Discover Bath Abbey Cemetery

“It is difficult to imagine a more lovely spot…it commands some of the most delightful views of Bath.” (Bath Chronicle, 1844)

Bath Abbey cemetery opened in 1844 after the under-floor burials at the Abbey reached capacity. Designed by John Claudius Loudon, there are 6,335 burials which include key local and national figures from the Victorian period and 20th century. It was closed in 1995 and Bath & North East Somerset council maintain the site. Abbey staff and volunteers will reveal fascinating stories about the memorials for this special Heritage Open Day event.

Visitors are welcome any time between 10.00 and 1.00. Volunteers, informative displays, family activities (age 4+) and refreshments to buy will be available outside the Chapel at the top of the Cemetery which will be clearly signposted.

There are also free guided tours at 10.00, 11.00, 12.00. Tickets need to be booked in advance. There will be 20 people maximum on each tour, tickets are available on the Bath Abbey website. Maximum 2 tickets per person. Tours will last approximately an hour.

Please be aware that the route to the Chapel and also around the cemetery on the tour will cover uneven ground and involve standing throughout. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather.

If there is adverse weather on the day, the event may need to be cancelled. An announcement will be made on our social media platforms.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

1000 - 1300, Tours at 1000, 1100, 1200

Location & directions

Prior Park Road, Bath, Somerset, BA2 5BB

Directions:

Entrance: ///player.joins.privately (what3words.com) It takes 15 minutes to walk to the Cemetery from the city centre including up a moderate hill. It’s on Prior Park Road opposite the junction with Church St. The pedestrian entry will be clearly signposted on the day. There is no parking on that road or on the cemetery site itself but the nearest road for parking is Perrymead. Buses from the city centre to Combe Down stop outside the main gate: https://www.firstgroup.com/bristol-bath-and-west/plan-journey/journey-planner/

Contact on day:

Polly Andrews

Telephone number:

+441225303319

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Tour tickets: pre-booking required on the Bath Abbey website: bathabbey.org

Booking website:

https://bathabbey.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

Alternative booking website:

https://bathabbey.org

Booking opens:

02 Jun 2025 09:00 AM

Booking closes:

12 Sep 2025 12:00 PM

Accessibility details

The cemetery is on quite a steep incline with many overgrown areas, but there are some mowed and accessible paths for walking. Please be aware that the guided tour route is not wheelchair accessible but the displays outside the Chapel are in a reasonably accessible area for wheelchairs and buggies. Please note that the tour will involve standing for an hour, moving on uneven ground between memorials. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions, including the weather.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

20

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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