Hotels near The Roman Baths, United Kingdom

As Bath’s most famous attraction, the Roman Baths are a must-see for any first-time visitor to the city. This magnificent spa complex showcases how Bath’s natural hot springs have been a huge draw for visitors for thousands of years.

Overview

Location: The Roman Baths are right in the heart of Bath, next to Bath Abbey. This historic part of the city – less than half a mile from the railway station – is bustling with tourists and shoppers and offers lots to do before or after a visit to the Baths.

History: The Roman Baths were built in 70 AD as a grand bathing and socialising venue. They attracted visitors from across the Roman Empire, who came to bathe in the natural thermal spring waters. The Baths eventually fell out of use after the end of Roman rule in Britain in the 5th century. Work has been carried out over the years to preserve the site we see today.

Unique Features: You’ll see history brought to life at one of the finest spas of the ancient world. Steaming spring waters, treasured relics and costumed characters transport you right back to Roman Britain. You can walk on ancient pavements just as the Romans did 2,000 years ago and explore plunge pools and chambers once used as changing rooms.

Visitor Highlights: The Great Bath is the centrepiece of the attraction. Take a stroll around this huge pool and get a great view of it from the upper terrace. Another must-see is the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva, dedicated to the Roman goddess. To top off your visit, you can sip the famous spa water, which contains 43 minerals thought to have healing properties. It may not be to everyone’s liking though!

Activities and Experiences

Guided Tours: One-hour tours of the Baths run each day between 10am and 3pm. Places are limited, so it’s advisable to pre-book in advance. During the tour you’ll have a chance to handle replica bathing equipment and see historic illustrations of the Baths.

Exhibits and Displays: As you follow the one-way route through the complex, you’ll come across a variety of archaeological finds from pre-Roman and Roman Britain. Key items to look out for include the gilded bronze head of Minerva and the Roman ‘curse tablets’. These were thrown into the temple spring to ask the gods for divine retribution for a wrongdoing!

Events and Programmes: Special events are held at the Baths throughout the year. Many are aimed at inspiring young people to become hooked on archaeology. The venue is also the setting for regular live performances and silent discos.

Interactive Experiences: The museum has several interactive displays and holograms of the bathers that bring Roman Britain to life. In the Roman Gym, for example, you’ll see digital projections of how the Romans kept fit.

Visitor Information

Operating Hours: The Baths are open daily from 9am to 6pm, except on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. There’s also extended opening hours over Easter and the summer holidays. Make sure you arrive in time for your allocated time slot, otherwise you may be denied entry.

Admission Fees: Ticket prices change throughout the year and vary by age and day of the week. You can find current prices on the Roman Baths website. Guided tours cost £6 per person on top of the standard entrance fee.

Facilities: The Pump Room Restaurant is next door to the Baths, and you’ll find toilets and baby changing facilities near the main reception and at the end of the tour. There are gift shops to buy souvenirs, bathing products, prints and books. A private space for prayer or medical needs is also available. There is no car park at the Baths.

Accessibility: The site is 90% accessible to wheelchair users, while audio guides for visitors with hearing or visual impairments are freely available. There’s also help for people with autism, dementia and claustrophobia should they need it. Carers get in free of charge.

Safety Tips: Sensible footwear is advised because of the uneven flooring around this ancient site. You should also keep bags with you at all times (luggage and large rucksacks aren’t allowed). Baby carriers are recommended for infants due to some steep steps and narrow walkways throughout the museum.