The Old Theatre Royal in Bath is a historic venue renowned for its classical architecture and rich heritage. Originally opened in 1805, it has been a significant part of Bath's cultural scene, hosting a variety of performances including plays, musicals, and other theatrical events. The theatre's elegant interior features beautifully decorated seating and intricate plasterwork, reflecting the grandeur of its era. It offers a space for both emerging talents and established artists, making it a vibrant hub for the performing arts in the city. Visitors can enjoy a mix of traditional and contemporary performances, contributing to the dynamic cultural landscape of Bath.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 5.0 180
- Google 4.7 50
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Excellent Value for Money Visitors consistently highlight the tour as providing excellent value for the price, with a long and comprehensive experience.
- Hidden Gem Experience Discover a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists, providing a more intimate and less crowded experience compared to other popular attractions in Bath.
- Insight into Freemasonry The tour offers a rare opportunity to learn about Freemasonry, dispelling myths and providing historical context and insight into their practices and contributions.
- Knowledgeable and Engaging Guides The tour guides are consistently praised for their extensive knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to deliver information in an engaging and entertaining manner.
- Unique Historical Perspective The Old Theatre Royal offers a unique glimpse into Bath's history, showcasing its transformations from a theatre to a Catholic church and finally a Masonic Hall.
Criticised
- Can be Difficult to Locate Several visitors noted that the building can be challenging to find, as it is somewhat hidden and not always clearly marked on tourist maps.
- Masonic Focus The tour heavily emphasizes the building's history as a Masonic Hall, which may not appeal to visitors primarily interested in its theatrical or religious past.
- Not recommended for youngsters Some reviewers suggest it is not appropriate for young children but more suited to adults interested in history.
- Variable Heating Be prepared for potentially cold conditions inside, as heating may not always be adequate during tours, especially in colder weather.
- Vaulted museum can be small The museum is located in the old vaulted ceilings. It is probably a case where one can only have so many visitors down there at any one time as it is quite close and one would not wish to knock anything over.
The longer read
The Old Theatre Royal, currently a Masonic Hall and museum, offers visitors a unique glimpse into Bath's history through the multifaceted story of a single building. Many reviewers highlight the building's transformation from the first Theatre Royal in Bath to a Catholic Church and finally to its current use as a Masonic Lodge, deeming it a hidden gem. Several reviewers express surprise at discovering the attraction, despite having visited Bath many times, and strongly recommend it as a worthwhile and fascinating experience.
Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, including Vince, Phil, Mike, Eric, Ced and Peter, consistently receive high praise. Reviewers appreciate their engaging tours, wealth of knowledge about the building's history, and willingness to answer questions, even beyond the standard tour. The guides are commended for their ability to contextualize the building's history within the broader history of Bath and for sharing insights into Freemasonry, dispelling common myths. Many reviewers specifically mention how the guides make the tour interesting and fun.
The tour encompasses the main hall, backstage areas, and the vaults beneath the building, which house a museum. Reviewers found the museum to be a highlight, showcasing a diverse collection of Masonic artifacts, including historic outfits, regalia, and documents spanning centuries. Some reviewers note the presence of artifacts from the building's time as a Catholic chapel and point out the Knights Templar secret room. This variety contributes to the sense of experiencing "three museums in one."
Several reviewers emphasize the tour's value for money, describing it as an excellent way to spend an hour or two away from the crowds and learn about Bath's history. The experience is recommended for both those interested in theatre, Freemasonry, Catholicism, and history. Several reviewers noted how the experience showed that the building and the people involved are not what old rumors suggest. Overall, reviewers suggest this tour is ideal for those seeking a more unusual and historically rich experience in Bath, away from the more crowded mainstream attractions.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 1225 462233
- Website
- oldtheatreroyal.com
| Mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:00 - 12:30 |
| Wed | 11:00 - 12:30 |
| Thu | 11:00 - 12:30 |
| Fri | Closed |
| Sat | 14:30 - 16:00 |
| Sun | Closed |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.9 against a median of 4.6 across the 52 venues we hold for Bath, where the most-reviewed is The Roman Baths.
Still deciding?
- When was the Old Theatre Royal originally opened and what architectural style does it reflect?
- What types of performances are currently staged at the Old Theatre Royal and how often do they change?
- How can visitors purchase tickets for shows at the Old Theatre Royal, and are there any discounts for locals or students?
- Is the Old Theatre Royal wheelchair accessible, and what facilities are available for patrons with mobility needs?
- What season or time of day offers the best experience for attending a performance at the Old Theatre Royal in Bath?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.