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Roman Baths

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T'ai Chi on the Terrace

The Roman Baths collection contains thousands of archaeological finds from pre-Roman and Roman Britain. Find out more about the key objects in this section.

The gilt bronze head of the goddess Sulis Minerva is one of the treasures of Roman Britain.

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We work with local community groups at the Roman Baths, exploring connections with the past and present

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Visit the Bath World Heritage Centre and explore the amazing City of Bath World Heritage Site

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One Trip at a Time

Is it possible to visit Bath without visiting the place that gave the city its name in the first place? We suppose it is, but we think you’d be missing out on some great history and architecture if you didn’t go to the Roman Baths so we’d highly recommend a visit to this really great site.

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Two traditions merged to create what is known today as the Roman style of bathing. One was the Greek public baths that had individual hip baths in heated rooms and cold water showers in their exercise halls. The other was Italian where the folks had small rooms, like saunas, in their farmhouses. These two styles came together in the 2nd century BC to create a leisurely approach to bathing that could take all afternoon and was an end in itself, not simply a way to get clean.

The hot spring that feeds the baths was known and worshipped to the goddess Sulis.  When the Romans arrived in Britain they built a temple around the existing spring and a settlement grew up around it called Aquae Sulis. It is believed that locals cast curse tablets into the spring to request recourse for actions they felt aggrieved by. 130 of these tablets have been found in varying conditions.

The Roman Baths include, not only the Great Bath and Sacred Spring, but also heated rooms and cold plunge pools that visitors can view and learn more about how they heated these rooms.

READ MORE: Weekend Guide to Bath: 48-Hour Itinerary

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ROMAN BATHS

Tours of the Roman Baths are self-guided with the included audio-guide. The audio-guide is available in 12 languages, with a guide just for children and another commentated by the author Bill Bryson.

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THE TERRACE

The terrace is lined with Victorian statues of Roman emperors and governors of Britain and they date back to 1894. Although my favourite view of the baths, the terrace really only allows you to see about a quarter of the whole site. Much of the Roman Baths extends under ground level, beneath the streets and squares nearby.

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THE GREAT BATH

The Great Bath is lined with 45 sheets of lead and filled 1.6 meters deep with hot water from the springs. With little niches all around the sides, it would have been ideal for bathing as these would have held benches for the bathers and maybe even some small tables for food and drinks. During Roman times it was actually enclosed under a barrel-vaulted ceiling that was about 40 meters high.

With one look at the green water, many people probably wonder why anyone would want to bathe here. It doesn’t look very clean or particularly inviting but back in the day it actually wasn’t so green. With a roof over it, most of the sunlight would have been kept out and it wouldn’t have been quite the breeding ground for algae that it is today. Even though it is drained and cleaned frequently, the algae still builds up and gives it the characteristic green hue it has today.

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SACRED SPRING

Originally called   Aquae Sulis , the town became known as Bath after the Romans moved in and created the firsts baths and temple buildings around the Sacred Spring in 76 A.D. Water temperatures in the Sacred Spring reach 46° C (114°F) and it was here that the spirit of the goddess   Sulis Minerva   dwelt and was worshipped. The local people also wrote curses about other people, for things like theft, on lead or pewter and threw these into the Sacred Spring to the goddess for her intervention with the thieves.

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The Pump Room was added on much later, in the 18th century, and includes steps, or “slips”, that allow bathers to enter the water from passages below the Pump Room.  Today the Pump Room is home to one of Bath’s most elegant places for British dining, perhaps a great place to stop for afternoon tea.

Visitors can also try a drink of the hot spa water at the fountain in the Pump Room. It contains 43 minerals and has been used for healing purposes for two thousand years. No worries though, if you aren’t able to dine at the Pump Room you can still enjoy a cup of the spa water at the end of the tour of the Roman Baths. Some say it tastes terrible but I didn’t think it tasted that horrible. Definitely give it a try if you visit.

READ MORE:  Looking for more great things to see and do in Bath? Check out these 21 things to do in Bath !

