Bath Abbey, Bath (must see)

The Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, commonly referred to as Bath Abbey, is a parish church of the Church of England and used to be a Benedictine monastery in Bath. It was established in the 7th century, underwent reorganization in the 10th century, and was reconstructed in the 12th and 16th centuries. A significant restoration project led by Sir George Gilbert Scott took place in the 1860s.

This church is a notable example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in the West Country. In the past, it also served as a cathedral for a period but later, after disputes between church officials in Bath and Wells, the Diocese of Bath and Wells was centered at Wells Cathedral. The Benedictine community that resided here was disbanded in 1539 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

The church has a cruciform design and can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers. In addition to being an active place of worship, it hosts various civic events, concerts, and lectures. There's a museum showcasing its heritage in the basement.

Bath Abbey is recognized as a Grade I listed building, with a notable feature being its impressive fan vaulting. Inside, you can find war memorials dedicated to the local population and monuments honoring several significant individuals, including wall and floor plaques and commemorative stained glass windows. The church houses two organs and a set of ten bells. On its west front, you can see sculptures depicting angels ascending to heaven on two stone ladders, symbolizing Jacob's Ladder.

Why You Should Visit:
The Abbey is a gorgeous historic building that is worth seeing in its own right. The church is 225 feet long and 80 feet wide.

About 80 percent of the Abbey's wall space is dedicated to windows; the stained glass is spectacular! Specifically, look out for the King Edgar Window, which shows the crowning of King Edgar the Peaceful, and The Great East Window, which shows the story of Jesus in 53 scenes.

Tips:
Keep an eye out for the 635 various memorials on the walls throughout the Abbey.

You can spend a few minutes or an hour and more exploring the Abbey. If you only have 15 minutes, you can take a quick walk, admire the windows and carved angels, and see the fan vaulted ceilings. If you have time for a more extended tour, you can spend more time reading the memorials or reflect or pray in the chapels.

Keep an ear open for the impressive Klais Organ that is played every Sunday and for regular recitals. Organs have been played in the Abbey since 1634, though the current model is newer. The organ was entirely rebuilt by Klais in 1997, using many parts from historical instruments in the building.

Look for the sculpture on the west side of Jacob's Ladder, complete with angels climbing to heaven.