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Herschel Museum of AstronomyHerschel Museum of Astromomy
Museum closed for filming of a period costume drama on Tuesday 19, Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 November. Also closed for Christmas decorating between Monday 25 and Friday 29 November. We apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment caused.

Accessibility

We believe that access to our museum should be as easy as possible for all visitors, and where possible, we make sure that we’re able to accommodate visitors with a disability in exploring the museum.

We are always looking at ways to make access to the museum easier and value your feedback in refining how we improve our services. Simply contact us today with any suggestions on how we can support you on your requirements, and we’ll work to accommodate your needs.

If you have a carer to help you, there is no admission charge for them.

The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is proud to be a supporting attraction of the Rainbow Resource Scheme, which supports Bath & North East Somerset families of children with SEND.

Information for Neurodivergent people

Sensory Map

The museum includes a variety of sensory environments, some of which neurodiverse visitors may find difficult. You can use the sensory map to identify sensory-friendly spaces in the museum. The map also includes a suggested route round the museum. Please keep in mind that, as the museum’s building and exhibitions change regularly, parts of this map may not be up to date on the day of your visit. The temperature varies as you move through the museum and some spaces can be quite cold. You may want to bring extra layers of clothing to put on.

A physical copy of the map will also be available on the front desk of the museum.

(PDF opens in a new tab):

Sensory Bag

Our new Sensory Bag can be borrowed from the reception desk. It contains resources and items that might support you on your visit, make your visit more enjoyable and help you keep calm as you explore. Please ask a member of staff if you would like to see the bag, find out more or borrow it. In advance of a visit you can call the museum to find out more and put the bag aside for your visit.

Included in the bag:

  • Ear defenders (adjustable for both children and adults)
  • Fidget toy
  • Planet stress ball
  • Plastic magnifying glass
  • Sensory communication fan
  • Soft toy to show around
  • A sensory map of the museum
  • A list of contents

The bag is free to borrow by signing them out at the main reception desk and leaving some form of ID as security (passport/driving licence/credit card). This is stored securely and returned when the bag is returned.

Ear Defenders

Ear defenders are available to borrow from the reception desk, just ask a member of staff.

Getting to the Museum

Parking

The museum is in the centre of New King Street, approx 500m from the city centre. A large pay and display car park is a 10 minute walk from the museum (Charlotte Street). There are no designated accessible bays outside the museum but designated accessible bays are available near the Charlotte Street car park entrance and next to the WC block. Click here to see a map.

Getting here by foot

New King Street is within easy walking distance of the city centre, Bath Spa Station, Queen Square and other landmarks. Wayfarer kiosks are in place throughout Bath.  The Herschel Museum is marked on these. Accompanying wayfarer maps can be obtained, free of charge, from the Tourist Information Centre and other venues.

Getting here by public transport

The nearest railway station is Bath Spa. The museum is half a mile’s walk from the station.

Taxis are available at the station. If you require an accessible taxi we suggest you book this in advance.

The nearest bus stop is half a mile from the museum. Take the No 1 or No 6 bus from Bath Bus Station to Alfred Street (on Lansdown Hill). To return take the No 1 or No 7 bus to Bath Bus Station. Buses run approximately every 10 minutes. All buses are accessible and can accommodate one wheelchair.

Alternatively take the Tour Buses from City Sightseeing Bath, which has a stop at Westgate Buildings, approx. 500m from the museum. The low floor buses are suitable for wheelchair access.

You can plan your journey by car or public transport using Journey Planner; simply enter your postcode and ours, which is BA1 2BL, to get directions.

Visitors with Mobility Impairments

Flooring

The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is carpeted, with the exception of the stairs to the basement and the basement rooms, where the floors are uneven. The basement stairs are very steep and narrow.

Step free access

Museum access is not step free, although the ground floor rooms are on the same level as the entrance, accessed via a few steps.

This route gives access to the following museum spaces:

  • Reception, Shop and Online Searchable Database
  • Dining Room

Unfortunately it does mean missing other rooms and the garden of the museum:

  • Drawing Room
  • Music Room
  • Kitchen
  • Workshop
  • Exhibition Gallery
  • Star Vault
  • Garden
  • Multimedia Guides

A virtual iPad tour of these rooms is available to download onto your own devise, or to borrow from the ticket desk.  An alternative tour for children is also available.

Toilet

A WC is located on the basement floor via the stairs and has a quiet electric hand-dryer.  The nearest accessible toilets are at Charlotte Street Car Park, a 10 minute walk from the museum.

Seating

A variety of seating is available throughout the museum, some with backs and arms. Please look for chairs and benches clear of a thistle, these are chairs that you are welcome to sit on.

Wheelchairs, Mobility Scooters and Buggies

We regret that mobility scooters, prams and buggies are not allowed in museum, in order to protect the furniture and displays from damage. Mobility scooters can be parked at the owner’s risk inside the railings on the paved area near the main entrance.

Manual wheelchairs are permitted.

Visitors with Visual Impairments

Service Dogs

Service dogs are welcome throughout the Museum. Puppies in training are welcome.

Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Bath Preservation Trust’s EDI policy can be viewed here.