The American Museum & Gardens sits about ten minutes outside central Bath and charges £17 for an adult day ticket (this includes a voluntary 10% donation; ask at the ticket office if you'd rather pay without it), with children 5 to 17 at £10 and under-5s free. It's open Tuesday to Sunday, plus bank holidays and school holidays, and the gardens alone are worth the trip even if you're not fussed about the museum.
What it actually is
It's the only museum of American decorative arts and history outside the United States, built around a collection of period rooms, quilts and folk art brought over and installed inside a Bath country house. The exhibition gallery runs themed shows alongside the permanent collection, and the surrounding gardens include a recreation of part of George Washington's Mount Vernon estate, which is a genuinely odd and pleasant thing to stumble into in the Somerset countryside.
Prices and what's included
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £17.00 (with 10% donation) |
| Student | £14.00 (with 10% donation) |
| Child (5-17) | £10.00 (with 10% donation) |
| Under 5s | Free |
| 2 Adult Family (up to 3 children) | £42.00 |
| 1 Adult Family (up to 3 children) | £25.50 |
Day admission covers the museum, the exhibition gallery, the gardens, the deli and the gallery shop. If you visit regularly, annual membership starts at £42 for an individual and gives unlimited entry. Discounts apply for National Art Pass holders (50% off) and BANES Discovery Card holders (25% off), and carers go free when accompanying someone they care for.
Opening times
Through most of the year (mid-February to early November 2026) the car park, gardens, gallery and shop run 10am to 5pm with last entry at 4:30pm, while the museum itself keeps shorter hours of 11am to 4pm, last entry 3pm. Hours shorten slightly from November into January. It's closed Mondays outside school holidays and bank holidays, and shut entirely over Christmas.
Getting there
The museum is at Claverton, about ten minutes from central Bath by car. Parking is free for visitors and members. If you don't have a car, check current bus options before you go, since this is outside easy walking distance of the centre; combining it with a taxi or a booked transfer is the simplest option if public transport doesn't line up with your visit.
Is it worth it
If you want a full day out with gardens included, or you have a specific interest in American history and folk art, yes. If you're only in Bath for a single day and are prioritising the Roman Baths and the centre, it's more of a second-day or half-day add-on given the short trip out of town required.
Nearby and planning
If you're building a longer visit around it, see our guide to day trips from Bath and where to stay in Bath for planning a stay that has room for a half-day out at Claverton. For getting around without your own car, our getting around Bath without a car guide covers your options.
Frequently asked questions
How much is adult admission to the American Museum & Gardens?
£17.00, which includes a voluntary 10% donation. You can ask to pay without the donation at the ticket office if you prefer.
Is the American Museum & Gardens open every day?
No. It's open Tuesday to Sunday, plus bank holidays and Bath & North East Somerset school holidays. It's closed on other Mondays and over Christmas.
Is parking free at the American Museum & Gardens?
Yes, the car park is free for visitors and members who are there for the museum and gardens.
How far is it from central Bath?
About ten minutes by car. It's outside comfortable walking distance, so you'll need a car, taxi or bus to get there.
Can I visit just the gardens without the museum?
Day admission covers the museum, gallery, gardens, deli and shop together as one ticket; check the museum's current offers directly if you specifically want a gardens-only rate, as availability of reduced tickets can vary.
Is it suitable for a family day out?
Yes. Family tickets are available, under-5s go free, and the gardens give kids plenty of space to explore alongside the museum's period rooms.