Bath Abbey

A soaring late-medieval church at the heart of the city, famous for its fan vaulting and its ladders of stone angels.

Address: Bath Abbey, Bath BA1 1LT
Adult entry from: Free
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 – 17:30
Sunday: Services only
Founded: 7th century (current building 1499)
Tower tours: Book in advance
Accessibility: Step-free nave
Web: www.bathabbey.org

There has been a place of worship on this site for over 1,300 years. The present church was begun in 1499 after Bishop Oliver King dreamt of angels climbing ladders to heaven — look for them carved on the west front.

Inside, the fan-vaulted ceiling is one of the finest in England. Climb the 212 steps of the tower for views across the city's Georgian rooftops and sit behind the clock face.

Tour	Duration	Notes
Tower tour	50 min	Not suitable for under-5s
Floor tour	30 min	Step-free

Gallery

The famous fan-vaulted ceiling of the nave

Map

What's on here

Bath Christmas Market opens — 12 November 2026

Abbey Tower carol singing — 5 December 2026