I have looked further into space than any human being did before me
William Herschel
The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is dedicated to the many achievements of the Herschels, who were distinguished astronomers as well as talented musicians. It was from this house, using a telescope of his own design that William discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. His observations helped to double the known size of the solar system. Following a tradition of the great astronomers of the Renaissance he pushed forward the science of building telescopes. He was rewarded for his work by King George III, and also received the Copley Medal. Caroline also made a huge contribution to the field of astronomy. The work of the Herschels clearly had an impact on modern science and space exploration.
The late Sir Patrick Moore was a patron of the museum and described William Herschel as “the first man to give a reasonably correct picture of the shape of our star-system or galaxy, the best telescope-maker of his time, and possibly the greatest observer who ever lived”.
Our photo library offers a range of images of the Herschels and the museum including portraits, general views and museum objects. Please enquire about reproduction fees.
1st February to 31st December (Tuesday to Sunday)
10am to 5pm, last entry 4pm.
Closed between 1pm to 2pm on Weekends
Closed on 25 & 26 December
Closed January 2024, reopening 1st February 2024.
Please note: We will occasionally be closed for School and other group bookings so do take a look at the website or call the museum before visiting, to check up to date opening information.
Please pay by card or contactless when visiting, thank you.
1 Feb – 31 Dec 2024. Open Tuesday – Sunday
Admission to Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Admission to Herschel Museum of Astronomy AND No.1 Royal Crescent
We recommend to make a pre-booked purchase of the ‘Annual Pass – includes No.1 Royal Crescent’ ticket via online link here to guarantee a timed slot at No.1 Royal Crescent.
Concessions
Groups
For all group and school bookings please contact the museum. Groups arriving at the museum without a booking may be refused entry. Educational groups rates apply.
Bath Preservation Trust Member ticketsThese are available but we would ask members to consider purchasing a ticket to support the museum. If you do opt for a free BPT member ticket during opening hours, please ensure you bring your valid membership card with you when you visit.Annual PassesPlease retain your ticket receipt as this is to be used as proof of purchase for your annual pass. If you lose your receipt we are not able to reissue these or allow free admission to the museum.Annual passes are non-transferable. If you are returning on a valid annual pass please ensure that you bring this with you. Consider adding Gift Aid to your ticketGift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid – an extra 25 per cent – which helps us continue to run our museum. An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to Bath Preservation Trust.
The museum is across three floors with some steep stairs and very limited access for wheelchairs. Please ensure you can manage these steps or call the museum to find out more, request assistance and plan your visit.Carers can visit for free with an accompanying visitor, please pay for your ticket on arrival and you carer will be able to visit with you free of charge.We are running a family trail and will provide sheets you can keep.Hand sanitiser will be available throughout the building. Face coverings are a personal choice for each visitor.The shop is open and in the museum reception, you can enjoy the shop before or after your visit. We are contactless, no cash can be used.BPT reserves the right to close the museum at short notice. If BPT cancel events, pre-booked ticket holders will be informed and fully refunded.
We are delighted to welcome families to the museum and regularly hold family events. Check out our events page to find out more.
On 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.
By Bike
Renting a bike is a great way to get to us, and to see more the city. Find out more about cycling in Bath here, and see options for hiring a bike in Bath here.
By Car
The Herschel Museum does not provide parking facilities. The nearest car park is in Charlotte Street, a 10 minute walk from the Museum. (Please see map below.)
By Train
Find trains to Bath Spa Station on the First Great Western website or us this TrainLine link.
Bloomberg Connects
We now offer a new guide on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, making our museum and collections more accessible for onsite visits through photo, audio and video features. We have devices that visitors can borrow to access these new guides. The guide also include sections just for children so that they can engage with the museums independently.
Whether you are in the museum or sitting at home, you can explore the collections and engage with our stories.
View the Herschel Museum guide here before you visit!
Family Trail
‘Amazing Astronomy’ – an exciting trail for children – is available to buy from the admissions desk (£1.50).
Museum Shop
There is a small gift shop at the Herschel Museum where you will find a range of cards, souvenirs and books for sale, including the Museum Guide Book.
The Star Vault
The Star Vault is where the museums children’s activity area is set up, including Space Lego and craft’s.
Digital Books
Several rare books, such as Caroline Herschel’s visitors’ book, can be viewed in detail on a monitor near the admissions desk.
Non-flash photography is permitted in the Museum. Please note that the use of ‘selfie sticks’ in not permitted.
We have a comprehensive database of images which can be purchased for publication purposes.
The Herschel Museum makes an interesting location for filming TV documentaries, as well as period dramas.
To contact the Curator to discuss your requirements, please click here.
