Bath
Bath · Historic site tour

The Old Theatre Royal

Discover the layers of history at this unique 18th-century landmark in Bath.

HistoryArchitectureLocal heritage

A guided historic site combining an eighteenth-century theatre, a Catholic chapel and a Masonic hall. Tours trace the building's successive lives through the original theatre space, chapel features and the ceremonial rooms of the Masonic hall.

A guided historic site combining an eighteenth-century theatre, a Catholic chapel and a Masonic hall.

The Old Theatre Royal
The Old Theatre Royal History and Architecture

The Old Theatre Royal in Bath serves as a fascinating guided historic site, uniquely combining an eighteenth-century theatre, a Catholic chapel, and a Masonic hall under one roof. Visitors can explore these layered spaces to gain a deeper understanding of the city's diverse cultural heritage. This layered architectural history provides an intimate look at the evolution of local life.

Exterior view of The Old Theatre Royal in Bath.
The Old Theatre Royal opening hours in Bath

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

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
-
11:00-12:00
11:00-12:00
11:00-12:00
-
14:30-15:30
-
Admission and Ticket Information for The Old Theatre Royal

The Old Theatre Royal offers various guided tour options, including standard adult admission and concession rates. Families can benefit from a dedicated group ticket, while children aged 6 to 16 have a specific fare and those under six enter for free. Tickets are available for purchase online, by telephone, or via the Bath Box Office, with additional availability provided for groups of ten or more seeking to arrange their visit.

Adult guided tour
£8.00
Concession guided tour
£6.00
Child age 6-16
£5.00
Visitor amenities and facilities at The Old Theatre Royal

The Old Theatre Royal provides a range of visitor facilities designed to support accessibility, including step-free access, lift availability, and specific assistive features like an auditorium hearing loop. Guests may also find onsite ticketing, a museum shop, and convenient proximity to public transport and cycle parking options to help plan their visit.

Accessible toilet

Available

Auditorium hearing loop

Available

Lift to museum vaults and first floor

Available

Entrance ramp available

Available
Family visits at The Old Theatre Royal

The Old Theatre Royal offers a guided one-hour tour that explores its unique history as a Georgian theatre, chapel, and Masonic hall. Families can discover highlights such as the original stage, scenery loft, and burial vaults. Please consult the dedicated family information for guidance on age suitability and helpful planning resources to prepare for your visit.

Recommended age: Ages 6–16

A one-hour guided route links Georgian theatre, backstage scenery, a former Catholic chapel, burial vaults and a Masonic museum.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Original Georgian stage
  • Eighteenth-century scenery loft
  • Burial vaults
  • Masonic artefacts

Activities and resources for children

Family tour

One-hour historic theatre tour

60–60 minPaid

A guided one-hour route through the Georgian theatre, chapel, vaults and Masonic museum.

Location and Setting of The Old Theatre Royal

The Old Theatre Royal is located on Old Orchard Street in the heart of Bath. Situated within the historic character of the city, this site serves as an essential landmark for those exploring the layered architectural and cultural evolution of the area. Its central position allows visitors to easily integrate a tour of the former theatre, chapel, and Masonic hall into a broader day of discovering the museums and public spaces that define local history.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Old Orchard Street 12

BA1 1JU Bath

Widcombe, England, GB

Planning Your Visit to The Old Theatre Royal

A visit to The Old Theatre Royal in Bath typically requires about 60 minutes to fully explore the historic interior. Because this site operates with timed entry and reservation requirements, it is essential to check current schedules and secure tickets before arriving. Arriving during the first available opening period on a weekday often provides a quieter experience for visitors.

Planning Your Visit to The Old Theatre Royal

Exploring the History of The Old Theatre Royal

The Old Theatre Royal in Bath offers a unique opportunity to explore a historic site where three distinct identities converge within a single building. Visitors can discover the architectural layers of an eighteenth-century theatre, a Catholic chapel, and a ceremonial Masonic hall. Each guided tour traces these successive lives, allowing guests to examine the original theatre space alongside conserved chapel features. The experience focuses on the building's complex evolution, providing a deep look into the cultural heritage of the area. This location remains a significant site for those interested in social history and architecture, with every room revealing a clear connection to the venue's documented past.

