The Museum of Bath at Work, tucked into a former Georgian real tennis court near the centre, is open daily from 10:30am to 5pm between April and October, weekends only in February and March, and closed in December and January (last admission is 4pm). It's a good, low-key rainy-day option that most visitors overlook in favour of the Roman Baths.
What's inside
The museum tells the story of Bath's industrial and working history rather than its Georgian or Roman side, built around the collection of a working Victorian engineering firm, J. B. Bowler, whose original workshop and equipment forms the core of the displays. Expect recreated workshops, early fizzy drinks and cabinet-making equipment, and exhibits on other Bath trades and businesses through the 19th and 20th centuries.
Opening hours by season
Opening hours change through the year: from 1 April to 31 October, it's open daily from 10:30am to 5pm (last admission 4pm); in February and March, it opens weekends only, at the same hours; and it's closed through November, December and January, though it's worth checking directly if you're visiting in November since this can vary year to year. Given the seasonal closures, it's worth confirming current opening days on the museum's own site before making a special trip, especially outside the main April-to-October season.
What it costs
We couldn't independently confirm an up-to-date adult admission price for this museum, so check the current ticket price directly on the museum's own site before you visit rather than relying on third-party listings, which don't agree with each other. The museum does offer a Gift Aid admission option, where a small additional donation on top of your ticket gets you free entry for a full year from the date of purchase, which is worth it if you think you'll want to pop back for a second, shorter visit.
Is it worth a visit?
If you've already done the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey and want something different, or you're looking for an indoor option on a wet day, it's a solid pick, and it's usually far quieter than the big-name attractions. Combine it with a wider look at Bath's museums scene using our things to do in Bath guide. If the weather's the deciding factor, our Bath in the rain guide covers other indoor options nearby.
Museum of Bath at Work at a glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Open (Apr-Oct) | Daily, 10:30am-5pm (last admission 4pm) |
| Open (Feb-Mar) | Weekends only, same hours |
| Closed | November through January (check for exceptions) |
| Focus | Bath's industrial and working history, built around the J. B. Bowler collection |
| Good for | Rainy days, a quieter alternative to the Roman Baths |
Planning your visit
Because opening days shrink outside the main season, check before you travel if you're visiting between November and March. It sits close enough to the centre to combine with a morning at the Roman Baths or a wander down to the Abbey, and pairs well with a wider day exploring Bath's smaller museums; our Bath on a budget guide has more ideas if you're trying to see a lot without spending much.