The Herschel museum of Astronomy is a small but historically accurate Georgian house in a quiet side-street in Bath, excellent visitor facilities and audio guides. The museum is situated over three floors of the house (the upper two floors are privately occupied) and includes the garden. There is virtual tour on the ground floor (designed specifically with wheelchair users in mind) where you can journey through the house on a step by step guide. Many astronomical and musical artifacts are on display, a replica of the telescope with which Herschel discovered Uranus, a full scale reproduction of a lamp micrometer, a typical Herschel invention that consists of a disc with moving arms, a couple of oil burning lamps and some string. With such simple components, this allowed Herschelto measure the distance between stars and galaxies with almost one hundred per cent accuracy.

The vaults are situated at garden level and have been equipped as a tiny cinema showing a film of the Herschels’ lives and discoveries. Herschel’s workshop with original furnace and many tools is accessible to visitors who can handle some of the equipment.

The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is dedicated to the many achievements of the Herschels, who were distinguished astronomers as well as talented musicians.

It was from this house, using a telescope of his own design that William discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. His observations helped to double the known size of the solar system. Following a tradition of the great astronomers of the Renaissance he pushed forward the science of building telescopes. He was rewarded for his work by King George III, and also received the Copley Medal. Caroline also made a huge contribution to the field of astronomy. The work of the Herschels clearly had an impact on modern science and space exploration

The Museum is open from 1pm to 5pm on weekdays, closed on Wednesdays; 11am to 5pm on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.