Victoria Art Gallery

One of the only free attractions in Bath, the Victoria Art Gallery is an excellent place to spend a rainy morning or a peaceful hour of art appreciation. The gallery is well-run and well-presented, with plenty of information on hand about all the exhibits.

The museum's collection includes a disparate assortment of bequests and gifts, with works dating from the last five centuries. Some of the most interesting paintings and prints date back to Bath's heyday: portraits by Thomas Gainsborough, Johann Zoffany and Thomas Lawrence as well as Thomas Rowlandson's caricatures of Bath life entitled Comforts of Bath. More recent views of Bath in the museum include paintings by John Nash. With other exhibits ranging from a watercolour by Burne-Jones to displays of ceramics, there should be plenty to interest the art-loving visitor.

As well as the permanent art collection, part of the museum is always dedicated to temporary exhibitions - highlights of 2005 include a Matisse exhibition, a collection of images of wartime Bath and Bath Society of Artists 100th Annual Exhibition. The museum organises events and tours throughout the year, as well as classes and activities for children.

The Victoria Art Gallery is located next to Pulteney Bridge, and is open Tuesday-Friday 10am-5.30pm, Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 2pm-5pm (closed on Mondays). Admission is free.