Museum of Bath at Work

About

The Museum of Bath at Work offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s industrial and commercial heritage, spanning over 2,000 years of working life. Housed in a former Real Tennis Court dating from 1777, the museum features authentically reconstructed workshops and businesses, including a Victorian soft drinks factory, a Bath Stone mine, and the original premises of J.B. Bowler’s engineering works. Visitors can explore three floors of immersive displays, from cabinet-making and ironmongery to early motor vehicles like the 1914 Horstmann car. Free audio guides and regular demonstrations bring the exhibits to life, while temporary exhibitions and children’s activities ensure a dynamic experience for all ages. The museum also hosts talks, film screenings, and community events, making it a vibrant cultural hub. With its unique blend of social history and hands-on storytelling, the Museum of Bath at Work invites visitors to discover the ingenuity and spirit that shaped the city’s working identity.

Bath United Kingdom

Location

The American Museum & Gardens is located at Claverton Manor, Bath, Somerset, BA2 7BD, just about ten minutes from Bath city centre. Situated on the outskirts of the town within the scenic Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the museum is set in a Grade I listed Georgian estate surrounded by breathtaking prairie-style gardens designed by Oehme, van Sweden. Visitors can explore extensive gardens inspired by George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, which offer spectacular views across the Limpley Stoke valley, alongside fascinating collections of American arts, heritage, quilts, folk art, and maps. Nearby, the Museum is accessible by First Bus services U1 and U2 from Bath city centre, followed by a 15-minute walk through a picturesque footpath crossing part of the National Trust’s Bath Skyline Walk. The location provides a peaceful retreat from the city, with facilities including a gallery shop, children’s play area, and the American Garden Deli featuring a scenic valley terrace for refreshments. The museum’s parkland and arboretum make it an ideal spot for families, art lovers, and garden enthusiasts to enjoy a rich cultural experience with stunning views.