Bath Abbey
A late Gothic church whose west façade carves angels climbing ladders to heaven. Its fan vaulting and large stained-glass windows have earned it the title “Lantern of the West.”
Bath Abbey stands beside the Roman Baths. An abbey has been on this site since the 7th century, and in 973 Edgar, the first king of England, was crowned here. The present building was begun in 1499 and is one of the last great medieval churches in England, in the Perpendicular Gothic style. Angels carved on either side of the west façade climb up and down ladders to heaven, inspired by a dream of Bishop Oliver King. Inside, the fan vaulting is exquisite and intricate, and the huge stained-glass windows make the interior especially bright. Visitors may donate to enter the church. The tower tour, which takes about 50 minutes and climbs 212 steps, requires a ticket and takes you up the bell tower and roof for views over the Roman Baths and the whole city of Bath. Services are held on Sundays, and visiting hours may change. Every year from late November to December, the Bath Christmas Market is held on the streets around the church.
Opening hours
Mon–Sat about 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Sun open after worship service (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Roman Baths
- Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House
- Pulteney Bridge
- Thermae Bath Spa
- Jane Austen Centre
- The Circus
- Holburne Museum
- Royal Crescent