Roman Baths (Bath)

Name: Roman Baths (Bath)
Item: Roman Baths (Bath)
Author: Andrew Samson

The Roman Baths by Steven Brace / CC BY

Overview

People have been bathing in the geo-thermal spring waters in the town that is now called Bath for thousands of years. Although the precise date is unknown, it is thought that the Celts first started bathing in the UK’s only warm water springs as early as 800 BC.

After the Romans invaded Britain, they quickly set about building a temple and bathing complex. Starting in approximately 60 AD, the Romans gradually built up the baths over the next 300 years. The Roman Baths are one of the best preserved Roman sites in Britain.

Main Attractions

Roman Baths Museum: There are four main features: the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House and the Museum. The Baths and Pump Room are a major tourist attraction and receive more than one million visitors a year
The Cross Bath: An intimate open-air thermal bath for up to ten people. Built in 1789 by Thomas Baldwin, the baths are built on the Celt’s ancient baths in honour of their goddess Sul
New Royal Bath: Described as a “fusion of glass, stone, light and water”, the baths were opened in 2006. Relax in two spectacular baths (one indoor and one rooftop outdoor pool), fed by naturally warm, mineral-rich waters

“The thermal water in all baths is heated to the optimum bathing temperature of 33.5°C.”

Pricing

A 90 minute sessesion in the Cross Bath start at £18 per person. By comparison the cheapest spa session at the New Royal Baths will cost £36 for a 120 minute visit. Entrance into the Roman Baths costs from £16.50 per adult. Please note, you cannot enter the waters in the Roman Baths; it is a museum only.

Stay In Britain Tips

If you are planning to take a dip in one of Bath’s thermal pools, you should note that spa sessions in the New Royal Bath cannot be booked in advance unless you have 8 or more people in your group. The same rules apply for the Cross Bath where you will need 6 or more people in your group to book in advance. Because the queues can be quite large, it makes sense to visit when you have a group of people as it will significantly speed up your entrance!

For more information, visit https://www.thermaebathspa.com/

Roman Baths (Bath)

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