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🏛️Holburne Museum
The Holburne Museum is Bath's first public art museum, housed in a beautiful Georgian building at the end of Great Pulteney Street. It features a diverse collection of fine and decorative arts, including paintings, silver, and ceramics. Families will love the museum's family-friendly approach: free entry, sensory backpacks, activity trails, and regular 'Art Trolley' sessions that encourage hands-on exploration. The museum also runs holiday workshops and storytelling events for children aged 3–11.
- Highlights for kids: the 'Make & Create' studio, the garden with a play area, and the interactive displays in the 'Discovery Space'.
- Facilities: baby-changing, buggy parking, and a café with children's menu.
- Practical tips: the museum is small enough to explore in 1–2 hours. Combine a visit with a stroll along the nearby Kennet and Avon Canal or Sydney Gardens.
Travel tips
Entry is completely free
Admission is free for all ages, making it an affordable option for families on a budget or those wanting a casual visit.
Perfect rainy day activity
Fully indoors and ideal when Bath's weather turns wet. The compact size means you won't feel trapped if children get restless.
Sensory backpacks for overwhelmed children
Sensory backpacks are available to help children who find museums overwhelming. Worth asking staff on arrival if your child needs one.
Activity trails keep children engaged
Themed activity trails throughout the museum help younger visitors focus and engage with the art rather than just wandering.
Make & Create studio for hands-on fun
The dedicated studio lets children make art inspired by the collection. Ideal for younger ones (ages 3–8) who need interactive activities.
Baby changing facilities available
Dedicated baby-changing facilities on-site mean you can manage nappy changes comfortably without heading elsewhere.
Buggy parking provided
There's dedicated buggy parking, so you can leave yours safely whilst exploring hands-free with younger children.
Plan for 1–2 hours maximum
The museum is compact and manageable in 1–2 hours. Ideal for families with short attention spans or younger toddlers.
Café has a children's menu
The on-site café offers children's menu options, so you can grab refreshments without leaving the building.
Discovery Space for curious minds
The interactive Discovery Space is designed to spark curiosity. Younger children especially enjoy exploring the hands-on displays.
Garden includes a play area
If weather permits and children need to burn energy, there's an outdoor garden with a play area to explore.
Holiday workshops for school breaks
During school holidays, the museum runs workshops for ages 3–11. Worth checking their website for dates and booking ahead.
Storytelling events for younger children
Regular storytelling sessions suit younger visitors (ages 3–11). Check the events calendar to catch one during your visit.
Combine with nearby canal walks
The Kennet and Avon Canal and Sydney Gardens are nearby for a post-museum stroll. Good for letting children run off energy.
Georgia setting is aesthetically pleasing
The beautiful Georgian building itself is worth appreciating. Older children may enjoy learning about the architecture.
Diverse collection appeals to different ages
With paintings, silver, and ceramics, there's variety to suit different interests. Older children might find particular items fascinating.
Art Trolley sessions for tactile learning
Art Trolley sessions encourage hands-on exploration. Good for children who learn better through touch and interaction.
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Nearby places

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