Bath Abbey is a church in the centre of Bath, in the English county of Somerset, close to the Roman Baths and the city's main shopping streets. Its formal name is the Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, though most visitors simply know it as Bath Abbey.
The building is a Perpendicular Gothic church, a style recognisable by its straight, vertical lines and tall windows. It is often called the "Lantern of the West" because of its large windows, which fill the interior with light, and its fan vaulting, the intricate stone ceiling that spreads across the nave like a canopy. Looking up at the roof is one of the most rewarding parts of a visit.
What to expect
- Architecture: large windows and fan vaulting in the Perpendicular Gothic style.
- Setting: a central location, easy to combine with a walk through the city.
- Atmosphere: a place of worship as well as a visitor attraction, so it is best approached quietly.
Planning your visit
The abbey is at Kingston Buildings, Bath BA1 1LT. If you wish to check arrangements before you travel, you can call the abbey on +44 1225 422462. Allow time to stand back and take in the ceiling and windows, then explore the surrounding streets, which hold many of the city's historic buildings.