Representative view of The Old Theatre Royal in Bath.

History of The Old Theatre Royal

The Old Theatre Royal began in 1750 as a purpose-built venue in Bath, later achieving distinction in 1768 as England's first provincial theatre granted a royal patent. Following the theatre company's relocation in 1805, the space underwent several transformations. By 1809, the building served as a Catholic chapel, and by 1865, it transitioned into a Masonic hall. Today, these *layered historical identities* are preserved through public guided tours that provide insight into its unique past.

  • St James Theatre opens

    1750Opening

    Bath's first purpose-built theatre opened in Orchard Street with Shakespeare's Henry IV Part 1.

  • First provincial Theatre Royal patent

    1768Milestone

    A royal patent made the venue England's first Theatre Royal outside London.

  • Theatre company moves to Beaufort Square

    1805Relocation

    After more than 5,000 performances, the company left Orchard Street for the new Theatre Royal site.

  • Building becomes a Catholic chapel

    1809Milestone

    The Benedictine mission purchased and converted the former theatre for worship.

  • Masonic hall era begins

    1865Ownership

    The building became a Masonic hall and remains in active lodge use while opening through guided tours.

  • Public guided tours begin

    2009Opening

    Trustees moved the museum into the vaults and opened the building to public guided tours.

Questions about visiting The Old Theatre Royal

Curious if The Old Theatre Royal is open on your favorite day or just wondering about lift access? While we can’t promise a dramatic performance upon entry, our frequently asked questions cover everything from quirky opening hours to accessibility details.

What are the weekend opening hours for The Old Theatre Royal?

On weekends, The Old Theatre Royal is open on Saturdays from 14:30 to 15:30, while Sundays are closed.

Is The Old Theatre Royal open on Mondays?

No, The Old Theatre Royal is closed on Mondays.

What time does The Old Theatre Royal close?

The Old Theatre Royal closes at 12:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and at 15:30 on Saturdays.

What are the opening hours of The Old Theatre Royal?

The Old Theatre Royal is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:00 to 12:00, and on Saturdays from 14:30 to 15:30. The venue is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Planning your visit to The Old Theatre Royal

A visit to The Old Theatre Royal in Bath typically requires about 60 minutes to fully explore the historic interior and collections. As timed entry is in operation and reservations are recommended, it is advisable to finalize your arrangements before setting out. While the building offers an accessible entrance, lift, and hearing loop, visitors should note that some upper levels remain accessible only by stairs. Those planning to attend in a group of ten or more must arrange their visit in advance to ensure a smooth experience. Please verify any specific photography or bag policies on the official website before your arrival.

Visitor experience and accessibility at The Old Theatre Royal

The Old Theatre Royal provides an engaging, guided look at local heritage in Bath, making it well-suited for history enthusiasts, students, and curious visitors who appreciate detailed stories of theatre, chapels, and freemasonry. While the historic building features a lift to the museum vaults and first floor along with an entrance ramp and accessible facilities, some areas such as backstage and upper levels remain restricted to stair access. The site rewards those who plan to spend about an hour exploring its distinct, layered interior at a steady pace. Groups of ten or more are encouraged to arrange their visit in advance to ensure the best experience.

Visual Gallery of The Old Theatre Royal

Explore the layered history of The Old Theatre Royal through these photographs, which capture the building’s distinct architectural character. The imagery highlights the venue's evolution from its eighteenth-century origins to its current roles as a theatre, chapel, and Masonic hall in Bath. These visuals offer a glimpse into the unique spaces waiting to be discovered during your visit.

Representative view of The Old Theatre Royal in Bath.
Representative view of The Old Theatre Royal in Bath.
Exterior view of The Old Theatre Royal in Bath.
Interior view of The Old Theatre Royal in Bath.
Representative view of The Old Theatre Royal in Bath.
Representative view of The Old Theatre Royal in Bath.
Representative view of The Old Theatre Royal in Bath.
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