Candy McCrum and her family enjoy their first visit to one of Bath’s most innovative and entertaining museums, complete with its own escape challenges
Finding something that appeals to both an 11-year-old and a 15-year-old can be tricky, but Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein managed to fully engage every member of our family. This award-winning attraction offers a unique mix of history, theatre and hands-on interaction that had us talking about it long after we left.
From the moment we stepped inside, we were immersed in Mary Shelley’s world. Spread over four floors, the museum tells the story of the famous author and her iconic creation, with a blend of fact and drama. It’s not just a collection of dusty exhibits – the storytelling is immersive and multi-sensory, with sound effects, lighting, strange objects and even curated scents adding to the atmosphere.
Our 15-year-old, who doesn’t usually enjoy museums, was genuinely interested in Mary Shelley’s life, especially the more tragic elements that shaped her writing. Meanwhile, our 11-year-old was captivated by the interactive elements and spooky but not-too-scary tone… although none of us were brave enough to venture in to the basement! The 8ft Frankenstein’s monster model was a particular highlight for both kids.
We also appreciated the Popular Culture section, which showed how Frankenstein has evolved through books, theatre and film. A short screening of the 1910 silent movie offered a nice break and sparked a great conversation about how the monster’s image has changed over time.
Before exploring the museum itself, we took part in The Despicable Gift, a family-friendly escape game experience that really stood out. The premise is simple but effective – solve the mystery of a package by finding and interpreting a series of clues.
What made this activity so enjoyable was how well it encouraged teamwork. All four of us were able to contribute in different ways. Our 11-year-old noticed visual clues we might have missed, while our teenager made logical connections that moved us forward. As parents, we helped guide the process, but everyone played an active role.
The game took about 45 minutes (we were kindly allowed a little extra time!) and struck a great balance between challenge and fun. The staff running the experience were excellent – they offered hints at just the right moments without giving anything away, and their enthusiasm really added to the atmosphere.
We didn’t manage to complete the puzzle in time – it may have been slightly too challenging for our 11-year-old (and at times our 15-year-old!) So, families with younger children might benefit from a bit more time to fully enjoy the experience. Also worth noting, if this is your first escape room, it might feel quite difficult. Having some experience with how escape rooms typically work would definitely help, as the puzzles are more complex than they first appear.
Throughout our visit, the staff stood out for their knowledge and warmth. Whether it was the theatrical welcome at the entrance or the subtle support during the escape game, their professionalism and passion were clear.
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is a rare gem – educational, entertaining and genuinely fun for families with children of different ages. Allow a couple of hours for the full experience, and be prepared for something a little different.
Whether you’re local to Bath or just visiting, this is a must-see attraction that offers great value and unforgettable family moments.
