Victoria Art Gallery, Bath — Built in 1900 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, this public art museum is Bath's most underrated cultural treasure. Designed by architect John McKean Brydon in the Baroque Revival style, it is a Grade II* listed building seamlessly connected to the Guildhall, forming a complete streetscape. The gallery holds over 1,500 works of art, from a Tudor-period genuine portrait of Henry VIII (dendrochronology confirmed as an original from 1537-1557), to masterpieces by Gainsborough, Thomas Barker, Walter Sickert, Paul Klee, Grayson Perry and more. The permanent collection is free to enter. The zodiac relief dome, plaster Parthenon frieze, Devonshire marble Ionic columns — the building itself is a work of art.
From the zodiac dome to the Tudor Henry VIII genuine portrait, from Gainsborough's Bath landscapes to Rowlandson's satirical cartoons — step into Bath's most underrated artistic treasure and experience 150 years of British painting and decorative art at its finest
Start your morning from Bath Spa station, walking along Bridge Street for about 10 minutes to reach the gallery — just a step away from Pulteney Bridge, this Baroque Revival building stops you in your tracks: a nine-bay facade, rusticated ground floor, a marble statue of Queen Victoria standing majestically in the central niche. Step into the circular entrance hall, ascend the Hopton Wood stone staircase with wrought iron railings, look up to the zodiac relief dome — the twelve constellations emerge in relief within the coffered ceiling, surrounded by six Devonshire marble Ionic columns — one of Bath's most breathtaking interior spaces. The Upper Gallery is free to enter, with natural light pouring through five skylights. Gainsborough's Bath landscapes, Thomas Barker's monumental historical paintings, Walter Sickert's modernist portraits unfold before you, and around the corner awaits that sensational Henry VIII genuine portrait — dendrochronology confirms it as a Tudor original from 1537-1557, one of the oldest and highest quality portraits of Henry VIII in existence. The Lower Gallery requires a paid ticket for temporary exhibitions; in 2026, exhibitions range from Norman Ackroyd's etchings to Kaffe Fassett's patchwork art, rotating every 6-12 weeks. Finally, in the Decorative Arts gallery, admire over 400 pieces of Georgian drinking glassware and Bohemian crystal, completing an artistic journey spanning 500 years.
A hidden gem just 0.1 miles from the gallery on Upper Borough Walls, this Asian fusion grill bistro is ranked 29th best restaurant in Bath on TripAdvisor. Charcoal-grilled steaks and roast chicken are infused with Asian marinades and spices — the perfect energy boost after viewing the exhibition. Lunch or dinner, per person £15-£25.
A 1-minute walk to Argyle Street, this Sicilian-style Italian restaurant ranks 39th best in Bath on TripAdvisor. Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza and seafood platter are the signature trio, with a wine list focused on southern Italian varieties. A warm, intimate space filled with family atmosphere — the perfect romantic dinner after a gallery stroll. Per person £20-£35.
A family-run Turkish restaurant in Bath city centre, known for charcoal-grilled kebabs, Mediterranean salads and homemade desserts. Warm interior decor and friendly service create an authentic Turkish atmosphere — adana kebab and baklava are the must-order combination. A 5-minute walk from the gallery, per person £15-£30.
A modern French bistro in the courtyard oasis of Milsom Place, about a 5-minute walk. Classic French onion soup, steak frites and crème brûlée are authentically executed, with a wine list focused on small French producers. Warm indoor seating and an outdoor terrace overlooking the courtyard — the elegant finish to a cultural gallery tour. Per person £25-£40.