Experts' Choice Award Bath Abbey
What the experts agree on
A late-Perpendicular masterpiece dominating Bath's center, prized for its fan-vaulted ceiling, luminous "lantern" windows, and carved west front. Climb the tower for one of Europe's best city views.
“Looming above the centre of the city, Bath's huge abbey church was built between 1499 and 1616, making it the last great medieval church raised in England.”
– Lonely Planet
Concierge "A church has stood on this plot of land next to the Roman Baths since the eighth century, though the current exterior dates from the 15th century."
Fodor's "Dominating Bath's center, this 15th-century edifice of golden, glowing stone has a splendid west front, with carved figures of angels ascending ladders on either side." Full review
Afar Magazine "The view from Bath Abbey's tower roof is among the most picturesque in Europe and offers a unique glimpse at this charming English city. " Full review
Afar Magazine "For me, this epitomizes Bath and country England: pale blue skies mottled by clouds, buildings bathed in gold sunlight, old cathedrals, and of course, iconic red double-decker buses." Full review
Afar Magazine " I enjoyed the lighter stained glass here so much and was pleased to learn they are referred to as "lanterns" because of the amount of clear glass included in the designs." Full review
The Telegraph "It is one of the last ecclesiastical buildings in England constructed in the Perpendicular style...highlights inside include the fan-vaulted ceiling and hundreds of memorials on the walls and floor." Full review
Frommer's "Built on the site of a much larger Norman cathedral, the present-day abbey is a fine example of the late Perpendicular style." Full review
New York Times "The warmth comes from the restored floor of Bath Abbey, a 7th century church, which is now heated using Bath's thermal springs"
Independent "We strolled past The Royal Crescent and The Circus, lit candles in the 15th-century abbey, and even drank a cup of the thermal waters in the famous Pump Rooms"
The Guardian "The abbey itself, nicknamed the Lantern of the West, with its fan-vaulted ceiling and 52 glass windows, has just had a £20m refurbishment to shore up the sinking floor. Some of the dark..."
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April 22, 2022