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PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE ROMAN BATHS

Information last updated December 2019

HOW TO GET THERE

The Roman Baths can be found at Abbey Church Yard, Bath, BA1 1LZ .

The nearest station is Bath Spa (Great Western Mainline) which is less than 10-minutes walk away. You can catch a bus (3, D1 discover or D3 discover) from the bus station outside Bath Spa to Guidhall which is just 1-minutes walk from the entrance to the baths.

Parking is available five-minutes walk away at  Manvers Street Car Park . Parking is £1.60 per hour, with a minimum stay of two hours, up to £15 for 12 hours.

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  • If you need an app that will navigate you around whether walking, driving or using public transport and even works offline then click for a guide about   how to use Here WeGo .

OPENING HOURS

Opening hours vary throughout the year, but the core hours are 0930-1700 with earlier and later hours during high season, including late opening until 2100 in the summer. The baths are closed on the 25th and 26th December. For full opening times please check here .

As most of the attraction is indoors or at least undercover, any time of year is a good time to visit, only the terrace is exposed to the elements. We would recommend you allow at 90-minutes to two hours to fully explore the baths.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS & SAVE MONEY ON ADMISSION

Basic admission prices vary based on the season and whether you visit on a weekday or weekend. Basic prices range between £16-£23 for adults, £8.50-£15.50 for children 6-18 years and £21.50 for over 65s and student visitors. Family tickets for 2 adults and up to 4 children are £41-£63 and for one adult and up to 4 children £28.50-£45.50. One carer per disabled visitor can visit for free.

Museum saver prices which include admission to the Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery are £26 for adults, £16 for children 6-18 years, £24.50 for over 65s and student visitors. Family museum saver for 2 adults and up to 4 children are £70 and for one adult and up to 4 children £49. This makes the museum saver a much better deal during high season!

You can save 10% on any ticket price by purchasing online in advance.

ACCESSIBILITY

90% of the site is accessible, but to access all areas you will need to climb steps. Access to the lower museum and the baths is via accessible lifts.

For full accessibility details please visit the Roman Baths Accessibility page.

ARE THE ROMAN BATHS WORTH THE VISIT?

The Roman Baths are the heart of the history of Bath and as such should definitely be on a visitors itinerary. There is much to see at the site beyond the great bath that you’ll see in all the pictures. Learning about the history of how the site was used as well as viewing the many artefacts that have been found in the museum is fascinating. The audio-guide is full of detail and hearing Bill Bryson’s take on the baths is a joy for fans of his work.

See what others think of this attraction on Trip Advisor .

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ADD TO YOUR BATH ITINERARY

Bath is most famous for the Roman Baths that the town is named for; heated from a natural spring with purported healing properties. The entire city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 for its Roman remains and classic Georgian architecture. Visitors today can explore this compact elegant city and its many attractions.

  • The free walking tour of Bath conducted by The Mayor of Bath’s Corps of Honorary Guides is easily the best value thing to do in Bath. Take a two-hour walk around this amazing UNESCO city with expert guides.
  • With its stone depiction of Jacob’s Ladder on the west front, Bath Abbey is one of the most famous and beautiful things to see in Bath.
  • Experience how Bath’s residents would have lived in the late 18th Century with a visit to No 1 Royal Crescent .

For a modern take on a Roman Bath, visit the Thermae Baths with their open-air rooftop pool filled and heated with the natural spring water the Romans would have used.

  • Walk across the much-photographed Pulteney Bridge , though you won’t know you are on a bridge, as it has shops on both sides across the whole width of the bridge!

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO BATH

To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites. 

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The inside story

Originally built around 70BC, the Roman Baths are the ultimate British bucket list experience. Step back in time to discover a treasure trove of Roman history. The Great Bath is the majestic centrepiece of the site. It's the biggest bath with steaming green waters – it’s only algae – where Romans came to bathe, relax and socialise.

