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- The Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Where are we going?
Address: 19 New King Street, Bath, BA1 2BL How do we get there? Number: 01225 446 865
About this activity
A fun fact about Bath is that an actual planet was discovered right from the city, and YOU can be part of that story when you visit The Herschel Museum of Astronomy!
The whole family can actually visit the very house where a man named William Herschel designed his own telescope, and using that very design, discovered the planet of Uranus all the way back in 1781!
It was Herschel's own observations that also helped to double the known size of our solar system, which is pretty incredible!
Following the same tradition of many great astronomers of the Renaissance period, Herschel encourage the science of building telescopes, and as a result was rewarded by King George III for his work.
The home where this historical event happened was 19 New King Street and its here you can learn all about Herschel, astronomers of the times, and also the fact that what makes this man's achievement even more remarkable is that he was a self-taught amateur astronomer!
Today, the property is a Grade II listed building that has now been fully restored true to the style of that period. Did you also know that Dr Brian May - himself a musician and an astronomer - is the Museum’s patron, and you can't get cooler than that!
Time to reach for the stars at The Herschel Museum of Astronomy!
Activity location
Directions
The Herschel Museum does not provide parking facilities. The nearest car park is in Charlotte Street, a 10 minute walk from the Museum
By 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
How much does it cost?
Adults
£12.00 annual pass (museum only)
Children
Free under 18 years
Discount
Concessions £10.50 annual pass (museum only). Discounts for combo ticket for museum and No. 1 Royal Crescent.
Free Under
18 years with accompanying adult
Last Updates
2023
The Herschel Museum of Astronomy FAQ’s
They are delighted to welcome families to the museum and regularly hold family events so check online to see what's coming up in case you want to plan your day around it!
There is a shop located in the museum reception that you can enjoy the shop before or after your visit! Here you can pick up a host of gifts and souvenirs, as well as educational items such as books! A popular item to pick up is the Museum Guide Book
They do accept school groups! You just have to phone to book ahead of time - it's a great way to students to learn about history!
A disabled parking space is situated outside the museum in New King Street. They also offer audio guides for the blind of those of partial hearing, and 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.
Dr Brian May is the Museum’s patron – like William Herschel before him, both a musician and an astronomer!
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