Royal Crescent

The Royal Crescent is 540 feet (165 m) long and has a radius of 165 feet (50 m). It is arranged around a perfect lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park. The houses are all three stories high and have identical facades, each with nine windows and a central doorway. The ground floor windows are protected by iron grilles, while the first and second floor windows have balconies.

The Royal Crescent was originally designed as a residential development for wealthy visitors to Bath. The city was known for its healing waters and was a popular destination for the fashionable elite in the 18th century. The Royal Crescent was one of the most prestigious addresses in Bath, and many famous people have lived there over the years, including the writers Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.

Today, the Royal Crescent is still a highly desirable place to live, and many of the houses are still privately owned. However, some of the houses are now open to the public, including No. 1 Royal Crescent, which is a museum that recreates the atmosphere of a Georgian townhouse.

The Royal Crescent is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bath and is a must-see for any visitor to the city. It is a beautiful example of Georgian architecture and a reminder of Bath's rich history.

Tips for Visitors

Seeing the Architecture (The Crescent Itself)

The Royal Crescent is a public street and can be viewed any time for free.

• Best Photo Spot: Walk down onto the Great Lawn (Royal Victoria Park) in front of the Crescent. This gives you the best perspective to capture the entire, sweeping curve of the buildings.

• Best Time for Photography:

• Morning: Go early to avoid crowds and catch the gentle morning light on the golden Georgian stone.

• Late Afternoon/Evening: The light is beautiful as the sun sets, giving the famous Bath Stone a warm, honey glow.

• Shoot from a distance: To fit the full 500-foot crescent into your frame, you'll need to be further back on the lawn.

• A Georgian Detail: Look for the Ha-Ha (a sunken ditch/wall) at the edge of the lawn. It was designed to keep livestock out of the park without interrupting the view from the ground floor windows.

• How Long: Allow about 15-30 minutes to stroll along the street, take photos on the lawn, and enjoy the view.

Visiting No. 1 Royal Crescent (The Museum)

No. 1 Royal Crescent is a historic house museum that shows what life was like for a wealthy resident in the late 18th century.

• Book Tickets in Advance: Although you might be able to get a "walk-in" slot on the day, it's highly recommended to **book your timed entry ticket online to guarantee your spot, especially during peak season.

• Allow 1 to 1.5 Hours: The museum recommends setting aside around 1 to 1.5 hours to complete the self-guided, immersive tour.

• Look for Special Experiences: The museum often changes its immersive experiences throughout the year (e.g., "Georgians at Home," "Jane Austen in Bath," or "A Georgian Christmas"), which focus on different aspects of 18th-century life.

• Explore the Servants' Quarters: Don't miss the basement, where you can see the kitchens, servants' hall, and learn about the lives of those who worked in the house.

• Accessibility: The museum is a historic building, so mobility is restricted in a few areas (prams, buggies, and mobility scooters are not allowed inside). However, there is a step-free route covering the most significant floors, and they offer a virtual tour on a tablet for the few rooms that are only accessible by stairs.

Location and Logistics

• Walk or Bus: The Royal Crescent is about a 15-20 minute uphill walk from the city centre and Bath Spa train station. Public buses and the City Sightseeing bus also stop nearby.

• Parking: The closest large car park is Charlotte Street, which is about a five-minute walk away. Be aware that traffic and parking can be difficult in Bath.

• Combine Your Visit: The Crescent is a short walk from other main attractions like The Circus (another famous architectural feature) and Royal Victoria Park.

Useful Links

Savills Estate Agents (Opens in new window) Houses for sale in the Royal Crescent tend to be at a premium but do sometimes become available on this high end property site.

Tours of the Royal Crescent, Bath (Opens in new window) A list of customisable private chauffeured tours, all featuring a visit to the Royal Crescent in Bath. Plus photos and more information.