Bath Assembly Rooms - © Stephen McKay
Bath Assembly Rooms are located in the World Heritage City of Bath, the historic public rooms are available to view for the public and offer a fascinating insight in to Georgian society and history. The Assembly Rooms are among the most popular attractions in the city, the rooms date back to the 18th century and over the years have become synonymous with fashionable Georgian society. Visitors to the city of Bath have a number of historic and heritage sites to see including the elegant Assembly Rooms. With its range of historical attractions Bath is a firm favourite for visitors looking for heritage sites.
Attractions
Bath Assembly Rooms are located in the city centre of Bath, the property was designed originally by John Wood the Younger back in 1769 and completed a few years later. Over the years the rooms have come to symbolise the elegant and fashionable Georgian society and have been used for a range of socialising and entertainment purposes.
The rooms have been at the centre of social activities here since the 18th century, the rooms are imposing and impressive, a visit here offers visitors the chance to see and explore a building of historical, social and architectural importance. In building displays the famous Georgian architecture that the World Heritage City of Bath is well known for and is regarded as a fine example of period architecture.
Historically people would gather in the rooms in the evenings for a range of public functions, to play cards and for evening balls. During the social season mothers and chaperones would bring their daughters to Bath with the aim of looking for a suitable husband, in keeping with societal protocol. The influence of the rooms is shown in some of the works by famous writers of the time including Jane Austin and Charles Dickens.
During World War II the rooms were bombed and suffered damage, however the rooms were later restored and renovated to past glories.
The Ball Room is the most striking of the rooms, at 30 metres long it is the largest Georgian interior in the city and can accommodate up to 500 people. Features include the five crystal chandeliers that are known for the way they reflect light on to the walls. Historically it was here that large balls were held with up to 1,000 people attending. The Ball Room is a popular venue for a concert and other events.
The Tea Room is a popular venue that is noted for the pillared design in the room. Features include the three Georgian designed chandeliers that emit plenty of sparkle in every direction. The location of the room means on sunny days the room is full of light. The Tea Room is smaller than the Ball Room and can accommodate approx 100 plus dinner guests or 250 people for a conference. In addition the room is licensed for civil weddings.
The Octagon as it is known is a perfect octagon making it unique in its symmetry and its shape. The Octagon links the Ball Room to the Tea Room here visitors will see paintings by Hoare and Gainsborough. The room is noted for its yellow colour, the main features here are the four mantelpieces and the four doors that connect with all the other rooms. The Octagon is a popular venue for civil weddings.
The Card Room is located beyond the Great Octagon, the room was added back in 1777 essentially to accommodate the needs of card players and allowed them with a more private venue in which they could meet and indulge in their passion. The room is noted for its shape being long and narrow making it a preferred venue for a bar to serve refreshments and drinks.
The Fashion Museum is located on one of the floors and contains a range of displays and artefacts that show a wide range of clothing and fashion over several centuries. The earliest pieces on show are from the 17th century with a range of pieces on display over the years, right up to the modern day.
Today the Rooms are owned by the National Trust and let to the Bath and North East Somerset Council, the main rooms are available for hire for private functions. The grandeur and design of the rooms make them popular for filming and television.
How to Get There
The Rooms can be accessed by both car and public transport:
By Car:
Bath is located approx 115 miles from central London, the approx car journey time is 2 hours and 20 minutes. From London take the A4 then the M4 and drive to junction 18. Exit the M4 at junction 18 on to the A46 to Stroud/Bath. At the junction with the A4 London Road, turn right in to it and drive along until the left turning for Roman Road, turn in to Roman Road and drive until the exit on the right for Landsdown Road, drive down Landsdown Road until the turning on the left for Bennett Street and the Assembly Rooms are located further up the road.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is BA1 2QH.
There is pay and display parking available.
By Train:
From London Paddington Station central London trains are available to the main station in the city centre, Bath Spa, the journey time is approx 90 minutes. From Bath Spa station the Assembly Rooms are within a 10 minutes walk.
By Coach:
National Express offers services from London Victoria Coach Station to Bath, the journey time is approx 3 hours to 3 hours 45 minutes. From Bath Spa visitors can walk to the Assembly Rooms.
Contact Details
Bath Assembly Rooms
Bennett Street
Bath
Somerset
BA1 2QH
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1225 477173
Fax: +44 (0)1225 477743
email: bathassemblyrooms@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website: National Trust
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
Open from 10.30 until 17.00 (Daily in February)
Open from 10.30 until 18.00 (Daily from March until end of October)
Open from 10.30 until 17.00 (Daily from November until end of January)
Note: The last admission is 1 hour before closing. The rooms are closed when booked for functions, it is recommended visitors call and check before going to ensure the rooms are open to view on a specific date.
Further Information:
Admission is Free
Facilities:
There is a Cafe serving a range of drinks and refreshments along with light snacks.
There are baby changing facilities on site.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Bath Assembly Rooms Map
Tips & Other Considerations
There may be some variations on the opening hours depending on the time of year and other factors. It is recommended visitors double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open.
When travelling follow common sense travellers tips and remain alert, vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Ensure valuables i.e. your wallet/purse are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Bath, ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Use the route planner for find door to door directions for your trips. Check the traffic updates for the news before you travel.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops in time.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