Another impressive pool is the Sacred Spring, with mind-blowing natural temperatures of 46°. Learn about Sulis Minerva – the goddess responsible for the healing hot springs. See the gifts the Romans dedicated to her including brooches, bracelets, jugs and coins and look out for the curious Curse Tablets which even asked her to punish thieves.

See the spa water fountain at the end of the bath complex and find out if the water has healing properties – it contains 43 minerals. The gift shop offers a wide range of souvenirs to take home with you and you can also visit the Pump Room restaurant next door. Enjoy a glass of natural water or enjoy afternoon tea to end your visit on a real high. The modern Bath Spa nearby offers the opportunity to bathe in the waters and the open-top terrace pool is a real treat.

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  • About this activity

Roman Bath & Ancient Stonehenge Full-Day Tour

  • Free cancellation available
  • Mobile voucher
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  • 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a full-day tour
  • Stress-free transportation from London with guide
  • Unexplained mysteries surrounding the Stonehenge site
  • Visiting the Georgian city of Bath—a British Heritage Site
  • Upgrade and enter the Roman Baths

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Activity location

  • Wilthshire, GBR

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • 164 Buckingham Palace Road Buckingham Palace Road
  • SW1W 9TP, London, England, United Kingdom
  • Mon, Mar 4 -
  • Tue, Mar 5 $120
  • Wed, Mar 6 $120
  • Thu, Mar 7 -
  • Fri, Mar 8 $120
  • Sat, Mar 9 $120
  • Sun, Mar 10 $120
  • Mon, Mar 11 $120
  • Tue, Mar 12 $120
  • Wed, Mar 13 $120
  • Thu, Mar 14 -
  • Fri, Mar 15 $120
  • Sat, Mar 16 $120
  • Sun, Mar 17 $120
  • Mon, Mar 18 $120

Bath & Stonehenge Full-Day Tour

  • Activity duration is 11 hours 11h 11h

Full-day tour to Bath and Stonehenge.

Bath & Stonehenge Full-Day Tour with Roman Baths Entry

Full-day tour to Bath and Stonehenge including admission to the Roman Baths.

What's included, what's not

  • What's included What's included Admission to Stonehenge
  • What's included What's included Roundtrip transportation via air-conditioned coach
  • What's included What's included Commentary in English

Know before you book

  • Children 3 and younger are complimentary.
  • Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked tour start time.

What you can expect

Enjoy the beautiful English countryside on this full-day tour to Stonehenge and Bath. Venture to the mysterious site of Stonehenge—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and stroll through the charming streets of the Georgian city of Bath.

Leave the bustle of London and make your way to the world-renowned Stonehenge. With a history spanning over 5,000 years, the rock formation of Stonehenge is 1 of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. This enigmatic collection of stones has been home to spiritual worship and public debate, but the reason behind its construction remains a mystery. Stroll through the vast fields that surround the stones before heading to the enchanting town of Bath.

Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1987, Bath has the highest concentration of historical buildings in Britain and 1 of the best-preserved Roman Spas from the ancient world. As you wander through the town's beautiful streets and alleyways, admire the Georgian architecture of its buildings. Spend your afternoon exploring Bath on your own and see the 18th-century Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, and the Roman Spa before returning back to London.

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A Guide to the Roman Baths at Bath

Tue 24 Oct 2023

A Guide to the Roman Baths at Bath

With its fascinating history, spectacular Georgian architecture and rich literary heritage (think the witty repartee of Jane Austen’s characters as they promenade down cobbled lanes), magnificent Bath is one of the most charming cities in all of England. Amongst the series of glittering highlights that Bath has to offer, the first amongst equals must be the magnificent ancient thermal spa complex that gives the city its name. Easily one of the most important Roman archaeological sites outside the Mediterranean, a visit to Bath’s baths offers the unique opportunity to travel back in time to the heyday of Roman Britain almost 2,000 years ago. 

Discover the story of this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site with us, and find out why a visit to Bath needs to be on your to-do list next time you’re in England - conveniently, it’s an easy day trip from London !

