It may seem like only yesterday that Bath’s newest and scariest visitor attraction opened in the city centre, but time has flown. This month, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein on Gay Street is celebrating its first birthday. 

A vision to celebrate the city’s most famous former resident and her iconic novel was brought to life in 2021. With a little help from £10,000 in funding from the West of England Combined Authority, the House of Frankenstein officially opened on 19th July 2021. It has so far welcomed over 24,000 visitors through its doors. It is believe to be the world’s first immersive attraction dedicated to the author Mary Shelley. 

Writing on the attraction’s Facebook page, co-founder and creative director Chris Harris said:

“Created during the pandemic, we are hugely grateful to our fantastic hard-working team and all the support we have received from our growing band of “Frankenfans”. We are especially delighted to have been recognised regionally and internationally for our contribution to leisure and tourism, and for the nominations and awards we have received. Thank you all for making this possible.”

Spread across four floors, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein includes an exhibition of Shelley’s original letters, artefacts and vintage items. There’s an escape room perfect for stag and hen parties, a number of interactive rooms accompanied by ‘scare actors’ and even an 8-foot-tall animatronic replica of Frankenstein’s monster himself. 

Birthday celebrations begin in Bath

The visitor centre, museum and escape room has a series of special events and competitions lined up to mark its first year in business.  

They include a scavenger hunt throughout the city, to find a number of Frankenstein books hidden in central Bath. The lucky people to find a book will claim a prize, which could be anything from a VIP guided tour to escape room tickets. Find out more about the scavenger hunt on the centre’s Facebook page, along with details of another big prize giveaway. 

At the attraction itself, visitors can take part in interactive challenges like The Body in the Suitcase, where you have just 45 minutes to solve the mystery of who lies within – and why. Or you can round up some friends and test your nerve under pressure in the terrifying Escape Room.  

And if you’re thirsty during your visit to the House of Frankenstein, the unique Bloody Mary’s Bar will have a new range of monstrously good cocktails to try out. 

Last but not least, there’s a special treat planned for locals and visitors named Mary. It’s not confirmed yet, but according to the Bath Echo – the museum will be offering free entry to anyone called Mary later in the summer. Keep an eye on the House of Frankenstein socials for more information.   

If you haven’t yet visited this brilliant Bath attraction, make 2022 the year to make the trip. 

Book a stay at our ultra-chic Milsom Retreat city pad, or our gorgeously Georgian King’s Circus Apartment. Both are just a short stroll from the House of Frankenstein on Gay Street, along with the Jane Austen Centre right next door.