Emma A guide to visiting the Roman Baths in Bath
It would be seriously rude not to visit Bath and not visit the Roman Baths. They are a must-do when visiting the city. The Romans founded the city of Bath in the 1st Century AD. The natural hot springs located here were ideal for use as a thermal spa, something the Romans liked to do of an afternoon. After the Romans left, it wasn’t until the 18th Century that the city grew as the elegant spa city it now is.
Here are all our tips for making sure you have a stress free visit to the Roman Baths in Bath.
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Tips for Visiting the Roman Baths in Bath
Arrive early
Get there as close to opening time as you can in order to not only miss the crowds but also get some good shots of the Roman Baths. Lots of tourists visit Bath from London, so if you arrive early before their tour buses appear you can get a head start.
Buy your ticket online
Save queuing in what can be a hot summers day and buy your ticket online.
Visit During Off Season
If you travel to see the Roman Baths during the off season, you are more likely to get a stress free visit. September is a good time to visit as schools are back so there are less tourists around.
Just like a good bath, it takes a while to see it all
Factor in about 2 – 2 1/2 hours to see it all, take your time and walk the very same stones Roman citizens walked all those years ago.
Taste the Water
At the end of the tour you will reach a room with a big sink and a constant flow of water, this is the sacred spring water. Give it a try, don’t be scared.
Did you know that the water contains 43 different minerals!
Everything you need to know before you visit the Roman Baths in Bath
Opening Hours
The Roman Baths are open daily from 9am to 6pm (last entry at 5pm) every day of the year except 25 & 26 December.
Where to buy your ticket
Click here to buy your ticket online from the official Roman Baths website and save time. Otherwise, you can buy your ticket at the Roman Baths.
How to get to the Roman Baths in Bath
Coaches operate from London Victoria Bus Station; , Heathrow and Gatwick airports; as well as Bristol Airport. Bath bus station is a five minute walk from the Roman Baths.
There are frequent connections to both London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads railway stations. Bath Spa railway station is a five minute walk from the Roman Baths.
Access the city of Bath via the M5 and M4 motorways. Park and Ride can be found at Lansdown Park and Ride. Full information can be found at Park and Ride services and Bath Car Park charges.
For details of parking with electric car charging available, visit the Bath & North East Somerset Council website.
Bath operates a charging clean air zone (CAZ) in the city centre. Not all vehicles are charged. To check if charges apply to your vehicle, please visit the government website.
Address of the Roman Baths
The Roman Baths
Abbey Church Yard
Bath
BA1 1LZ
Google map showing the location of the Roman Baths
What is allowed into the Roman Baths
Small back packs are allowed.
Secured water bottles are allowed, no hot drinks or cans.
Mobility scooters, wheelchairs, stick-stools and other mobility aids are welcome.
Trained assistance dogs are welcome.
Wear sensible footwear, the floor is well worn and there is water around.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Roman baths
Where are the toilets?
There are two sets of toilets. One is near to the main reception with another set at the end of the tour.
Are there audioguides available? and in which languages?
There are audioguides are available in thirteen languages, and are included in the admission price. Available languages are English, Dutch, French, German, Ukranian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. A hand held British Sign Language guide and a special audioguide with enhanced audio description for people with visual impairment are freely available.
Is there a children’s audioguide?
A children’s audioguide narrated by Michael Rosen is available in English, French, Ukranian, German and Mandarin, and features Roman characters and their stories.
Visiting with children
There is a free audioguide available plus you can purchase a Children’s Activity book at the entrance which is filled with pzzles and games.
Shop
There are two shops available on site, a small one in the museum and a larger one upstairs as you exit. If you like making things, look out for their Lego inspired Roman Baths. The blocks are small so tricky to handle, however, if you are a lego fan you know you’ll want one.