Roman Bathing Rituals

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But first, some background. Roman enthusiasm for communal bathing was legendary: in Rome alone massive thermal complexes like the Baths of Diocletian and the Baths of Caracalla served thousands of citizens every day. Water was considered to be a gift from the gods in antiquity, and Romans were convinced of the therapeutic benefits of bathing. 

The rituals at the baths encompassed a number of well-defined phases: the first stage typically involved plunging into the icy waters of a cold pool known as a frigidarium in order to stimulate circulation. The next stop was the tepidarium , whose relatively warmer temperatures helped bathers to adjust before making their way to the caldarium , where a hot bath and steam treatments awaited. After oiling up, bathers were scraped down with an instrument known as a strigil before returning to the frigidarium for a final rinse.

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In addition to the well-established health and hygiene benefits associated with bathing, regular visits to the baths had an important social function in the ancient Roman world: it was here that citizens might catch up with the latest gossip, learn of the important news of the day, transact business deals or simply hang out with friends and colleagues chatting, playing games and gambling. Major bath complexes often even had fully-fledged gyms and lavishly decorated libraries attached - mosaics from the library at the Baths of the Caracalla (now housed in the Vatican museums) offer some of the most vivid portraits of gladiators to survive from antiquity.

As the empire expanded and Roman colonies spread to the farthest-flung corners of the known world, Romans brought their bathing customs with them: for the soldiers, bureaucrats and elite officials that kept the empire’s dominions ticking over, a day at the baths was a much-needed reminder of the comforts of home. 

Britain had been in the sights of land and resource hungry Roman generals since Julius Caesar made a series of forays onto the island between 55 and 54 BC, and the emperor Claudius finally launched a fully-fledged invasion just under a century later in 43 AD. Major settlements at Londinium (London) Camulodonum (Colchester) and Verulamium (St. Albans) provided the first footholds in the new territory, and with them the story of Roman Britain had truly begun.

The Roman Baths at Bath in Antiquity

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The stunning thermal complex at Bath has its origins around the year 70 AD, and centred around a hot spring known as the Aquae Sulis that the Roman invaders considered to possess extraordinary, divinely-inspired health benefits. To valorise the site, local Roman officials built an elaborate baths complex over the springs alongside a grandiose temple dedicated to Sulis-Minerva, the goddess of healing who was thought to inhabit the spring. It’s not known who exactly was responsible for the foundation of the Roman temple and baths, but the sophisticated architecture and design indicates that the site had powerful backers. 

The Sacred Spring

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The boiling water that bubbles up from the earth beneath the baths owes its existence to a unique geo-thermic phenomenon. Over the course of thousands of years, rainwater has seeped slowly through the porous limestone rock characteristic of the local landscape, down, down through the earth’s crust and towards its molten core - picking up heat and an array of minerals including calcium, sodium, magnesium, and potassium along the way. The laws of physics dictate that the pressurised water begins to rise again once it reaches a depth of around 4,000 metres, and eventually the still hot (between 110 and 120 degrees fahrenheit), mineral laden water surges out of the bedrock through three fissures in the earth at the incredible rate of 1.44 million litres per day. 

The thermal springs at Bath were known to the pre-Roman prehistoric denizens of the Mendips thousands of years before the final conquest of Britain in the year 43 AD, and a shrine to the Celtic goddess Sulis already existed in the area. To the bathing-crazed Romans too it seemed like a gift from the gods, and they wasted little time in building their own temple dedicated to Sulis repurposed as the Roman goddess Minerva - ancient Romans were syncretic in their beliefs, and were always ready to pay homage to new gods in the distant lands to which they ventured. And so the new settlement that sprang up here came to be known as Aquae Sulis.

The Temple of Sulis-Minerva

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Remains of this grand temple, the best preserved of Roman Britain, can be seen beneath the baths complex. The temple itself rose on a large, 2-metre tall podium approached via a flight of steps from the surrounding courtyard. Corinthian columns held up a pediment and frieze decorated with sculptures. Sections of the pediment, with its threatening bearded Gorgon head decoration, can be seen in the subterranean museum, alongside  a number of fascinating ancient finds including a large cache of coins that were thrown into the sacred spring as votive offerings to the goddess. You can also see a magnificent sculptured head in gilt bronze of Sulis Minerva here was discovered by workmen in 1727, the first major archaeological find on the site and the one which kickstarted excavations of Roman Bath.  

