1 Best Sight in Bath and the Cotswolds, England

Herschel Museum of Astronomy

In the garden of this modest Bath town house, which he shared with his sister Caroline (an astronomer in her own right), William Herschel (1738–1822) identified the planet Uranus. He used a handmade telescope of his own devising, and this small museum, devoted to his studies and discoveries, shows his telescopes, the workshop abutting the kitchen where he cast his speculum metal mirrors, as well as orreries, caricatures, and musical instruments of his time (Herschel was the organist at Bath's Octagon Chapel). Note that they do not accept cash for the admission price.

19 New King St., Bath, Bath and North East Somerset, BA1 2BL, England
01225-446865
Sights Details
Rate Includes: £9.50 Feb.–Jun. and Sept.–Dec.; £11.50 Jul. and Aug., Closed Jan. and Mon. in Feb.–Jun. and Sept.–Dec.