Nestled in rolling hills just outside Bath, the American Museum & Gardens offers visitors a unique cultural experience that bridges two continents. Even if you have no American connections this extraordinary institution, housed in a stunning Grade I listed Georgian manor, makes for a fantastic day out. It houses the most comprehensive collection of American decorative arts outside the United States, while providing breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside just a short drive away from us here at Toghill House Farm.
A Journey Through American Heritage
Located at Claverton Manor on Bath’s skyline, the museum showcases the rich tapestry of American culture and history through meticulously curated period rooms and exhibitions that recreate different eras of American life.
Indoors the museum tells the many stories of The States from colonial times through to the modern era with displays of decorative arts, folk art and textiles, special exhibitions, interesting events.
Outside you can enjoy acres of wildlife-friendly prairie-style gardens, designed by Oehme, van Sweden, an arboretum and sweeping parkland. The gardens themselves are a masterpiece of landscape design, blending American gardening traditions with the English countryside with a splendid valley terrace offering spectacular views across the Limpley Stoke valley.
American Museum Summer Events and Activities 2025
There’s always something happening at the American Museum, especially during the summer months. You can check the Museum website to see what’s coming up, but here’s a taster of what’s scheduled soon:
- Garden Theatre – Sense & Sensibility: Friday, July 25, 2025
- Garden Theatre – Wind in the Willows: Saturday, August 2, 2025
- Garden Late – John Martin Quartet: Friday, August 8, 2025
- Kids’ Rave with the Super Pirates: Friday, August 15, 2025
Ongoing through the summer – and indeed right up until December 31 – you can discover the wonders of space travel in the “Beyond Infinity” interactive exhibition at the American Museum.
This amazing exhibition features a giant moon installation, rocket and spacecraft models, games, facts, incredible stories and plenty of interactive play. Touch a real moon rock!
Visiting the American Museum at Bath
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday each week from mid-February to the end of December each year, and also open on Bank Holidays and Mondays during Bath & North East Somerset school holidays.
There’s an entry fee of £16.50 for Adults and £9.50 for children aged five to 17 (under five’s go free), with concessions for family groups and students.
There’s plenty of free parking and The American Garden Deli on site offers delightful American favourites with fabulous valley views. There’s also a gallery shop packed with tempting merchandise, from American candy to quilts and art prints.
The address of the museum is Claverton Manor, Bath, BA2 7BD, and the phone number for enquiries is 01225 460503. If you’re arriving by car you’ll see the Museum clearly signposted from the A36 Warminster Road at Claverton Hill heading out of, or into, Bath.
The American Museum is just one of the many interesting – and unexpected – attractions you’ll find within easy reach of our comfortable guest house at Toghill House Farm. We’re the perfect holiday spot, whether you want a short break or a summer staycation, and we take good care of business travellers too.
Visit our bookings page to browse our charming rooms, or look at our glamping offering and book your summer stay. For any enquiries or to book your stay, get in touch. You can call us on 01225 891261, or email us directly at reservation@toghillhousefarm.co.uk.