Bath has seen many firsts, and one of the most significant was the discovery of Uranus by astronomer William Herschel. He used a telescope he designed himself and made the discovery in 1781 right in his own back garden, and the house has been transformed into a small museum to the family’s work. The Herschels were a family of high achievers in their day, and they were talented musicians as well as astronomers.
The Hershel Museum of Astronomy in Bath’s New King Street is a favourite with TripAdvisor reviewers, and the house looks much as it would have when William and his sister live in it. The museum isn’t huge as it’s the original house, but it’s fascinating if you have an interest in space, and it’s a great idea if you get a wet day during your visit to Bath. The house is packed with displays and information, so add it to your to do list when planning your visit.
The Royal Hotel may not have seen the discovery of a planet, but it’s still one of the finest hotels in Bath. The hotel is centrally located, and it includes luxurious rooms with four-poster beds.