A chance to meet the residents of Jane Austen’s Bath on an exclusive after-hours tour of Bath Abbey
There are so many stories to be told at Bath Abbey, from the history of this amazing building to the tales of those who worked there and even those who are buried at the site. This is a wonderful venue that works so hard to make it a place where visitors from across the world can pay a visit to learn about its design and history.
Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect is how few locals pay a visit – particularly when they can get in for free with a Discovery Card! Seriously, go on, give it a go… it’s an incredible place.
Now a new tour has been added to the Abbey’s activities and events – Austens After-Hours – where a costumed guide invites visitors to meet a number of characters interred there who have stories to tell about their links to the Austens.
Each group includes a maximum of 15 visitors, which means it’s kept intimate and relaxed. For the latest tour, the visitors included a refreshingly reserved hen party (more interested in Austen than Amstel), a couple from America which a passion for Bridgerton and an Australian tourist tracing the history of her grandfather who had been christened in the Abbey.
Our suitably attired guide appeared in his element, welcoming everyone with a choice of Prosecco or Appletiser, before leading a tour of the Abbey. Along the way we’re introduced to a range of Austen related characters, while also learning about the history of the Abbey. As we progress we find out about John Palmer who developed the coaches that brought so many of the well to do to Bath to sample ‘the cure’, that is the waters of the Roman Baths which were thoughts to be something of a cure-all potion.
There’s also Richard Woodhouse, owner of the White Hart tavern, where those visitors might well have stayed. Unfortunately you can’t book a room there these days – it’s location is taken over by Leon and the Edinburgh Wool Mill! To these you can add a famous actress, an American millionaire, a doctor, musician and many more.
Along the way there’s the chance to gaze up at the extraordinary fan-vaulted Tudor ceiling above, discover the story behind the stained glass windows that were pretty much destroyed in the war and find out that with enough money, you could be buried in the eastern most section of the Abbey, which was thought to be closer to God.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable walk, full of fun facts and a real must for anyone with a penchant for the works and life of Jane Austen.
Tickets available online HERE or in person from the welcome desk at Bath Abbey.
