On this page you can find frequently asked questions about visiting and worshipping at Bath Abbey and the new Discovery Centre.
- Why are you introducing an Admission Fee?
Due to circumstances outside of Bath Abbey’s control, donations alone are no longer a viable option to ensure that the church remains open and active.
This is due to reduced footfall in the city of Bath in the aftermath of the covid pandemic, other events within the country and those further afield.
Bath Abbey has a duty to support other churches within the Bath and Wells diocese to ensure the Christian message continues and that these historic buildings are safeguarded for future generations.
When reviewing options for the recovery of the Abbey’s financial position, these considerations were taken into account.
To allow the Abbey and its staff to deliver a high-quality experience to visitors, running the new Discovery Centre, and to fulfil the above reasons, it has been decided by the church leadership teams to introduce an admission fee for visitors.
Those who come to worship remain unaffected by this change.
Bath Abbey remains first and foremost a place of worship, with the aim of living and telling the good news of Jesus with the city of Bath and its visitors.
Visitors will experience the Abbey as a living church throughout their visit, with stewards and chaplains available, along with regular prayers from the pulpit.
- Does the admission fee apply to everyone?
Exemptions will apply for the following groups:
- No charge for those wishing to attend church services, to pray, or light a candle
- No charge for locals in the BA1 and BA2 postcode areas, with proof of address
- No charge for discovery card holders, with their card
- No charge for carers (may be asked to provide proof of carer status.)
- I have come to worship during visiting hours. Is there a charge?
Bath Abbey continues to welcome those who come to worship, pray or light a candle at no charge. Services remain open to everyone.
Please make the welcome staff aware that you have come to worship, and our friendly team will advise.
- What Admission Fee concessions are available and to whom?
Concession prices are available for family groups, children and students. Carers are free of charge and may be asked to provide proof of carer status.
- Family Ticket: 10% discount for up to 2 adults + accompanying children
- Children (5 - 15): £3.50 / £1.50 when the Discovery Centre is not open
- Students: £5.50 / £2.50 when the Discovery centre is not open
- What is included in my entry ticket price?
Included in an entry ticket is:
- Entry to the Abbey
- Entry to the Discovery Centre
- Guided tours throughout the day. As a working church our schedule of guided tours changes on a daily basis to accommodate worship. When you arrive at the Abbey information on tours for the day of your visit will be provided.
- How do I add an audio guide to my ticket?
Audio Guides can be added upon entry at a cost of £3.50 per download.
After the initial download, no Wi-Fi is needed. Audio guides and guided tours cover different sections of the Abbey.
- How much is the cost of a Tower Tour? / Step It Up! Tickets
“Step It Up!” tickets include a tower tour, entry to the Abbey and the Discovery Centre and a free guided tour of the Abbey floor.
- Adult: £15
- Student: £12
- Child (5 - 15): £7.50
- 50% off for Discovery Card holders or BA1 & BA2 residents, with card or proof of address
Tower tours can only be booked as part of a Step It Up! Ticket, and not as a tour .
- Sunday Visiting
Bath Abbey is a living church and on Sundays, worship is prioritised. Visiting is allowed around the 5 services the Abbey holds on Sundays at the following times:
- 13.15 - 14.30*
- 16.30 - 18.30*
*Last entry is 15 minutes before the closing time stated.
Due to these reduced visiting hours, there are no guided tours and no entry to the Discovery Centre. Ticket prices on Sundays are:
- Adults: £3.00
- Students: £2.50
- Children (5 -15): £1.50
- Families: 10% discount for up to 2 adults + accompanying children
- No charge for Discovery Card holders or BA1 & BA2 residents, with card or proof of address
- Can I take photos and videos during my visit?
You are welcome to take photos and videos of the Abbey however we ask that you respect those taking part in worship and private prayer and do not photograph them.
There are some rehearsals and events where photography and filming is not permitted for safeguarding or copywrite reasons. please check for signs or ask a member of staff before taking photos or recording any rehearsals or events.
- How do I book a ticket?
Tickets can be booked on the day of your visit to Bath Abbey at the welcome desk. Step It Up! tickets may fill up early in the day on peak visiting dates and we advise booking early on the day of your visit to ensure availability.
- Where does the money from admission fees go?
The money from admission fees goes towards:
- Providing ministry and pastoral care
- Maintaining and safeguarding the historic building of the Abbey for future generations
- Helping people in Bath and around the world
- Funding our music and choirs
It costs £40,000 a week to run the Abbey.
- Does Bath Abbey offer activities for families?
Bath Abbey will be offering a wide range of fun and engaging activities at weekends and the in school holidays. These will be included in the price of admission. The Abbey continues to review its offers to ensure accessibility for families.
