Sally Lunn's is the oldest known house in Bath. The present timber-framed building dates from 1492 and Roman and Medieval remains have been found below the cellar floor. Sally Lunn, a young French girl, did not arrive until 1680. She brought with her a recipe for the sweet, brioche-style bread that has become known as the Sally Lunn Bun. The tearooms are sadly not designed for the numerous visitors wanting to experience a taste of the famous Sally Lunn Bun, which makes for a cozy dining experience. You can, however, savor the exceptional light bites dating back to those times that are still offered here. For history enthusiasts, the kitchen museum is a great avenue to check out the historic kitchen used by none other than the lady herself.
The Jane Austen Centre is located in Gay Street where Jane Austen once lived. The permanent exhibition in this Georgian house offers a look at the life and times of Bath's most famous citizen. Staff give regular introductory talks, following which you may browse through the exhibition at your leisure. Settings and costumes illustrate the city in Austen's time, while a video presentation gives glimpses of her daily life and how living in Bath influenced her novels. If you fancy dressing in period costume and posing for the camera, make an appointment for a sitting with the professional photographer. The gift shop offers various Jane Austen souvenirs, books, stationery, lace, cards and gifts.
Four hundred years of style are on display in the Fashion Museum, located on the lower floor of the Assembly Rooms. Perhaps the most famous example is a rare outfit from 1660, a timeless silver tissue dress. An audio tour guides visitors through the evolution of style right up to the present day. Modern fashion is represented by the "Dress of the Year" chosen annually since 1963 by leading experts to record the important developments in the fashion world.
Founded by avid art collector, Brian S. McElney, the Museum of East Asian Art is symbolic of East and Southeast Asian heritage. The wonders of the Eastern world are preserved in the Georgian house and dates back to 5000 BC through the 20th Century. On the first floor of are Japanese and Korean jade and stone carvings, as well as a large room devoted to bronze and other metallic arts. The Chinese Scholar's Studio hidden in the back is easily missed, but well worth seeking out. The second floor gallery features ceramics, sculptures and bamboo carvings. Helpful displays assist you in understanding the significance of the art-forms in Asian culture. Around every corner something will catch your eye; look out for Chinese and Japanese lacquer and prints of traditional figures.