Bath Abbey

Overview

Bath Abbey is a stunning late-Perpendicular Gothic church that dominates the city centre. Founded in the 7th century and rebuilt in the 12th and 16th centuries, it features one of the finest fan-vaulted ceilings in England and remarkable stained glass windows covering 80% of the wall surface.

Highlights

• Fan-vaulted ceiling: The nave's intricate fan vaulting, completed in 1608, is among the finest examples in England.
• Tower tours: Climb 212 steps for behind-the-scenes views of the bells, clock mechanism, and a roof-level panorama.
• West façade: The famous carved angels climbing Jacob's Ladder on the front towers.

History

King Edgar was crowned here in 973 AD, establishing Bath Abbey's importance in English ecclesiastical history. The current building was begun by Bishop Oliver King in 1499 after he had a vision of angels ascending ladders to heaven, which inspired the iconic west front carvings.

Visitor Tips

• Tower tours: Book in advance; tours run every 30 minutes.
• Evensong: Free choral evensong services offer a beautiful experience.
• Duration: 30–60 minutes for the interior; add 45 minutes for the tower tour.