Roman Baths

The Basics

The Roman Baths are the headline attraction in Bath, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Being just 115 miles (185 kilometers) from central London and within day-tripping distance of Oxford, Brighton, Bournemouth, and Southampton, Bath is a very popular day-tour destination for visitors to South England.

Organized day tours often combine a trip to Bath and the Roman Baths with a visit to the prehistoric Stonehenge monument, the picturesque Cotswolds village of Lacock, Windsor Castle, or the cathedral town of Salisbury. If you want to begin your tour in Bath itself, try a guided walking tour of the Georgian city that includes other top attractions such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus, and Gothic Bath Abbey. Hop-on hop-off tour buses also stop at the Roman Baths.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The hot water that flows throughout the Roman Baths complex, via the Sacred Spring, is untreated, hence bathing is not allowed.

• Wear sturdy shoes as the stone floors are uneven.

• Audio guides are provided, and free tours take place hourly.

• The complex is below street level, and features narrow walkways that may trigger claustrophobia.

How to Get There

Bath-bound Great Western Railway trains depart from London’s Paddington station and take about 90 minutes. The Roman Baths are about a 10-minute walk from Bath Spa train station.

When to Get There

The Roman Baths are the city’s showpiece attraction and, as such, draw big crowds, particularly during July and August weekends. If you are visiting at this time, arrive before 10am or during the evening. In summer, it’s possible to visit at night, when the baths are lit by torches.

Drinking the Thermal Waters

Within the same complex as the Roman Baths is the elaborate Pump Room, a lavish 18th-century construction that served as a socializing spot for Bath’s Georgian elite. The Pump Room now houses a restaurant as well as the King’s Spa fountain, which spouts mineral water directly from the springs. Visitors can try the warm thermal waters, which are said to have curative properties. Be warned: The sulfur-tinged flavor is not to everyone’s taste.

Can you bathe in the Roman Baths in Bath?

No, the Roman Baths aren’t used for bathing or swimming these days, but visitors can tour the historic site and museum. If you want to experience bathing Roman-style, head to the nearby Thermae Bath Spa, which boasts an open-air rooftop pool and a wellness suite with Roman-inspired steam rooms.

What are the main attractions at the Roman Baths?

The Roman Baths in Bath are split into four different attractions: The Sacred Spring is where the naturally hot water rises; the Roman Temple, of which remains the temple pediment; the Roman Bath House that harks back to ancient bathing days; and finds from the original site in a museum.

Are guided tours available at the Roman Baths?

Audio guides and printed information are included with admission to the Roman Baths. These give the site’s history in a wide choice of languages. A special children’s audio guide piques kids’ interest with stories of Roman characters. Author Michael Rosen narrates the English-speaking guide.

What are the best times to visit the Roman Baths to avoid crowds?

The Roman Baths are busiest during school vacation and peak summer months when big tour groups arrive. To skip the worst crowds at these times (or out of them), head there as soon as the attraction opens or a few hours before the official closing time.

Can I purchase tickets to the Roman Baths online in advance?

Yes, booking is recommended as this is Bath’s super popular attraction. Visitors can book directly at the site, online, or via a day trip from a different city. Day trips are a great way to visit the attraction, as they often package round-trip transport along with pre-booked admission tickets for convenience.

Can I bring food into the Roman Baths, or are there on-site dining options?

No food and drink, including hot beverages, could be consumed in the Roman Baths. The only exception is water in a transparent container. The Roman Baths attraction does have the Pump Room Restaurant, though, where visitors can enjoy breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea—often with music from a resident pianist.

Ways to explore

Bath’s premier attraction is the main draw for many city visitors, and so it’s advisable to book your Roman Baths tickets in advance during peak summer months. Entry is in timed slots, and you should allow around two hours to explore.

For visitors staying outside of Bath, guided day trips offer convenient transportation along with prebooked tickets and tours. Trips often combine a Roman Baths visit with stops at Stonehenge, the Cotswolds, Windsor Castle, or Salisbury Cathedral. Or, Bath walking tours sometimes combine admission with tours of Bath Abbey and the Royal Crescent.

Accessibility

The attraction is mostly accessible for wheelchair users. However, it’s a historic site and there are some areas where steps can’t be avoided.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Baby carriers instead of strollers, a small backpack, water in a resealable bottle

What to wear

Flat, comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain

Not allowed

Canned drinks, hot drinks, drones, large luggage

Amenities

Baby change facilities, restrooms, the Pump Room restaurant (open for breakfast, brunch, and afternoon tea)

Address 

The Roman Baths are located right in the historic center of Bath city, near Bath Abbey.

Driving

The center of Bath is plagued by traffic, and there are measures in place to reduce it such as the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charge. To avoid paying the charge, leave the car outside the city center, and use the Lansdown Park and Ride service. This offers day-long free parking, and a bus ride into town. Buses depart every 15 minutes through the day.

Public transportation

Take the train to Bath Spa, and walk for around 10 minutes to the attraction. If you’re coming from London, there are regular coaches from London Victoria station as well as Gatwick and Heathrow airports, and the drop-off point is a 5-minute walk from the baths.

Best times to visit

The attraction is open from morning until early evening, and you’ll find less people around if you time your visit for as early as possible, or around two hours before closing.

Best days to visit

Weekdays see the fewest visitors to the Roman Baths, while Sunday tends to be the quietest weekend day.

Best months to visit

May, June, September, and October are mild months to visit, without the extra crowds from school vacations.

Special events

Look out for the Summer Lates, when there’s the opportunity to add evening guided tours of the baths after the site has closed. These torchlight tours include a drink from the bar and live music from a DJ set on weekend evenings.