The Great Bath

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The Great Bath was at the heart of the ancient bathing complex. Here the restorative waters of the hot spring, known as the Fons Sulis, were siphoned and collected into a large lead-lined pool measuring 24 metres by 12 metres, and 1.6 metres deep, where bathers would immerse themselves in the sulphuric liquid to take advantage of its healing properties. The pool was surrounded by an arcade with a marble pavement and benches so visitors to the baths could stroll in between dips. Although the bath is open to the elements today, it would have been covered in antiquity; an initial timber roof was replaced by a soaring barrel vault in brick and concrete sometime in the 2nd century AD. 

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At the western end of the complex the conventional rooms of a traditional Roman bath appeared - the frigardium, tepidarium and caldarium , as well as a laconicum , or dry sweat room. Excavations have uncovered the complex hypocaust system of pipes and steam that heated the floors, raised on small brick pillars, under the bathing spaces. Digital projections of ancient Roman bathers pop up here and there along the walls of the bathing room, providing insight into what went on here in antiquity.  

The King’s Bath

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The baths were in use by the Romans for over 300 years, before they fell into disuse and decline as Roman influence in Britain waned. The vaulted Roman bath probably collapsed in on itself in the 6th century, and the wooden piles that supported the pool sunk deep into the mud. The spring remained known to residents of the area, however, and in the 12th century another bathing pool was built adjacent to the Great Pool, making use of the walls that the ancient Roman engineers built around the spring itself as foundations. This new medieval complex was probably the brainchild of John of Tours, a priest and doctor who became the city’s bishop, and was known as the King’s Bath. A contemporary text describes how 'from all over England, sick people come to wash away their infirmities in the healing waters’ during this period.

bath roman tours

The King’s bath had niches installed into the sides of the pool where bathers could sit covered to their necks in the curative waters. A statue of the mythical British king Bladud, who according to legend founded the city after a restorative dip in the brackish local waters cured him of a nasty bout of leprosy in 863 BC, presides over the proceedings. A smaller bathing pool sits alongside the King’s Baths. Originally known as the New Bath, it was renamed the Queen’s Bath in honour of Queen Anne of Denmark, who visited the site in 1613. 

Developing medical interest in the curative properties of the spa waters meant that the baths became increasingly popular throughout the early modern period, spurred on by local physicians waxing lyrically about the miraculous effects of the local water to heal all manner of ills - from rheumatism to palsy, trembling limbs and even amnesia. The diarist Samuel Pepys visited the Baths in 1668, and recalled seeing great throngs of bathers from every rank and class of society all thrown together in the mineral-rich waters, ‘parboiled’ from the heat. 

The Terrace

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The popularity of the baths as a must-visit destination only grew as the centuries wore on, reaching a peak in the Georgian and Regency era when the curative properties of the water were renowned across the country, and helped make Bath one of England’s most fashionable cities. 

The current aspect of the baths owes much to this period, and today the complex is immersed in a spectacular series of early 19th-century neoclassical buildings designed by the father-and-son architect team John Wood the Elder and John Wood the younger, whose work you’ll also be able to admire at the Royal Crescent, the Circus and  Queen Square. From the sweeping terrace that they built atop the baths you can get a fabulous view down into the vibrant green waters of the ancient Great Pool. The terrace is watched over by statues depicting Roman Emperors and governors.  

The Pump Room

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Nowhere embodies the fashionable world of Regency-era Bath as immortalised so brilliantly in the novels of Jane Austen better than the Pump Room, a magnificent hall studded with chandeliers, elegant tiles and paintings where the great and the good of Georgian England came to quite literally ‘take the waters.’ The mineral-laden waters of the Spring were pumped up here from an elegant fountain (hence the name) to be drunk by patrons for its supposed health benefits. 

