The Holbourne Museum

The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bathwick, Bath, UK
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

The Holburne Museum is a historic art museum in Bath, home to an extensive collection of fine and decorative arts. It offers a mix of exhibitions, creative activities, and family-friendly experiences in a beautiful setting. It’s an ideal destination for art lovers, families, and anyone looking to explore culture and creativity.

The museum houses over 10,000 objects including paintings, porcelain, embroideries, and portrait miniatures, alongside a vibrant programme of temporary exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy activity trails, discovery drawers, and sensory bags designed to enhance the experience, especially for children and those with additional needs. The “Space to Make” area provides free creative activities for families, while regular workshops encourage hands-on learning. Facilities include a café overlooking Sydney Gardens, parking, and family-friendly amenities. 

Entry costs £16.50 for adults, £8 for concessions, £2 for Universal/Pension Credit holders, and is free for visitors aged 18 and under. Venue hire options for events and celebrations are also available, with spaces starting from £600. 

Overall, The Holburne Museum offers a rich blend of art, history, and interactive experiences. Its engaging exhibits and creative spaces make it enjoyable for visitors of all ages. It is a must-visit cultural attraction in the heart of Bath. 

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Home to over 10,000 objects from across the globe and a vibrant programme of art exhibitions, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy at The Holburne. Families can take part in a variety of self-guided activities and make use of resources available daily to enrich their visit. Throughout the year, we also run a wide range of creative workshops, designed to spark inspiration and provide a space for future artists to explore, make, and create.

  • Activity Trails: We offer activity trails aimed at children and families at different times throughout the year. This could be inspired by a certain new exhibition or special occasion/event. Please ask at front desk for more information about what’s available at the time of your visit.
  • Sensory Bags: Sensory Bags offer a range of fun, interactive sensory resources and toys to enhance your visit to the museum. The bags have been designed to support visitors with additional sensory needs but anyone can book out and use a Sensory bag to accompany their time in the museum.
  • Discovery Drawers: Discover activity drawers throughout the extension galleries. Spot the fake objects and guess what others are made from; children of all ages love exploring the activity drawers, with magnifying glasses to help where needed.
  • Space to Make: Space to Make is a FREE, accessible, creative area located in the heart of the Holburne Museum. The space provides engaging, making-based activities designed for children and families. Inspired by the museum’s latest exhibitions and unique collection, activities are self-led, ideal for budding creatives or mini makers to enjoy! Available during museum opening hours, located on the museum ground floor.
  • The Collection: At the heart of the Holburne Museum is the collection of Sir William Holburne (1793-1874), fifth baronet of Menstrie. William seemed destined for a naval career but, following the death of his elder brother Francis, he inherited the family title and a modest fortune. Since his death, more than 9,000 items have been added to his collection including portrait miniatures, porcelain, embroideries and portraits by some of the greatest artists of the eighteenth century.

Facilities

  • Parking: Parking avaialble. 
  • Food & Drinks: Located at the rear of the Museum and filled with natural light, the Cafe opens onto the historic Sydney Gardens and is the perfect spot in which to relax during your day at the Museum. The Cafe serves ethically sourced and locally roasted coffee, as well as a range of teas and soft drinks. 
  • Toilets: Both our male and female toilets have baby-changing facilities.

What to see

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Full Price: £16.50 
  • Concessions: £8 (Art Fund / 19 – 25 year olds / NSU card holders)
  • Universal and Pension Credit: £2
  • Free Entry for: 18 and under

Pricing URL: https://holburne.org/planning-your-visit/ticket-information/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Venue Hire at The Holburne

  • The Holburne Museum’s Garden Café and Terrace is the perfect venue for birthday parties, celebrations and corporate events. The Garden Cafe opens out on to our large terrace, where you can enjoy your celebrations at the entrance to Bath’s original pleasure garden.
  • Book a band or a DJ or take advantage of our in house sound system for speeches and your own unique playlists. You can work with our locally sources lighting designers to create a unique atmosphere to give your event a truly extraordinary feel.

Venue Hire Prices

  • Garden Cafe & Terrace (indoor capacity 90 standing) £2000
  • Davidson Ballroom Gallery (capacity 80 standing) £2500
  • CLORE learning Space (30 capacity cabaret style / 50 capacity lecture style no catering space/ 30 capcity lecture style with catering space) £600 whole day / £300 half day

We are open daily 10am to 5pm (Sunday and Bank Holiday 11am to 5pm). Closed 24 to 26 December and 1 January.

Address: The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bathwick, Bath, UK

Post Code: BA2 4DB

Council: Bath and North East

County: Somerset and Bristol

  • On Foot: We are a ten minute walk from the centre of town along Great Pulteney Street, one of the most beautiful Georgian streets in the country.
  • By Car: Our car park operates under the MiPermit scheme enabling you to pay via your mobile. Our location number is 701060. The car park machine, located by the entrance to the car park, also accepts coins. 
  • By Bus: The D1 and the U1 and U3, all start from the Bus Station (next to the Railway Station). It can also be boarded opposite the Guildhall in the High Street. Get off at the Holburne Museum stop in Great Pulteney Street and cross the road to the Museum which is ahead of you. To return find the  bus stop in Great Pulteney Street, opposite the outgoing one. This bus does not go to the Guildhall on its way back to the Bus Station so get off in North Parade or go all the way to the Bus Station.
  • By Train: We are a 15 minute stroll from Bath Spa Train Station (0.8miles), through the historical city of Bath and down Great Pulteney Street towards Sydney Gardens.

5

0 Reviews

Rating breakdown

5
80% Complete (danger)
0
4
80% Complete (danger)
0
3
80% Complete (danger)
0
2
80% Complete (danger)
0
1
80% Complete (danger)
0

More Day Outs in Bath and North East Somerset

Get the best blog stories into your inbox!