Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein: It Comes To Life Again
Before we start writing about Marry Shelley’s House of Frankenstein in Bath, England, a fast quiz. In the life of every horror fan, there comes a moment when he realizes that what he grew up with is fake. We do not mean the knowledge that there are no zombies, ghosts, or monsters in reality, but rather that there is a mistake in how we perceive some of the great icons. The case of Frankenstein proves precisely that. Almost everyone thought at some point that this name spelled out that famous monster created by Mary Shelley in the 19th-century gothic novel. In practice, of course, this is the name of Dr. Victor Frankenstein, the scientist who made it, which according to all interpretations, Mary Shelley wanted to symbolize the real monster (or, in fact, the man himself). The name of the person we know as Frankenstein is not mentioned in the novel, demonstrably and critically. Many refer to it as “Frankenstein’s monster” or “Frankenstein’s creature.”
It is possible that this paragraph did not have too much new information for you, but wait. if we ask where precisely the novel takes place, you may encounter a problem. While there are novels that are mainly identified with one central location (the obvious example is Dracula’s Bran Castle, no matter how vague its connection to the story), the story of “Frankenstein” includes a geographical journey between several countries and even continents. Among other things, the characters in the novel move between different cities in countries such as Russia, Italy, England, Germany, and even the North Pole.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, a new and unique attraction in Bath that celebrates the life and legacy of the woman who created the world’s first science fiction novel and its iconic creature.
So What Has Bath To Do With Frankenstein?
Bath, in the southwest of England, which is better known for its Roman baths, connected to the story – as can be deduced from the fact that two years ago, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein opened there, which looks like a highly recommended attraction for fans of the mythology surrounding the monster?
If you are a horror literature fan or know the story behind the famous horror icons, you might have heard of Mary Shelley. Shelley is the author of “Frankenstein,” one of the most influential and enduring novels ever. But did you know she wrote parts of her masterpiece in Bath, a beautiful city in England known for its Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and Jane Austen connections?
Frankenstein, or “The Modern Prometheus,” is a novel Mary Shelley wrote in 1816, even before she was 20. It tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a living being from dead body parts but abandons it in horror. The creature, rejected by everyone, seeks revenge on his creator and causes havoc and tragedy.
Frankenstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of literature ever written for its originality, complexity, and relevance. It explores themes such as science, ethics, nature, identity, responsibility, and humanity. As you can tell from the attraction’s official website, it is also considered the first science-fiction novel ever.
“Frankenstein” also inspired countless adaptations, interpretations, and variations in different media and genres, making Frankenstein and his monster part of our collective imagination and culture.
Who Was Mary Shelley, And What Was Her Connection To Bath?
Mary Shelley was born in 1797 in London as Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin. She was the daughter of two famous writers and philosophers: William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft. She grew up in an intellectual and radical environment, surrounded by books and ideas.
In 1814, she met Percy Bysshe Shelley, a poet and a married man, with whom she eloped to Europe. They faced many hardships and tragedies together, such as debt, ostracism, illness, and the death of their children.
In 1816, they joined Lord Byron and other friends in Switzerland, where they spent a rainy summer reading ghost stories and writing their own. There, Mary had a nightmare that inspired her to write Frankenstein.
Later that year, they returned to England and settled in Bath for a few months. Mary continued working on her novel in a boarding house at 5 Abbey Churchyard (now demolished), where she also received the news of her half-sister’s suicide.
Mary Shelley left Bath in March 1817, never to return. She published Frankenstein anonymously in January 1818. Later she faced more losses and challenges in her life, such as the death of her husband in 1822 and the struggle to support herself and her son as a widow and a woman writer. Mary Shelley died in 1851 at 53 from a brain tumor.
What is Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein in Bath?
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is a new attraction that opened in June 2021 in Bath. It is located at 37 Gay Street, a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse that dates back to 1790. It is the first attraction in the world dedicated to Mary Shelley and her novel.
House of Frankenstein Bath, a combination “between a museum and immersive visitor experience,” consists of four floors that offer an immersive and multi-sensory experience for visitors, plus a basement experience. You can explore the dark world of Mary Shelley and her creation through various exhibits, displays, artifacts, interactive elements, audio-visual effects, and live actors.
In Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, as we might expect from a horror museum, You can learn more about Mary Shelley’s life story, the influence of her parents (her father was a political philosopher and her mother a philosopher and a women’s rights fighter), and the tragic events that influenced her writing, such as the death of her mother just 11 days after giving birth to Mary.
