Welcome to Bath Abbey

Living and Telling the Good News of Jesus with the City of Bath and its Visitors

A moment of stillness in the beating heart of a vibrant city. A space that’s alive with music and prayer, art and history. A place where awe-inspiring architecture lifts the eyes – and raises the spirit. Bath Abbey is many things to many people.

Whether you come here to join a service or a tour, light a candle or listen to our choirs, what unites us all is a sense of wonder. There is so much to discover – please step inside…

Rector of Bath Abbey in robes, standing before a cross on the altar

Message from our Rector

“Come unto me, all you who are weary and are heavy laden” said Jesus to the crowds who gathered around him, “and I will give you rest”. It is a great delight to be able to welcome you to the Abbey, so that all may draw near to the Lord in the stillness of this holy place. I join the whole Bath Abbey family in praying for God’s love and renewing strength to greet you afresh, and to fill your hearts with peace as you draw near to Him”

Bath Abbey seeks to be a “House of Prayer for all nations”, praying with and for needy people locally and all around the world, regardless of their political, ethnic or religious affiliation. By day, we are hosting a dedicated prayer station for all who wish to join us in praying for peace, and for the dreadful war in Ukraine to end.

The Revd Canon Guy Bridgewater
Rector of Bath Abbey

Christmas tree with golden lights in from of Bath Abbey

Visiting Hours (excludes services)

As an active working church in the community, at times the Abbey is open for services and special events and therefore closed for visiting. Please see the variations to visiting times below:

December Closures

Sat 2        Closing at 12.00pm for Shoppers' Carols

Sun 3       Closed for visiting due to services.

Weds 6     Closed 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Thurs 7     Closed 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Sat 9          Closing at 12.00pm for Shopper's Carols

Weds 13    Closed 1.00pm - 3.30pm

Thurs 14    Closed 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Fri 15         Closed 1.00pm - 3.30pm

Sun 17       Closed for visiting due to services.

Sat 23         Closed from 3pm

Sun 24 - Tues 26     Closed for visiting due to Christmas services

Weds 27 - Sat 30     Closing at 4pm

Sun 31 - Mon 1 Jan 2024   Closed for visiting

Latest News

An old, black and white photo of the outside of Bath Abbey

Thought for the Day and prayers for 75th Anniversary of VE Day

By Bath Abbey | May 7, 2020
Bath Abbey joins the nation in celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day tomorrow and is encouraging people to take part in the national programme of events remotely in their homes or gardens.  A special ‘Thought for the Day’ to remember…
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Just Ask Logo

Just Ask…prayer@bathabbey.org

By Bath Abbey | April 27, 2020
Bath Abbey is encouraging people to “just ask” if they would like prayers said for themselves, loved ones or those at the frontline fighting the Coronavirus.  Because of the government’s lockdown measures, all church buildings are closed until further notice.…
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Two hands in the shape of a heart

Tell us 3 things you would like to give thanks for

By Bath Abbey | April 18, 2020
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances”…says Paul as he writes to the Thessalonian church. Take a look at what the Abbey community is giving thanks for and rejoicing over this week. Do please let us know…
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Ellacombe chimes rung on Easter morning 2020

Abbey bells heard by locals on Easter morning

By Bath Abbey | April 13, 2020
Our church bells were still able to ring out on Easter morning thanks to two of the Abbey’s bellringers being given special permission to use the Ellacombe Chime which enables all the bells to be chimed by a single person.…
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