No. 1 Royal Crescent, Bath: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide (2026)

Step inside the grandeur of the 18th century at Bath’s most famous address. This 2026 guide covers No. 1 Royal Crescent ticket prices, immersive rooms, and what to see inside.

When I walked through the heavy oak door of No. 1 Royal Crescent in Bath, Somerset, I expected a typical museum experience. Instead, I found a house that felt alive. The rooms are dressed as if the family has just stepped out for a stroll in Victoria Park. The smell of beeswax and the ticking of longcase clocks create a heavy, atmospheric silence. It is a masterful look at the divide between the wealthy Georgians and the servants who kept the fires burning behind the scenes.

Quick overview: The essentials

The museum operates an immersive experience where digital projections and audio tell the story of the house’s inhabitants. Crucially for families, children under 18 go free when accompanied by an adult. The ticket also converts into an Annual Pass, allowing you to return for free for 12 months.

How much does No. 1 Royal Crescent cost?

The pricing structure is very generous for families. An adult ticket costs £16.00, but this allows you to bring up to four children for free.

Note: If you are a member of the Art Fund, you get 50% off entry. Residents with a Bath Discovery Card get 25% off.

Is No. 1 Royal Crescent free to enter?

Standard entry for adults is paid, but the museum is exceptionally good value for other groups.

• Under 18s: Free entry for all children when accompanied by a paying adult.
• Carers: Essential companions for disabled visitors are admitted free.
• Annual Pass Holders: Your original ticket acts as a pass for return visits for a year.

What time does No. 1 Royal Crescent open?

The museum follows a seasonal schedule. Since it is currently January 2026, please note the January closure below.

• Standard Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 – 17:30.
• Last Admission: 16:30.
• Closed Mondays: Except during local school holidays and bank holidays.
• Seasonal Closures (2026):
  • January Closure: The museum reopens on Saturday 31 January 2026.
  • Christmas: Closed 25–26 December.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

While tickets are available at the door, booking online is highly recommended. The museum uses a timed-entry system to manage the flow of the immersive “Georgians at Home” experience. Booking ahead secures your slot and avoids disappointment on busy weekends.

History of the house

No. 1 was the first house built in the Royal Crescent, constructed between 1767 and 1774. It was designed by John Wood the Younger as the “palace front” of thirty houses. For years, it served as a luxury lodging house for the aristocracy visiting Bath for “the season.” It has been restored to show exactly how a gentleman would have lived during the height of the Enlightenment.

Inside: What to see

• The Dining Room: Set for a lavish Georgian dessert course. Look for the elaborate sugar sculptures which were a sign of extreme wealth.
• The Lady’s Retiring Room: A delicate space filled with 18th-century fashion accessories and writing desks.
• The Kitchen: Located in the basement, this room features a massive open hearth and a “dog wheel” used for turning the roasting spit.
• The Gentleman’s Bedroom: Complete with a wig stand and an original 18th-century “close stool” (toilet).
• Immersive Projections: Watch for the digital “shadows” on the walls that show servants and masters going about their daily business.

What’s included with your ticket?

A standard entry ticket includes:

• Access to the restored historic rooms across the house.
• The “Georgians at Home” immersive audio-visual experience.
• Access to the Andrew Brownsword Gallery for temporary exhibitions.
• An Annual Pass for repeat entry within 12 months.

Things to do near No. 1 Royal Crescent

Royal Victoria Park (100m, 1 min walk)

A massive green space right in front of the Crescent. It features a botanical garden and a famous children’s play area.

The Jane Austen Centre (600m, 8 min walk)

A museum dedicated to Bath’s most famous resident. You can take photos with a “Mr. Darcy” actor at the door.

The Circus (300m, 4 min walk)

Another architectural masterpiece by the Wood family. It is a perfect circle of houses inspired by the Colosseum.

Assembly Rooms (450m, 6 min walk)

Where the Georgians went to dance, gamble, and gossip. The chandeliers here are some of the finest in the world.

Bath Abbey & Roman Baths (1km, 12 min walk)

The heart of the city. The Roman ruins are essential, though often very crowded.

Elsewhere in Somerset, you can enjoy a considerably less genteel experience at Shepton Mallet Prison.

Practical tips

• No Prams: Due to the historic nature of the building, prams and buggies cannot be taken inside.
• Accessibility: There is a lift that provides step-free access to the ground floor and basement (Kitchen/Parlour), but it does not reach the upper bedroom floors.
• Bags: Large bags are not permitted as they risk damaging the furniture.
• Stairs: If you do the full tour, be prepared for steep, narrow staircases, particularly the back stairs used by servants.

FAQs