One of the highlights of House of Frankenstein Bath is the rare opportunity you have to confront the formidable monster recreated just like she imagined, or you would say she wrote about. If you ask how tall is the recreation of Frankenstein’s monster at Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, the answer is simple: 8 feet, which is more than 2.4 meters.
You can also discover how Frankenstein has influenced popular culture over the years, investigate the eerie attic quarters where Victor Frankenstein conducted his experiments and take place in two different experiences:
Escape Room
House of Frankenstein Bath escape room is a thrilling adventure where you and your friends have to solve puzzles, find clues and escape from Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory before time runs out. You will encounter his monstrous creations, twisted experiments, and dark secrets. Can you survive the horrors of the House of Frankenstein and make it out alive? Probably yes, cause Wo don’t think a horror attraction may kill you. But it can still be fun.
The tickets for the escape room cost £25 per person and include entry to the main house. The escape room accommodates up to 6 people and lasts about one hour. You need to book online in advance.
Body In A Suitcase Game
Body in a Suitcase game is a puzzle-based challenge. It is a fun and interactive challenge where you assemble a human body from various parts hidden in suitcases. You will learn about anatomy, physiology, and the history of Frankenstein’s experiments as you try to create your own creature. But be careful because some parts may not fit together as expected, and some may have a life of their own!
Body in a Suitcase game is suitable for a maximum of 6 people in a group and should last about 45 minutes. You can find tickets for this attraction and Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein Bath combined (starts at £21.67 per player, as of 2023). The game alone should cost 13.50£ per player.
Who Can Visit Mary Shelley’s House Of Frankenstein?
House of Frankenstein in Bath looks, for our impression, informative, entertaining, and scary. It suits adults and children who enjoy horror and history, but every parent should decide if it fits his children. Children up to 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18 years and older).
Since there are some dark locations and scary aspects, like audio or visual effects, it is not recommended for people who are easily frightened or have health issues such as epilepsy or heart problems. Since there are lot of stairs between the floors, it’s not accesible for people using a wheelchair.
Opening Hours
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is open from Sunday to Friday from 11:00 am to 17:00 (last admission: 16:00), and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 18:30 (last entry: 15:30). On public holidays and vacation, the opening hours are usually 10:00-18:30. You should always check the opening hours on your desired date before visiting.
Tickets Prices
The main Mary Shelley’s House Of Frankenstein tickets cost £15 for adults, £12.50 for students and seniors, and £10 for children (up to 16 years old). Children under five may enter free of charge, although it’s hard to say this attraction is ideal for them, to say at least.
Where Can You Buy Tickets?
Like most horror tourist attractions, you may consider positively buying a tickets online. First, You can save 10-15% by booking online in advance, which we advise in most cases since it’s easy, fast (you don’t have to wait in line), and cheap. In most tickets you can change or cancel the tickets prior to your visiting, up to 24 hours before the chosen date. You can also buy gift vouchers or group tickets for parties of 5, 6, 8, or 10 people.
You can find tickets in the following sites, among others: (please note: We may make a commission for purchases made through the following links)
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein Location
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is located at 37 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2NT. It is situated between Queen Square and The Circus, two of the most famous landmarks in Bath.
The main reason many tourists come to Bath, as you can learn by its name, is its famous Baths built by the Romans. Bath is located about 157 kilometers from London, so it’s possible to come here for a few days (or even a day trip) while staying in the city and exploring its magic (and scary attractions).
You can get to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein Gay Street Bath by foot, train, car, or coach, using one of the following:
By foot: It is an eight-minute walk from the city center (Bath Abbey) and approximately 15 minutes from Bath Spa train station.
By train: Please see First Great Western or Trainline for trains to Bath.
By car: The nearest car park is Charlotte Street, BA1 2NE, five minutes’ walk away. Please note though there is a minimum stay at this car park of four hours. For more details on the city’s car parks, please visit the Bath & North-East Somerset Council Website.
Should You Visit House Of Frankenstein In Bath?
We have yet to visit the attractions, but from our impressions and Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein reviews found online is seems like a Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is a must-see attraction for horror lovers, especially ones who are into the classic gothic horror and anyone who wants to discover more about one of the most fascinating women writers in history and her groundbreaking novel. It may be unique, immersive, and thrilling experience that will make you appreciate Frankenstein and his monster like never before.
