Why is Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein in Bath?
It’s an excellent question. The honey coloured townhouses and sweeping Georgian crescents of Bath are famous for inspiring Jane Austen’s books. But what could they possibly have to do with one of the greatest Gothic horrors of all time? Yet here we are, a few doors down from a chap fitted out like dashing Mr Darcy, entering Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein.
Bath is the home to the first museum dedicated to the 19th Century English author who is credited with creating science fiction. If you’re a fan of Shelley, Frankenstein or horror, you’re going to want to visit. But why? Let me explain.
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Mary Shelley’s time in Bath
In September 1816, at the age of 19, Mary Godwin arrived in Bath with the idea for what would become a groundbreaking horror story. Over the coming winter, she penned the majority of Frankenstein in this city on the edge of the Cotswolds.
Despite her delicate age, it was a dark time for Mary; running away from scandal, fighting for the attention of poet Percy Shelley with whom she had a child, and coping with the death of her half sister Fanny Imlay. Frankenstein channeled her emotions.
Mary’s lodgings weren’t on Gay Street where you can now find the House of Frankenstein. She lived on Abbey Churchyard, which was later demolished to make way for an extension of the Pump Room beside The Roman Baths. You can find a plaque dedicated to her there.
The Shelleys, who were finally married in December 1816, departed for Marlow in London in 1817 and Frankenstein was published in 1818.
Do you need to have read Frankenstein to enjoy this museum?
Confession time: when we visited the House of Frankenstein in Bath I hadn’t read the book. I had however recently read The Villa by New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins. This very clever piece of fan fiction mimics the twists and turns of Shelley’s life to set the scene for a modern day ‘who dunnit’.
It was an excellent introduction to the scandalous and tragic circumstances surrounding the 19th Century author, albeit with ‘Mari’ as the protagonist rather than ‘Mary’.
And this is a large part of the story the House of Frankenstein tells. Where her inspiration came from, the challenges she faced in her own less than conventional life and the impact her work continues to have centuries later.
So no, you don’t need to have read Frankenstein to enjoy this museum. And the monster is so keenly woven into modern literature, film and culture that few people would be unfamiliar with Shelley’s creation.
Immersion in Shelley’s world
What you do need to prepare for is an unapologetically graphic and delightfully gory journey into the mind of Shelley. The museum is decked out like a premium house of horrors (think film studio rather than funfair) with spine-tingling sound effects, severed body parts in jars and interactive science experiments.
The centre-piece is an 8ft animatronic Frankenstein’s monster. It has been faithfully created as Shelley describes him in her writings – yellow-skinned, black-lipped and strangely beautiful – with rolling eyes and a heart beating out of his chest.
There’s also fun alongside frights. As you travel up to the third floor the mood lightens with an exhibition of Frankenstein’s impact on film and culture.
For the bravest visitors, you can descend into the basement. This is where you’ll find a creepy walk-through experience with live actors ready to make you jump. There’s also an escape room for an extra charge.
We spent just under an hour exploring the exhibits and basement included in standard entry, which was plenty of time to read about Shelley and the legacy of Frankenstein. Die hard fans will want to allow longer to linger in the top floor cinema room. Add in the escape room and you need at least two hours.
Is this somewhere that I would take children?
If I were thinking about my kids (a tween and early teen) probably not. I wouldn’t want to fuel their already overactive imaginations before bedtime.
But if you have children who enjoy horror movies or who have read Frankenstein at school (it’s part of the KS3/GCSE English Literature curriculum), then this will bring Shelley to life for them.
All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Check the museum’s own website for accessibility informaiton.
Looking for something a bit more gentle? The Jane Austen Centre and the delectable Mr Darcy are a few doors down.
Literary fact: Jane Austen lived on Gay Street but not in the townhouse where you find her museum today. She had lodgings a bit further up the road towards The Circus. Bonus fact: unlike Shelley, Austen never actually completed a novel while living Bath
How to get to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein
Here’s where to find the museum:
By train
We visited the House of Frankenstein during a day trip to Bath and got there by train. You can reach Bath from London Paddington in 1 hour 20 minutes. The museum is a 15 minute walk from Bath Spa Station.
I used Trainline to find times and book our tickets, so they were easily accessible on my smartphone.
By bus
If you get tickets for the Hop on Hop Off Bath sightseeing bus you can jump off at Queen Square (stop 8).
If you are travelling into the city centre on a bus download the First Bus app to plan your route and buy tickets use Tap On Tap Off. The city centre bus station is on Southgate Street and the museum is a 10 minute walk away.
By car
Avoid city centre traffic (and Clean Air Zone charger for larger vehicles) by using one of Bath’s three park and ride services.
Download the download the First Bus app to buy tickets or use Tap On Tap Off.
Where to stay near Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein
Extend your time in Bath and explore more of the best things to do in the city with a stay at these atmospheric city centre hotels:
- The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa – a five star hotel at one of Bath’s most auspicious addresses. It is an eight minute walk from Mary Shelley’s museum
- Francis Hotel – another superb option for visitors looking for city centre Georgian chic is this four star hotel. It has a spa, a Michelin-mentioned brasserie and is conveniently located between Bath’s stations and the House of Frankenstein.
- Apex City of Bath Hotel – this is a good option for families with two proper large double beds – ideal for teens who’d prefer not to use a sofa bed.
Prefer a no fuss bed for the night? Z Hotel Bath is in a central location and offers simple, clean rooms at a reasonable price. So you can channel your budget into exploring the sights, shops and eateries of Bath. It’s also a five minute walk from the museum, The Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.
More places to see in and around Bath
Find more days out in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in my big round up of 101 UK attractions for families.
