly learned the most in this part of the tour! So, it turns out that you can make sound with a bell in two different but very distinct ways. You can ring them, which is what we all of think of. However, you can also strike them. Striking them is just that, a hammer hitting the bell. This may seem like splitting hairs, but it makes quite a difference. You need one person per bell to ring the bells and play whatever tune is set. You only need one person to strike the bells with this handy contraption.

You may ask why it is important one person be able to play the bells. Well, apparently there was an occasion when several of the bellringers had indulged a little too much on Saturday evening and failed to turn up for their ringing shift on Sunday. So, although striking the bell produces a much quieter sound, it guarantees that the bells will still be played.

And now to my favourite part of the tour, the clock tower. Interestingly, the clock belongs to the people of Bath rather than the Abbey. It was light from behind until the late nineteenth century by candles, meaning that there had to be someone there who ensured it stayed lit. There was only one man willing to do the job, so he was luckily able to charge whatever he wanted for the job. There was only one problem, the oil from the lamp spilled and may have started a fire…

This black spot that you can see is the remnant of that fire! An interesting quirk of the position is that you were locked in the small room, in the case of a fire. Sure, it can’t spread but it won’t end well for the person in the room. Thankfully, the fire was quickly put out, but I can only imagine the panic that you would feel.

This photo above is my favourite picture of the tour- such a beautiful shot.

And then we finally climbed the last stairs to very top of the Abbey. Although it is quite windy, as you would expect at the top of any tall building, There are some truly breathtaking views up here. Bath is utterly beautiful. That light Bath stone is used throughout so much of the city, and seeing it all from above is just stunning. There are some little cut outs in the mesh wiring so you can take pictures from lower down, but the pictures from above can’t be beat. If at all possible, I would do it after you have had a chance to wander around Bath- you will be able to spot all of your favourite places!

Have you done the Bath Abbey Tower Tour?

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Bath Tours

15 Best Bath Tours

Named after its famous Roman-era baths that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites since the ‘80s, the town of Bath is one of England’s premier historic and recreation destinations.

With just shy of 90,000 residents, it’s small by big-city standards, but it’s located on a particularly beautiful stretch of the River Avon only about 100 miles west of London.

In addition to baths, the town features an abundance of traditional and contemporary eateries, as well as museums, galleries, and a number of fairs and festivals that are held annually.

Below are 15 of the best tours of Bath and the surrounding area.

1. Roman Baths and City Walking Tour

Bath Abbey is one of the area’s premier Roman-era attractions, and it features some of the country’s most impressive gothic architecture.

On this two-hour tour, guests and their guide will set out on foot to explore the baths and abbey while learning about the Romans’ cultural and historical traditions.

Tours also include brief stops at the Royal Crescent, several prominent homes built in the Georgian style, and Pulteney Bridge, which made a cameo appearance in a famous filming of Les Miserables.

Tours are available with morning and afternoon start times to accommodate those with different schedules.

2. City Boat Trip and Walking Tour

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site city, Bath draws tourists from all over the world.

This 80-minute tour allows guests to see the city from land and water while benefiting from their guide’s unique insights into what makes it such a special place.

Tours meet at a convenient location in central Bath, after which participants depart on a scenic river cruise followed by a leisurely walk through town.

Highlights include St. John’s Church, Half Penny Bridge, Bath Abbey, and Paradise Gardens.

For those who’ve just arrived, this tour would be a great way to see lots of attractions quickly and familiarize yourself with the town’s layout.

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3. City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

For do-it-yourselfers and those who prefer not to commit to lengthy traditional tours, hop-on-hop-off tickets are both fun and economical alternatives.

One ticket gives guests access to two distinct bus routes, each of which offers a full list of attractions to explore.

Tickets are valid for 24 hours from the time of purchase, which means eager sightseers have an entire day to make the most efficient use of their time.

City Tour attractions include the Roman Baths and the historic Abbey that was the coronation site for the country’s first king.

Skyline Tour highlights include the Terrace Walk, Manvers Street, and the Holburne Museum.

4. Small-Group Tour to Stonehenge and Bath with an Oxford Professor

Tours that offer guests access to more than one of the county’s premier sites are great value for savvy travelers.

This small-group combo package has the distinction of being led by an Oxford professor and includes tours of both Stonehenge and Bath.

The Bath portion of the tour includes Pulteney Bridge, the Circus, and the Abbey, where guests will learn about each attraction’s significance and have time for questions and photos.

Then the group will make their way to Stonehenge, where they’ll enjoy skip-the-line tickets to one of the world’s most alluring and mysterious sites.

Tours include everything except meals and tips.

5. 25-Minute Boat Trip to Pulteney Bridge

From the comfort of a restored ‘60s river cruiser, guests and their guide will take to the water to see one of Bath’s most iconic attractions.

During the warm summer months, guests can bask in the sun on the deck as their skipper points out key sights on the way to historic Pulteney Bridge.

Tours wind their way past several canals that link to nearby cities. It’s common to see a variety of birds as well as North Parade Bridge, St. John’s Church, and Bath Abbey.

If the weather isn’t cooperating, participants can retreat indoors and relax with a coffee, beer, or glass of wine.

6. 1 ½-Hour Walking Tour with Blue Badge Tourist Guide

Stretching your legs and exploring the historic city of Bath couldn’t be easier for those who take advantage of this 90-minute walking tour.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town of Bath is chock-full of significant attractions that are best explored with an official Blue Badge guide.

Tours include premier sites like the Royal Crescent, Circus, Queen Square, and the majestic Abbey. At each stop, guests will benefit from their guide’s unique local perspectives and insights.

Guests typically discover things that those on larger tours tend to miss, so don’t be shy about asking for suggestions for things to see and do later on.

