Get a Georgian glow-up at No.1 Royal Crescent

This Christmas, visitors to Bath will be invited to step into the shoes of their regency forebears, as No. 1 Royal Crescent Museum and Bath Theatrical Costume Hire collaborate to launch two immersive heritage experiences: The Portrait Parlour and The Georgian Glow Up.

Together, these experiences offer an opportunity to explore Bath’s Georgian era through costume, photography, and cultural engagement.

Image: Bath Theatrical Costume Hire 

Experience One: The Portrait Parlour: Slip into costume and frame yourself in a time gone by...

Located in the first gallery room of No. 1 Royal Crescent, The Portrait Parlour will provide visitors with the opportunity to don period-style clothing and capture their own “portraits” (selfies). A selection of easy-to-wear “slip-on” costumes will be available, designed to fit comfortably over everyday clothing. Visitors may take their own photographs or selfies within the themed set.

• Tickets: £6.00 per person
• Booking: Online via the No. 1 Royal Crescent website or at the door (subject to availability)
• Capacity: Up to four participants per ten-minute session

Experience Two: Georgian Glow Up: The Heritage Wardrobe - Hire the look, live the history!

In the adjoining exhibition room, The Georgian Glow Up will offer a full costume hire service, presenting a range of Georgian and Regency attire displayed on dressed mannequins. Visitors can pre-book costumes for collection and enjoy an overnight hire, allowing them to experience Bath’s streets, architecture and atmosphere while dressed in authentic period clothing.

• Hire fee: £120, including a complete costume with accessories, entry to the historic house museum, and a session in The Portrait Parlour
• Hire duration: Overnight, with collection and return to No. 1 Royal Crescent
• Booking: Through the museum’s website

The launch event on 22 November will feature a Christmas craft workshop, where participants can create traditional Tussie Mussie floral arrangements, inspired by Georgian festive customs.

Patrizia Ribul, Director of Museums at Bath Preservation Trust, which operates No.1 Royal Crescent, said: “What better way to get a feel for a Georgian person’s life than by stepping into their shoes? Bath Theatrical Costume Hire’s pop-up experiences at No.1 Royal Crescent will allow visitors to do just that. Whether you want to try on a costume for ten minutes or a whole evening, don’t miss this opportunity to get a real feel for all things Regency – and get that Georgian glow up!

Bath Theatrical Costume Hire’s Managing Director Rusette Auton said: “We are so excited to be working with No. 1. Immersing yourself in the full experience is what really brings the museum and city to life. Being able to have photos in the magnificent museum, dressed as though it might be your second home, what fantastic memories to take home with you. Of course if you're not entirely sure about the full costume and promenading through Bath, then you can always have a taste of what you might look like in costume in our Portrait Parlour. A perfect opportunity to add something different to your visit. We are so looking forward to helping visitors make lifetime memories."

Bookings for The Portrait Parlour and The Georgian Glow Up will open soon via the No. 1 Royal Crescent website: https://no1royalcrescent.org.uk/whats-on/.