Temporary closure of Bath heritage sites

Heritage sites in Bath will close temporarily from tomorrow onwards to enable Bath & North East Somerset Council to maintain critical services for residents during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation.

The Roman Baths, the Fashion Museum, Victoria Art Gallery, the Pump Rooms, the Assembly Rooms and the Archives will close from 19 March until further notice in response to latest Government guidance on managing the spread of Covid-19. 

The closures will also allow the council to redeploy staff to ensure frontline services can continue and public safety is maintained. 

All tickets already purchased for visits before 31 May will be refunded over the next 30 days. Visitors do not need to contact the heritage sites to arrange this as refunds will be made automatically. 

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “Our number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors so we have no choice but to carry out these closures. Heritage sites are important places that enrich our experiences and quality of life, but they are also social spaces where people interact in close proximity.  

“I’d like to reassure people that the council services that need to continue will continue. The closure of our heritage sites will mean that staff can perform critical roles to help us support residents during this situation in the best way we possibly can.” 

As plans for reopening become clearer, people with pre-booked tickets for dates after 31 May will be contacted. However, visitors who have tickets for dates after 31 May can be refunded or are invited to rebook for a later date if they wish to do so.

Any further updates will be added to each heritage site’s website and social media channels.