The Roman Baths in the UK city of Bath are a truly extraordinary place to visit. What looks like an unassuming historic building from the outside, opens up into a labyrinth of pools and rooms spreading beneath the surrounding streets. As such, they’re much bigger on the inside than you’d think. We thought it was fantastic and although you can’t bathe in the water here any more, you get a real sense of what the place was actually like in Roman and Georgian times. The story of how the baths were discovered again after being partially destroyed and built upon is also fascinating. You’ll also get to see some amazing artefacts that have been recovered from the site. The Roman Baths get very busy, especially in the summer. If you don’t book in advance, there’s a good chance you won’t get in! We’d recommend booking in advance here:
When you arrive at the Roman Baths, make sure you have a look around in this entrance hall, because it is a truly beautiful ballroom. You can imagine how busy it would have been in the times of Jane Austen when visiting this complex was a key part of society life. After this hall, you go straight out onto the balcony which goes all around the top of the large pool of the baths. The balcony wall is lined with statues standing guard and you’ll want to spend a while here taking it all in. One of the first things that you’ll notice is that you’re at street level, but the baths are a full story lower down. Next you head back inside the Georgian building and down a flight of stairs to learn about the Roman origins of this site.
This section of the attraction is the ‘museum’ part really, but it’s not just carved stones in glass cases. There’s a real story to tell about how the baths were considered in Roman times and just how big the site was. There was even a temple here and some of the carved stones which formed it have been re-discovered. You also get to see some of the Roman water works too, like the drain which sends overflowing water from the hot spring into the nearby river. Make sure you use the audio-guide because it really does enhance your understanding of what you’re seeing. After this, you’ll walk around the main pool, but the baths don’t end there. Inside doorways at each end, there are further Roman pools, changing areas, hot rooms etc. You can get to see into yet another hot pool too, which is classically designed. Finally, there’s a chance to taste the spring water before you leave. To be honest, it’s not particularly pleasant, but you have to say you’ve done it!
It’s difficult to overstate how impressive this place is. For us it is, without doubt, one of the best visitor attractions in the UK. We’re sure you’ll love it too! The Roman Baths are open daily except 25th and 26th December from 9am to 6pm. Adult admission is £28 at weekends/bank holidays and £24.50 on weekdays (2025 prices).
LOCATION & CONTACT
The Roman Baths are located in the historic Abbey Church Yard right in the centre of Bath. The Hop on, Hop off Bus Tour stops right by the Abbey which is next to the Baths.
Address: The Roman Baths, Abbey Church Yard, Bath, BA1 1LZ
Tel: +44 (0)1225 477785
Fax: +44 (0)1225 477743
MORE ON THE ROMAN BATHS
Roman Baths – Official website
Hotels in Bath – We recommend Hotels.com
Roman Baths – VisitBath.co.uk
Roman Baths – Wikipedia
Books on the Roman Baths – Amazon