Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum
Bath's oldest house (c.1483) serving the legendary Sally Lunn Bun and offering a glimpse into Georgian culinary history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bath's oldest house (c.1483) serving the legendary Sally Lunn Bun and offering a glimpse into Georgian culinary history.
"Eating here felt like stepping back in time, with delicious buns and a historic setting."
🍞 Toast Your Bun!
Best enjoyed toasted! Takeaway buns reheat beautifully in a microwave or toaster.
🎁 Perfect Take-Home Gifts
Buy beautifully packed buns from the basement shop for unique souvenirs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Original Sally Lunn Bun
Eating House & Museum
Savor the legendary, semi-sweet bread, a Bath specialty since the 1680s. Perfect toasted with sweet or savory toppings.
Georgian Kitchen Museum
Basement
Discover the original kitchen where Sally Lunn herself baked, offering a unique glimpse into historic culinary life.
+1
Traditional Trencher Dinner
Eating House
Enjoy a unique and tasty dinner experience with their traditional offerings, complemented by local ales.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Famous Sally Lunn Bun
Historic Charm & Museum
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍞 Toast Your Bun!
Best enjoyed toasted! Takeaway buns reheat beautifully in a microwave or toaster.
🎁 Perfect Take-Home Gifts
Buy beautifully packed buns from the basement shop for unique souvenirs.
🍽️ Sweet vs. Savory
Sweet bun options are often recommended over savory for a more enjoyable experience.
⬇️ Basement Shop Access
Order takeaway buns directly from the basement shop, but be aware it can feel a bit claustrophobic.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍞 Toast Your Bun!
Best enjoyed toasted! Takeaway buns reheat beautifully in a microwave or toaster.
🎁 Perfect Take-Home Gifts
Buy beautifully packed buns from the basement shop for unique souvenirs.
🍽️ Sweet vs. Savory
Sweet bun options are often recommended over savory for a more enjoyable experience.
⬇️ Basement Shop Access
Order takeaway buns directly from the basement shop, but be aware it can feel a bit claustrophobic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique and delicious Sally Lunn Bun, often recommending it toasted with sweet toppings. The historic atmosphere of Bath's oldest house and the charming kitchen museum are also significant draws. While some find the savory options less appealing and the basement shop can feel cramped, the overall experience is highly praised for its historical significance and tasty offerings.
"Certainly best toasted. Tip 👇
Ordered takeaway of two famous Sally Lunn buns—one with sweet lemon curd and the other with cinnamon butter. Service was friendly, though there was a short wait. Packaging was neat (cutlery provided) and the buns were excellent—soft, light, and delicious. The buns were warm and ready to eat, and the extra we took home microwaved/toasted beautifully. A must-try Bath experience.
Tip: go straight to the museum shop in the basement (accessed via a narrow Georgian spiral staircase) to order your take-home bun. The shop has some museum displays and good lighting, but it’s small and can feel a bit claustrophobic."
Onbarefeet
"It was a great dinner. We were from overseas and your place was recommended on the internet. The Traditional Trencher was unique and tasty. We love the ale too. Good food and drinks have to be complimented by good service. The service was friendly and supportive of customer's need. So it was a perfect night to end our first day in Bath"
Jack Loh
"This is one of the first few shops my family and I came to during our first trip to Bath. The place was really lovely, very warm waitress accompanied by warm service, coupled with lovely food that’s not too filling but at the same not too light.
Personally, I would say the buns are really unique that can’t be found anywhere else in the UK or back from where I come from in Malaysia. Really glad to have visited this shop with my family during our trip to the UK!"
Bryan Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sally Lunn's is centrally located in Bath, making it easily accessible on foot from most city center attractions. If arriving by train, it's about a 15-20 minute walk from Bath Spa station. Several bus routes also stop nearby.
Parking in Bath city center can be challenging and expensive. The nearest car parks are SouthGate Shopping Centre or Charlotte Street Car Park. It's often easier to use public transport or walk if you're already in the city.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check their official website before your visit. Generally, they are open daily for food and museum visits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While walk-ins are welcome, booking a table is recommended, especially during peak times or for dinner, to avoid disappointment. You can usually book online via their website.
Entry to the museum is typically included when you dine at the eating house, or you can pay a small fee to visit the museum and shop downstairs. It's worth checking their current policy on their website.
Yes, you can purchase Sally Lunn buns to take away from the shop located in the basement. This is a great option if you're short on time or want to enjoy them later.
Many visitors recommend trying a sweet bun with toppings like lemon curd or cinnamon butter, or opting for a cream tea with a bun. For dinner, the Traditional Trencher is a unique and tasty choice.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Sally Lunn Bun is a large, semi-sweet bread, a Bath specialty since the 1680s. It's often served toasted with a variety of sweet or savory toppings, or as part of a cream tea.
Popular sweet toppings include lemon curd and cinnamon butter. For savory options, the Traditional Trencher is a unique and tasty choice.
While the traditional buns are vegetarian, specific vegan options may be limited. It's advisable to check with the restaurant directly about current offerings or dietary accommodations.
Sally Lunn's offers both light bites like cream teas and buns, as well as more substantial meals like their Traditional Trencher, making it suitable for a snack or a full dining experience.
Absolutely! You can purchase beautifully packaged Sally Lunn buns from the shop in the basement to enjoy later or give as gifts. They also reheat well.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic exterior of Bath's oldest house, the charming interior of the eating house, and of course, beautifully presented Sally Lunn buns. The basement kitchen museum also offers unique photo ops.
Generally, taking photos for personal use is acceptable, especially of your food and the historic ambiance. However, always be mindful of other diners and staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed experience. While the basement museum can feel a bit cramped, the main eating area is generally comfortable. Purchasing buns from the shop is a great way for kids to have a tasty souvenir.
💰 Budget Travelers
Alternatively, a cream tea with a bun can be a more affordable sit-down option compared to a full dinner. Sharing a bun or a cream tea between two people can also help manage costs while still enjoying the historic atmosphere.
✈️ International Visitors
+1Experiencing the historic eating house provides a glimpse into Georgian Bath. The friendly service and the chance to explore the old kitchen museum add to the cultural immersion. It's a highly recommended stop for international travelers looking for a memorable and delicious experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Sally Lunn Bun
+2Today, the Sally Lunn Bun is a quintessential Bath experience. It's a large, semi-sweet, and slightly yeasty bread, often served toasted. Visitors can choose from a variety of toppings, ranging from sweet options like lemon curd and cinnamon butter to more savory accompaniments. The experience of enjoying this historic delicacy in its original setting is what draws many to Sally Lunn's.
Beyond the bun itself, the historic eating house offers a unique dining atmosphere. The building's age and character are palpable, and the downstairs kitchen museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the past. It's a place where history, food, and culture intertwine, making it a memorable stop for any visitor to Bath.
+1Exploring the Historic Eating House & Museum
+1The highlight for many is the kitchen museum located in the basement. Accessed via a narrow, winding spiral staircase, this area showcases the original kitchen where Sally Lunn is believed to have baked her famous buns. It's a small but evocative space, offering a tangible connection to the culinary history of the city. The museum also houses a shop where you can purchase the iconic buns to take home.
Visitors often praise the friendly and supportive service they receive, adding to the overall positive experience. Whether you're enjoying a light cream tea with a bun or a more substantial dinner, the ambiance and historical significance of Sally Lunn's make it a standout attraction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit