Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein offers a unique and immersive insight into the fascinating life of Mary Shelley. The four-floor museum in the heart of Bath also boasts a bar, escape room and spooky basement experience, ideal for spooky travellers, lovers of kitschy experiences and Frankenstein fans.
When we think of Frankenstein, it’s usually the monster that comes to mind – an iconic figure in horror history and the tragic creation at the heart of Mary Shelley’s gothic novel. Rarely do we take the time to think about Mary Shelley herself, the brainchild of Frankenstein and one of the first English novelists to write science fiction.
Mary’s own story and history is just as compelling as her writing. In fact, she has a really fascinating past. She eloped to marry at just 16 years old and was born to none other than Mary Wollstonecraft, the famous defender of women’s rights.
And though most people associate Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein with dark castles and a moody atmosphere, much of the novel was written whilst Mary lived in Bath!
Before visiting the museum, I knew surprisingly little about Mary’s turbulent life, but when I discovered that there was a unique and immersive museum all about Mary and her monstrous legacy, I just had to visit.
If you love literary horror and film-inspired attractions, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is also featured on The Morbid Map – alongside haunted houses, gothic landmarks and dark history sites across Britain.
What Is Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein in Bath?
Calling it a museum doesn’t quite do it justice – Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is more like a theatrical attraction combined with a kitschy and immersive experience.
Set across four immersive floors, the attraction dives deep into Mary Shelley’s life, including the origins of her infamous novel and the enduring legacy of Frankenstein. As you explore, you’ll find everything from atmospheric exhibits to interactive features.
There’s also a horror-themed escape room, a bar for post-scare refreshments, and two delightfully morbid escape rooms. Downstairs, the basement transforms into a scream-worthy scare attraction – not recommended for the faint of heart.
And just when you think it’s over, you’ll come face to face with the creature itself. Towering at 8 feet tall and designed to match Mary’s original vision, this final encounter is as chilling as it is impressive. I’ve deliberately left out photos – some things are better experienced in the flesh.
From there, if you’re feeling brave, you can descend into the basement scare attraction for a final fright.
Want a closer look inside? Check out my Reel here!
Planning Your Visit
Set right in the heart of Bath, this award-winning attraction is heaps of fun – and unlike any museum I’ve ever visited. In fact, it might just be one of the best.
While there’s a lot of history to unpack about Mary Shelley, this place doesn’t rely on endless text panels. Instead, the information is brought to life in creative, spooky, and genuinely fun ways. You might pick up a vintage telephone to hear a haunting story or read hidden text through a mirror to reveal its meaning.
Each room across the four floors is a sensory experience with atmospheric sound effects and subtle scents that draw you in. In one room, the quiet drip of water echoed through the room, while the walls looked damp and aged. It was atmospheric in the best kind of way – all with a subtle nod to gothic horror.
Another room is packed with Frankenstein memorabilia and showcases how the creature has been portrayed over the years. It’s especially intriguing to learn how Mary Shelley originally imagined him – so different from the square-headed image we all know today.
I can honestly say the museum’s basement offered the most fun frights I’ve had in years. Though it’s a fairly small space, the darkness, jump scares, and creepy setup left us with goosebumps and giggles.
If you thought the rest of the museum was immersive, just wait until you step into the basement. It’s next-level spooky.
Fascinated by Frankenstein’s legacy? You might also enjoy exploring some of the real-world locations linked to Frankenstein in the UK.
My boyfriend and I spent around two to three hours exploring the museum – and honestly, I didn’t want to leave. Unfortunately, the bar wasn’t open during our visit, and we didn’t have time to try the escape room, but I’d love to go back and experience both next time.
What I really appreciated about this attraction is that you don’t need to be a die-hard Frankenstein fan (or even have read the book!) to enjoy it. I went in knowing very little about Mary Shelley or her work, and still had the absolute best time. That said, if you do leave feeling inspired, you can pick up a copy of Frankenstein in the gift shop like I did!
If you love museums that are a little bit kooky, a little bit creepy, and packed with personality, you’ll absolutely love this one.
Spooky Tips for Visiting
Thinking of planning a visit? Here are a few tips before you go.
Location: Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is located in the centre of Bath on Gay Street, just a short walk from the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.
Getting There: Bath Spa railway station is around a 10-15 minute walk away, with regular train services connecting Bath to London, Bristol, and other major UK cities. The museum is also easily reachable on foot from most attractions in the historic city centre.
Time Needed: Most visitors spend around 45 minutes to an hour exploring the exhibits and interactive displays inside the museum, but I’d allow at least 2 hours to enjoy it fully.
Accessibility: The museum is spread across several floors inside a historic Georgian townhouse, so visitors should expect stairs between levels. It’s best to check with the attraction directly for the latest accessibility information.
Special Events: The museum occasionally hosts themed events and evening experiences. If you’re visiting during spooky season, you can also experience the attraction during their After Dark Halloween events!
Frequently Asked Questions About House of Frankenstein
Before you go, here are a few frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein.
How Long Does House of Frankenstein Take?
The official website recommends allowing at least one hour for the museum alone. But if you want to really soak it all in (and you should), I’d suggest giving yourself two hours minimum.
If you’re planning to visit the escape room, play The Body in a Suitcase game, or grab a drink at the bar, allow closer to three or four hours. The nearest car park is Charlotte Street, which charges a flat rate for up to four hours – so you might as well make the most of your time.
Is House of Frankenstein Scary?
Most of the museum is fun, quirky, and suitable for all ages – but the basement is where things get spooky. It’s a mini scare attraction with dark corridors and jump scares, so it might not be for everyone. Personally, I loved it (even if I did scream my way through it).
How to Save Money on Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein Tickets
Escape room tickets actually include entry to the museum – so if you’re up for a spooky puzzle, this is a great way to combine both experiences. Just note that it may work out pricier if there are only one or two of you, so it’s better value with a group.
You can also sign up for the House of Frankenstein’s email list to get 10% off standard tickets.
The Frankenstein Museum in Bath is also home to different events throughout the year, including After Dark and Christmas events.
Why Is There a Frankenstein Museum in Bath?
Mary Shelley had strong connections to Bath, where she lived for a time in the early 1800s and worked on parts of Frankenstein during her time in the city. Today, Bath celebrates her legacy with this immersive museum, located in a historic Georgian townhouse and dedicated to the story of Frankenstein and its creator.
Final Thoughts From a Morbid Tourist
Whether you’re a literature nerd, horror fan, or just someone who loves museums with a twist, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is a brilliant and totally unforgettable experience. It’s theatrical, immersive, and just the right amount of spooky.
Discover More Spooky Attractions in the UK
Looking for more dark and unusual places to visit in the UK? Explore these eerie destinations next:
Bodmin Jail | Hellfire Caves | Jamaica Inn | Last Tuesday Society | Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein | Museum Of Curiosities | York Ghost Merchants
Mary Shelley’s House Of Frankenstein
www.houseoffrankenstein.com
37 Gay St, Bath, BA1 2NT
£12.50 per adult
There are toilets on-site and a themed bar, plus a gift shop. The nearest car park is Charlotte Street at BA1 2NE. You can also book free/discounted tickets by first purchasing an ebook or booking the escape room.
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