No. 1 Royal Crescent

Introduction

No. 1 Royal Crescent stands as one of Bath, England’s most renowned and historically rich landmarks. This stunning Georgian townhouse provides a captivating glimpse into the lives of the affluent and their servants during the late 18th century. Situated at the eastern end of the Royal Crescent, it is an essential stop for those with an interest in history, architecture, and culture.

History

Constructed between 1767 and 1774 under the guidance of John Wood the Younger, No. 1 Royal Crescent was the first residence built in the Royal Crescent. Initially designed to offer luxurious accommodations for aristocratic guests, the house has seen extensive restoration, including the reconnection of the main house with its original servants’ wing, No. 1A, completed in 2012-2013. The current arrangement of the rooms reflects the home as it would have appeared during the tenure of Henry Sandford, a retired Member of Parliament who resided there until his passing in 1796.

How to Get There

No. 1 Royal Crescent is conveniently reachable through various transportation options:

• By Train: The closest station is Bath Spa, located about a 20-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can opt for a bus or taxi from the station.
• On Foot: The house is roughly a 15-minute walk from the city center. Simply follow the path to Royal Crescent and find No. 1 at the eastern corner.
• By Bus or Coach: Coaches and buses can drop you off at Bath bus station, which is a 20-minute walk to No. 1 Royal Crescent. National Express provides regular services from London Victoria, while First Buses operate various routes within Bath.
• By Car: The nearest parking facility is Charlotte Street, just a five-minute walk away. Parking fees are £6.40 for four hours, £9.60 for six hours, and £15 for 12 hours.

Things to See

1. The Dining Room: Set for dessert, this room exemplifies the elegance and opulence of Georgian dining.
2. The Withdrawing Room: Prepared for fashionable guests to enjoy tea, this room is a prime example of Georgian interior design.
3. The Gentleman’s Retreat: Reflecting the interests of the first resident, Mr. Henry Sandford, this room features items related to travel, electricity, and agriculture.
4. Below Stairs: Discover the original kitchen and scullery, coal-holes, and servant’s corridors, including the Housekeeper’s Room and Servants’ Hall.
5. The Parlour: A serene space used for various daily activities, including informal gatherings and family time.

Ticket Information

• Basic Admission Prices: £12 for adults, £6 for children aged 6-16, £10.80 for seniors and students. Family tickets for 2 adults and up to 4 children are priced at £30.
• Combination Tickets: A combination ticket that includes No. 1 Royal Crescent, the Museum of Bath Architecture, and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy costs £17.30 for adults, £8.60 for children aged 6-16, and £14.80 for seniors and students. Family combination tickets are available for £42.20.
• Discounts: Holders of the B&NES Discovery Card receive a 50% discount on admission, while Art Fund Card holders enjoy half-price admission on adult tickets.

Tips for Visiting

1. Pre-book Your Tour: Due to limited walk-in availability each day, it is recommended to pre-book your tour to ensure entry.
2. Immersive Experience: The self-guided tour allows visitors to eavesdrop on the daily lives of the Georgian family and their servants, creating an engaging and immersive experience.
3. Accessibility: Some floors may be uneven, and the back stairs are steep and narrow. However, a step-free route is available via an accessible lift.
4. Virtual Tour: If you miss any rooms due to accessibility concerns, a virtual iPad tour can be borrowed from the ticket desk.
5. Group Activities: No. 1 Royal Crescent offers themed historic house tours, including a Jane Austen tour, which can be customized to suit your group’s interests.
6. Parking and Transport: Be mindful of parking restrictions and consider using public transport or walking to avoid traffic congestion.