Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein, located in Bath, is an immersive attraction dedicated to the life and legacy of the famous author of 'Frankenstein'. This unique location features exhibits that explore the historical context of Shelley's work, her inspirations, and the impact of her literary contributions. Visitors can enjoy an engaging experience through interactive displays, sculptures, and artwork that delve into the themes of gothic literature and the famed creature. The venue pays homage to the site where Mary Shelley conceived her groundbreaking novel, making it a notable stop for literature enthusiasts and tourists in Bath.
What each source says
- Google 4.5 714
- Tripadvisor 5.0 385
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
- Friendly and Helpful Staff Many visitors have complimented the staff as being warm, welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable
- Fun Escape Room The escape room offers a challenging and entertaining activity, with imaginative puzzles and clever design, thematically linked to the Frankenstein narrative.
- Immersive Gothic Experience The attraction offers a unique, multi-sensory experience that fully immerses visitors in the world of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein through atmospheric decor, sounds, smells, and interactive exhibits.
- Informative and Engaging Exhibits The museum provides a wealth of information about Mary Shelley's life, the creation of Frankenstein, and its cultural impact, presented in an engaging and accessible manner.
- Thrilling Basement Experience The scary basement provides a fun and intense experience with jump scares and live actors, adding an element of thrill and excitement for horror enthusiasts.
Criticised
- Basement May Be Too Intense The basement experience can be too scary for some visitors, particularly younger children or those with a nervous disposition.
- Basement Touch without Consent Actors are known to touch patrons in the basement, and lack of written consent may be problematic.
- Limited Interactive Elements While informative, the museum relies heavily on reading, which may not appeal to visitors seeking more hands-on or interactive experiences.
- Not fully Wheelchair Accessible This attraction spans multiple floors in a historic house, and is not fully wheelchair accessible.
- Potentially High Price The admission price may be considered relatively expensive for the overall experience, especially if the basement or escape room are not utilized.
The longer read
Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein in Bath receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with many visitors describing it as a unique, immersive, and memorable experience. A significant number of reviewers highlight the museum's informative exhibits about Mary Shelley's life, inspirations, and the cultural impact of Frankenstein. Several reviewers specifically mention learning new things about Shelley, even those already familiar with her work. The museum effectively blends education with entertainment, creating an atmospheric journey through the world of Frankenstein.
Several reviewers rave about the attention to detail throughout the multi-story attraction, from the gothic decor and spooky lighting to the interactive displays and sound effects. The museum features a life-sized animatronic Frankenstein creature, which many found impressive and unsettling. A highlight for many is the screening of a short, silent, early film adaptation of Frankenstein.
A recurring theme in the reviews is the scary basement experience. Many visitors describe it as a thrilling, jump-scare-filled maze that is not for the faint of heart. Some found it genuinely terrifying, while others enjoyed the fun and laughter it provoked. A few reviewers advise those sensitive to intense horror to skip the basement. Actors in the basement contribute to the experience. A few reviewers note that the actors may engage with guests through touch and suggest that the museum provide more clarity on this aspect in advance.
Beyond the museum itself, some reviewers recommend the escape room, praising its clever design, imaginative puzzles, and immersive theming. The staff consistently receive accolades for being friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Several reviewers appreciated the ability to adjust entry times via email, highlighting the museum's responsiveness.
While most find the experience worthwhile, a few reviewers mention that the ticket price is slightly high, but acknowledge that this is typical for Bath attractions. Many recommend allocating at least an hour to fully explore the museum. Its location on Gay Street is convenient, especially for those also visiting the Jane Austen Centre. The museum is spread over several floors, so may not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues. Overall, Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein is highly recommended for horror lovers, Frankenstein fans, and anyone seeking a unique and engaging museum experience in Bath.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 1225 551542
- Website
- houseoffrankenstein.com
| Mon | 11:00 - 17:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:00 - 17:30 |
| Wed | 11:00 - 17:30 |
| Thu | 11:00 - 17:30 |
| Fri | 11:00 - 17:30 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 17:30 |
| Sun | 11:00 - 17:30 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.7 against a median of 4.6 across the 52 venues we hold for Bath, where the most-reviewed is The Roman Baths.
Still deciding?
- What exhibits and attractions are featured inside Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein in Bath?
- Is Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein suitable for children and families visiting Bath?
- How much time should a typical visitor plan to spend at Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein?
- Are there any special events, guided tours, or interactive experiences available at the attraction?
- What is the historical or literary connection between Mary Shelley and the city of Bath, Somerset?
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.