7. Jane Austen Center Ticket

Though it’s not so well-known outside literary circles, author Jane Austen is Bath’s most famous deceased resident.

Her works have been favorites for generations, and there’s a museum in Bath that’s dedicated to preserving and promoting her legacy.

Guided tours of the Jane Austen Center are offered every 30 minutes; they’re given by enthusiastic local docents decked-out in Georgian garb, which makes for a truly memorable experience.

While on-site, guests will have the option of having their photo taken with a Jane Austen wax figure, sampling period food, or relaxing with a drink in the Regency Tea Room.

8. Short Orientation Walking Tour

Apparently, most visitors to Bath have pretty tight schedules, because short tours are more prominent than they are elsewhere.

For those who bore easily and value free time, that means lots of opportunities to see prominent attractions without dedicating big chunks of time to traditional tours.

This 50-minute walking tour focuses on Bath’s city center and is a great option for those with kids who’ve got short attention spans.

Plan on seeing the Roman baths, the Abbey, and Queen Square, and learning about what makes each so unique and significant.

Tours begin at the Quay Waterside and require a moderate amount of leisurely walking.

9. Canapés and Prosecco Boat Cruise

There may be no better way to spend a relaxing hour while in Bath than by relaxing on a laid-back river cruise while noshing delectable finger foods and enjoying a glass of Prosecco.

Tours are available in the morning and afternoon to accommodate those with varying schedules. They take guests past some of the city’s premier attractions, like the 17th century Bath Abbey, St. John’s Church, and Halfpenny Bridge.

Depending on the prevailing weather conditions, participants will have the option of both in and outdoor seating areas, and tours begin and end in a convenient location along the Quay.

10. The Cotswold

Though many visitors spend most of their time within Bath’s city limits, getting out into the countryside is a great way to see things from a different perspective.

The English countryside is characterized by rolling hills, quaint villages, and obscure historic attractions that are well worth checking out.

This full day excursion focuses on discovering the Cotswolds. As such, guests aren’t likely to run into buses full of camera-wielding tourists at every turn.

11. Ghost Hunters Silent Disco Guided Tour

Rumor has it that more than four decades ago, a young ghost hunter descended on Bath in an attempt to prove once and for all that the historic town harbored spirits from the past.

Sadly, his work was inconclusive, primarily because he met a mysterious and untimely death.

For those interested in picking up where he left off and listening to the music that was pumping through his Walkman’s headphones at the time of his death, this ghost hunters silent disco tour would be a great fit.

Tours are unique, fun, and eerie, and are open to groups of between 10 and 28 participants.

12. Cotswold Discovery Tour from Bath

Featuring historic villages, impressive castles, and one of the country’s most picturesque Abbeys, the Cotswolds are the perfect day-trip destination for those looking to get out of town for a few hours.

Tours begin and end at a convenient central location in Bath and include stops at attractions like Castle Combe, Bourton-on-the-Water, the tomb of King Athelstan, and the quaint market town of Malmesbury.

From their local guide, guests will learn about the region’s history, culture, and economy. They’ll visit a few filming locations for popular movies like War Horse and Dr. Dolittle, which was filmed in the area in the ‘60s.

13. Stonehenge Private Half Day Tour from Bath

Stonehenge is arguably England’s most unique archaeological site, and it’s just a short drive for day-trippers staying in Bath.

According to those in the know, the site dates back more than 5,000 years. Though it’s been studied for centuries, it’s still full of fascinating mysteries and unsolved riddles.

Along with their private guide, tour participants will learn about the world-famous landmark, get close enough to take stunning pictures, and maybe formulate their own theories as to why it was built in the first place.

The return trip winds its way through the impressive Salisbury Plain before ending back in central Bath.

14. Lunchtime Cruise to Riverside Pub

Scenic cruises along the beautiful River Avon are popular vacation activities for visitors to Bath.

This lunchtime cruise makes its way past many of the town’s most iconic attractions, including the junctions of Avon and Kennet canals, St. John’s Church, Bath Abbey, and Pulteney Bridge.

Along the way, the skipper will describe each attraction, while guests relax in comfy chairs with refreshing beverages.

When the boat has docked at Locksbrook Inn, guests will enjoy stunning riverside views from the comfort of their reserved tables.

Each guest also gets a complimentary drink to sip while they’re deciding what they’ll have for lunch.

15. Wells, Cheddar Cheese and Cheddar Gorge Day Tour from Bath

The small city of wells is home to one of the region’s most impressive cathedrals that dates back to the 13th century.

On this value-packed combo tour, guests will delve into the past while enjoying a number of prominent human-made, natural, and culinary centerpieces of the English countryside.

After Wells, guests will drive to the town that’s the birthplace of Cheddar cheese.

According to locals, it’s the world’s most popular variety. Guests will visit the last remaining cheese making facility in the area.

Before the drive back to Bath, the group will stop at Cheddar Gorge, which is consistently ranked as one of Britain’s most iconic natural attractions.

15 Best Bath Tours:

• Roman Baths and City Walking Tour
• City Boat Trip and Walking Tour
• City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
• Small-Group Tour to Stonehenge and Bath with an Oxford Professor
• 25-Minute Boat Trip to Pulteney Bridge
• 1 ½-Hour Walking Tour with Blue Badge Tourist Guide
• Jane Austen Center Ticket
• Short Orientation Walking Tour
• Canapés and Prosecco Boat Cruise
• The Cotswold
• Ghost Hunters Silent Disco Guided Tour
• Cotswold Discovery Tour from Bath
• Stonehenge Private Half Day Tour from Bath
• Lunchtime Cruise to Riverside Pub
• Wells, Cheddar Cheese and Cheddar Gorge Day Tour from Bath