- Will schools be charged extra to visit?
There is a thriving learning programme at Bath Abbey with tours and workshops specifically tailored to the curriculum for Key Stages 1 – 4. Existing prices to book these will not change.
Visits will now incorporate guided and self-led tours of the Discovery Centre to enhance students’ learning and enjoyment. This is now included in the existing prices of a school visit.
- What about people who can’t afford the entrance fee?
Bath Abbey has a successful community engagement programme in partnership with a wide range of charitable and educational organisations. This enables the Abbey to support groups who may be experiencing barriers to visit, ensuring that everyone can come and enjoy the events and activities here.
- What can I expect to find in the Discovery Centre?
The Discovery Centre is a designed to bring the Abbey’s history to life. Objects from the Abbey’s archives will be on display beneath the Abbey building, adjacent to the Abbey’s new Learning Room.
Videos, costumes and interactive exhibits bring an immersive element to the stories of the Abbey. Learn about the history of the building, and step back in time in the footprints of people who passed through – monks, scribes, bishops, kings and queens.
Alongside an extensive timeline of the Abbey’s history, historical artefacts, some of which have never been displayed in public before, will be on display. These include:
- Anglo-Saxon crosses
- Medieval carved stone fragments
- Medieval tiles - from the previous Norman cathedral
- Bellott font cover - The oldest piece of church furniture surviving in the Abbey.
- Benefactor’s Book - a record of money and materials given to the Abbey for its reconstruction. Much of the information about the progress of the rebuilding of the Abbey after the Reformation comes from study of this document.
- Historic silver, including the silver gilt Bellott Cuup
- How can I access the Discovery Centre?
After entering the Abbey, we recommend spending time on the Abbey floor and taking a tour before you visit the Discovery Centre. The Discovery Centre is accessed through the south transept, which is marked on your map. Please ask a steward or member of staff for directions if needed.
For more information on accessibility, please see the 'Accessibility' section further down on this page, or click the link here.
- How often do the Guided Tours of the Abbey take place and how long does the tour last?
Guided tours run throughout the day. As a working church our schedule of guided tours changes on a daily basis to accommodate worship. When you arrive at the Abbey information on tours for the day of your visit will be provided.
Tours will not take place during Abbey closures or services. Please check our opening times before your visit.
This is an accessible tour, open to all visitors with entry tickets.
- Are Guided Tours of the Abbey an extra charge?
Guided Tours are included in the entry price at no extra charge and are accessible. These half hour tours will take in stories of the Abbey’s history, including historical figures and the people involved in the Abbey’s construction.
Tower tours can be booked as part of the Step It Up! Ticket.
- Do I have to go on a tour?
Guided tours of the Abbey floor are optional. You are welcome to enjoy a self-guided visit. Staff, volunteers and chaplains are on hand to answer questions or support you on your journey of faith.
We offer audio guides at an additional price for those who wish to explore the Abbey at their own pace and for those who would like additional information not included in the guided tour.
Tower tours can be booked as part of the Step It Up! Ticket.
- I have come to worship. Do I have to pay?
Bath Abbey continues to welcome at no charge those who come to worship, pray or light a candle. Everyone is welcome to attend services
- What is offered for those who come to worship?
Bath Abbey offers the following for those who come to worship:
- A diverse range of services – 16+ services a week. Details can be found on the website
- Entry at no charge
- Quiet chapels for private prayer
- Candle stations
- Chaplains
- Regular prayers throughout the day for all visitors
- How do admission fees help Bath Abbey?
The money from admission fees for visitors will go towards:
- Maintaining this historic building for future generations
- Providing ministry and pastoral care
- Helping people in Bath and around the world
- Funding our music and choirs
- Ensuring visitors receive an inspiring experience of the Abbey
It costs £40,000 a week to run the Abbey.
- Are there toilets in the Abbey?
Toilets are available in the Abbey for worshippers and visitors. These can be accessed through the Discovery Centre.
An accessible toilet is available on the Abbey floor. Please ask a member of staff to guide you.
- Are there family changing facilities and accessible toilets in the Abbey?
Yes, an accessible toilet with family changing facilities is available on the Abbey floor. Please ask a member of staff to guide you.
A ‘Changing Places’ toilet is available in the Abbey. Please speak to a member of staff who will provide you with discreet access.
- Is the Discovery Centre accessible to wheelchair users?
Yes, the Discovery Centre is accessible via a lift. There is a ramp in the centre itself to reach the lower level.
Please note that the accessible toilet is on the Abbey floor, not through the Discovery Centre.
If you have any further questions specifically about accessibility, please contact Bath Abbey via email: visits@bathabbey.org
