Bath
Bath · Historical heritage site

Fairfield House, Bath

Discover the legacy and history of the former imperial residence.

HistoryLocal heritage

The former Bath residence of Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie, now a community and heritage centre focused on his exile and legacy. Visits and events connect the house with Haile Selassie's years in exile, its later gift to the city and its continuing community role.

The former Bath residence of Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie, now a community and heritage centre focused on his exile and legacy.

Fairfield House
About Fairfield House

Fairfield House stands as the former Bath residence of Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie, now serving as a heritage centre dedicated to his years in exile. This venue focuses on the emperor's legacy and its enduring community role within the city. Visitors can explore the residence's history, which offers a unique perspective on this significant chapter of local cultural life.

Representative view of Fairfield House in Bath.
Fairfield House opening hours in Bath

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Fairfield House. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Bath.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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12:00-13:10 · 13:30-14:40
Admission and Ticket Information for Fairfield House

Fairfield House operates with a varied programme that includes both free and paid entry options. Admission eligibility is determined by specific event listings rather than a universal pricing structure. Visitors should consult individual programme dates to confirm costs, as each entry type is tied to specific activities at this historic Bath residence. Please refer to official channels for detailed event-specific ticket requirements.

Eligible free admission

Free

The programme contains both free and paid events; each dated listing controls admission.

Dated programme admission

Price not listed

The programme contains both free and paid events; each dated listing controls admission. Select the exact dated product in the official ticket channel; no unsupported universal amount is assigned.

Visitor amenities and facilities at Fairfield House

Fairfield House offers a range of facilities designed to support the visitor experience, including historical guided tours and family-friendly exhibition access. Visitors can utilize nearby public transport links or the local cycle parking located within walking distance of the venue. Additionally, the site provides structured entry via fixed tour starts and offers limited options for pre-booked refreshments alongside scheduled visits.

House exhibitions and sacred garden

Available

Optional vegan Caribbean lunch

Limited

Historical guided tour

Available

Fixed tour starts

Available
Family visits to Fairfield House

Fairfield House in Bath offers a guided historical experience exploring the residence of Emperor Haile Selassie I. With complex themes of international politics and cultural history, the guided house tour and exhibitions are best suited for children aged 10 to 17. Visitors can explore the Emperor's rooms, the pianola, and the sacred garden as part of their visit.

Recommended age: Ages 10–17

A guided Black-history visit explores Haile Selassie I's exile in Bath, Ethiopia's resistance to fascism and Fairfield's living Rastafari and community legacy.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Haile Selassie's rooms and story
  • Emperor's pianola
  • Sacred Garden
  • HIM Haile Selassie I museum

Activities and resources for children

Interactive experience

House exhibitions and sacred garden

Ages 10–17

House exhibitions and sacred garden is a recurring part of the venue's documented family offer.

Location and Neighborhood Context

Fairfield House is located on Kelston Road in the Newbridge neighborhood of Bath. This historic residence offers visitors a unique way to explore the city's cultural heritage through the lens of its connection to Ethiopian history. Situated within this residential area, the site serves as an essential stop for those looking to deepen their understanding of local history and community legacy.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Kelston Road 2

BA1 3QJ Bath

Newbridge, England, GB

Planning your visit to Fairfield House

Visitors to Fairfield House should allow 30 to 60 minutes to explore the heritage centre and collections. As the venue utilizes a timed entry system, booking in advance is recommended to ensure your spot. Please verify current opening hours and admission requirements for your specific date in Bath before arriving to facilitate a smooth entry experience.

Planning your visit to Fairfield House

The Historic Legacy of Fairfield House

Fairfield House stands in the Newbridge area of Bath as the former residence of Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie during his period of exile. Today, this historic site functions as a community and heritage centre that preserves the memory of his residency and subsequent gift to the city. Visitors engage with a space that bridges Ethiopian, Caribbean, and local histories through its architecture and ongoing community programs. The experience highlights how personal history shapes public heritage, inviting guests to explore the house as a living cultural narrative.

Representative view of Fairfield House in Bath.

Historical Background of Fairfield House

In 1936, Emperor Haile Selassie I acquired Fairfield House after arriving in exile from Ethiopia. During the following five years, the Emperor and his court lived in Bath while campaigning against fascist occupation. In 1958, the Emperor gifted the property to the city in gratitude for the community's hospitality. Today, the residence serves as a *significant heritage site*, with Ethiopian, Rastafari, and local communities collaborating to preserve its legacy as a cultural and spiritual landmark.

  • Haile Selassie buys Fairfield House

    1936Ownership

    Emperor Haile Selassie I acquired Fairfield House after arriving in exile from Ethiopia following the Italian invasion.

  • Ethiopian court in exile lives in Bath

    1936-1941Cultural significance

    The Emperor, Empress Menen, members of the royal family and Ethiopian associates lived and worked from Fairfield while campaigning against fascist occupation.

  • House gifted to the city

    1958Ownership

    In gratitude for Bath's welcome, Haile Selassie gave Fairfield House to the city for use benefiting older people.

  • Community-led heritage centre develops

    Milestone

    Ethiopian, Rastafari, African-Caribbean and local communities now preserve the house as a cultural, spiritual and heritage site.

Fairfield House: Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about your visit to the historic Fairfield House in Bath? Whether you are wondering about our specific Sunday opening slots or perhaps hoping to set up a tent in the gardens—spoiler alert: camping is not allowed—you can find the answers here.

Is Fairfield House open on Mondays?

No, Fairfield House is closed on Mondays as part of its regular weekly schedule.

What are the opening hours of Fairfield House?

Fairfield House is open weekly on Sundays with split visiting hours from 12:00 to 13:10 and from 13:30 to 14:40.

Fairfield House opening hours on weekends

On weekends, Fairfield House is open only on Sundays from 12:00 to 13:10 and 13:30 to 14:40, while Saturdays are closed.

Does Fairfield House have special opening hours?

There are currently no listed special opening hours or closures for Fairfield House.

Planning your visit to Fairfield House

To ensure a smooth experience when visiting Fairfield House in Bath, it is recommended to plan for an exploration lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. Because the venue utilizes timed entry for certain activities, guests are encouraged to secure reservations in advance to guarantee access to the collections and historic interiors. Visitors should be mindful that Fairfield House remains an active community and sacred space, so please maintain a respectful demeanor during your time on site. For those interested in deeper interpretation of the heritage and history, historical guided tours are available to help enhance your understanding of the site. Checking the official schedule before you travel will ensure you are aware of the latest entry procedures and any specific conditions for the date of your visit.

Visitor experience at Fairfield House

Fairfield House in the Newbridge neighborhood of Bath offers a contemplative experience centered on local heritage and the history of Emperor Haile Selassie. The venue is well-suited to visitors with an interest in community history and the specific cultural legacy preserved within the house. Because the site functions as an active community space, visitors are encouraged to respect its ongoing role and sacred areas during their exploration. Those planning a trip should note that the experience is best enjoyed through scheduled tours and planned visits, which accommodate families, students, and groups alike.

Fairfield House Visual Gallery

The images of Fairfield House offer a glimpse into the historic residence in Bath once occupied by Emperor Haile Selassie. Visitors can expect to see exterior views of the building’s architecture and facade, providing context for its role as a significant community and heritage site. These visuals help frame the experience of exploring this unique cultural landmark.

Representative view of Fairfield House in Bath.
Representative view of Fairfield House in Bath.
Representative view of Fairfield House in Bath.
Representative view of Fairfield House in Bath.
Representative view of Fairfield House in Bath.
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