Bath’s iconic Royal Crescent turns 250 with a series of exciting events and exhibitions

6 April 2017

Bath has many famous landmarks, but arguably its most well-known and well-loved attraction is the Royal Crescent. A masterpiece of Georgian architecture and one of the main reasons the city of Bath was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, the Royal Crescent turns 250 years old this year. To celebrate its quarter century, the city has over 70 exciting events planned.

The foundation stone for the Royal Crescent, a row of 30 grand terraced houses in a sweeping arc, was laid on May 19th, 1767. On this date in 2017, a programme of over 70 exhibitions and special events will begin – organised by No. 1 Royal Crescent and the Museum of Bath Architecture. The celebrations will run for a whole year, so there’s plenty for both residents and visitors to enjoy throughout 2017 and beyond.

Highlights include:

  • The Foundation Stone Day Grand Parade on Sunday 21st May 2017, where a piece of Bath stone will be transported in style by the Natural Theatre Company from a quarry through the city until it reaches No.1 Royal Crescent
  • From Rome to the Royal Crescent at No.1 Royal Crescent, an exhibition tracing the evolution of classical architecture through intricate models
  • A View from the Crescent and New Views at No.1 Royal Crescent, two contrasting exhibitions firstly showing how the building has been portrayed by artists in the past and secondly, exhibiting modern artwork by the local community
  • Bath Preservation Trust Lecture Series, where for just £5 a ticket you can find out more about the Crescent’s architect Wood the Younger, Georgian tourists and the stone that built the Royal Crescent among other fascinating topics.
  • Party in the City, a free event to launch the Bath Festival, held at No.1 Royal Crescent on the eve of the building’s 250th anniversary
  • Balloon rides and picnic on the lawn, a fantastic summer event taking place on 29th July where you can enjoy Georgian ice cream, interact with costumed characters and even hop aboard a tethered balloon on the grounds of the Crescent.

About the Royal Crescent

Originally just called ‘The Crescent’ until a visit by Prince Frederick, Duke of York at the end of the 18th century, the Royal Crescent was designed by famous architect John Wood the Younger. It was completed in 1774, has 114 Ionic columns and is an impressive 500 feet long. The Palladian style building was the first example of its kind of ‘country in the city’ living thanks to its designated parkland opposite. It has had numerous distinguished residents, including well-known writers, explorers, admirals and professors. Nowadays, the Crescent is now a mix of privately owned properties and hotels, while No.1 Royal Crescent is a historic house museum maintained by the Bath Preservation Trust.

Stay at the Crescent!

There’s no better way to take in the majesty of the Crescent than actually staying the night in one of its fabulous terraced buildings, and now you can! Bath Holiday Rentals has a gorgeous garden apartment in the Crescent, bursting with romantic charm, huge sash windows and beautifully restored Georgian features.