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About
Take your groups on a visit to the place a planet was discovered from!
The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is the historic home of the astronomers and musicians William and Caroline Herschel. Here, they lived and worked, making many astronomical discoveries, including the planet Uranus from the back garden.
Learn about their achievements, their relationship as brother and sister, and about their time here in Bath. You can still see the huge cracks in the workshop flagstones where William once spilled molten metal whilst making one of his telescopes – exploding the floor!
Telescopes made by the Herschels can be seen around the world, including the USA (Chicago Planetarium, Smithsonian).
Self-guided tours of the museum are available, including using the free Bloomberg Connects App, which provides a digital tour with text translation in 50 languages. Pre-booked guided tours are also available for groups, subject to availability.
Key selling points for groups
One of Bath’s hidden gems, groups love visiting the Herschel Museum. At just under an hour, it fits neatly into most itineraries, adding a taste of culture and history to a trip to Bath.
Those with an interest in space history will be particularly enamoured, but everyone will be charmed by this special place.
Useful information for the travel trade
Group booking procedures
- All groups and FIT visits are booked via email.
Group sizes and event capacity
- No minimum group size.
- Maximum group size for self-guided tours is 40 pax with group split into staggered entry times.
- Maximum group size for guided tours is 15 pax.
Coach access and parking
- Nearest coach drop-off point is James Street West (BA1 2DA). This is a five-minute walk to the main entrance to the Museum.
Exclusive offering
This museum is a great leisure activity for groups, with the option for exclusive private tours, and guided stargazing or solar-gazing sessions in the garden can be organised on request.
Accessibility
- A disabled parking space is situated outside the museum in New King Street.
- An audio tour is available for visitors who are blind or partially sighted, accompanied by a book of tactile images.
- A virtual tour is available to visitors with mobility problems on the ground floor; it is also possible to see Constructing the Heavens on a screen in the reception area.
- Tactile plans of the museum and garden are available with raised lettering and Braille.
- Replicas of objects such as Herschel’s polishing machine situated in the workshop are designed to be handled.
Guide Prices
Visit the Herschel Museum of Astronomy's website for current entry prices.
Under 18s free with accompanying adult. Concessions available for seniors, students, NHS staff and Blue Light card holders.
Entry for Bath Preservation Trust Members is free with proof of membership upon entry.
Tickets are annual passes and can be used for free repeat returns to the museum for up to 12 months from purchase.
Facilities
Establishment Features
- Age or physical restrictions - Most of the museum's rooms are only accessible via stairs. Digital tour is available on Ground Floor.
- Cancellation policy - Require a non-refundable deposit at least 1 month in advance of a booking.
- Exclusive Use
- Public liability policy
- Safeguarding policy
Parking & Transport
- Close to Major Travel Routes
- Within 1 Mile of a Train Station
Travel & Trade
- Accept Groups up to 15 people - Preferably under 10 unless staggered entry.
- Accept Groups between 16-35 people - Yes with staggered entry.
- Accept Groups between 35-50 people - Yes with staggered entry.
- Booking confirmations sent by email
- Group discounts available - Only for student groups.
- Rates available 12 months in advance
- Time advised on site - 45 - 60 minutes.
- Wi-fi available