The Pump Room was the premier place to see and be seen, and Austen described how ‘every creature in Bath was to be seen in the room at different periods of the fashionable hours.' Now home to the Pump Room restaurant, it’s still a mighty popular spot today, and you might well find yourself tumbling in here for afternoon tea after a long day exploring the Baths. And the water? Well, you can still sample the it in the Pump Room, but fear not - these days it’s been carefully treated and filtered to make sure you’re not getting any unwelcome bacteria alongside the 42 minerals that make the water famous. Be warned, though, it is something of an acquired taste!

How to Visit

bath roman tours

The Roman Baths are one of England’s top visitor attractions, and can get very busy during the weekends and summer months. It’s essential to book your timed entrance ticket in advance to avoid disappointment. For up to date pricing and to book your tickets, visit the Roman Baths official website. If you’d like to take the hassle out of arranging your visit and explore the Roman Baths in the company of an expert, then consider taking a private tour of Bath.

Through Eternity Tours offer private day-trips from London to Bath. Discover the magnificent sights of England’s finest Georgian city, from the incredible ancient Roman Baths to the Royal Crescent and more in the company of a local expert guide - follow the link below to find out more: Bath and Stonehenge Day Trip from London .

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Roman Baths & City Tour

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  • Go inside Roman Baths
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Starting at £20 – Excluding Roman Baths Entrance – Duration 1.5hrs.

Starting at £46  – Including Roman Baths Entrance – Duration 2hrs

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Add entrance to the Roman Baths when selecting your ticket, and along with your walking tour, we will arrange for you to enter the Roman Baths. Before entering our guide will give you fun and detailed insight into what all those dirty Romans would do inside!

Bath PT COVER 118

The Best Sites in Bath

This tour covers the most important sites for any visitor coming to Bath, including beyond the Roman Baths. From the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in England to its Roman foundations. It’s easy to see why this city earned the nickname “The Las Vegas of The Georgians”

pulteney-bridge-bath

Get Off The Beaten Bath

While we cover all the sites you wouldn’t want to miss, we also make an effort to show the less “touristy” sites. From the small cobbled alleyways to historic shops!

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Smallest Groups In Bath

We operate with the smallest group sizing of any tour company in Bath. Our groups are rarely ever over 8 people per guide, but we have the lowest maximum in the city, of 18. 

  • Go Inside Bath Abbey
  • Upper Assembly Rooms
  • Pultney Bridge
  • Jane Austin
  • Bath During World War II
  • Queen's Square
  • Roman Baths (optional entrance)
  • Royal Crescent
  • Theatre Royal
  • Ralph Allen
  • University Ceremonies
  • Our Famous Finishing Story!

Please note, we are not an official representative of the Roman Baths. We work hard to support this local charity and have been proud to do so for many years. 

Previous Tour

Booking for roman baths & city tour.

  • Work With Us / Where To Meet Us

Roman Baths Entry and Walking Tour with Blue Badge Tour Guide

bath roman tours

  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Entry ticket to Roman Baths
  • Audio guide in Roman Baths
  • Entry/Admission - The Roman Baths
  • Guaranteed to skip the lines
  • Guiding in the Roman Baths
  • Entry/Admission - The Cross Bath
  • Entry/Admission - Bath Abbey
  • Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1, UK
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Dogs - Please note the only animals allowed in the Roman Baths are assistance dogs
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
  • All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

bath roman tours

  • You'll start at Abbey Churchyard Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1, UK See address & details
  • 1 Queen Square Stop: 10 minutes See details
  • 2 No. 1 Royal Crescent Stop: 10 minutes See details
  • 3 The Circus Stop: 10 minutes See details
  • 4 The Cross Bath Stop: 5 minutes - Admission excluded See details
  • 5 Bath Abbey Stop: 10 minutes - Admission excluded See details
  • 6 Pulteney Bridge Stop: 10 minutes See details Pass by Milsom Street
  • 7 The Roman Baths Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included See details
  • You'll return to the starting point

bath roman tours

  • I6295WJmarks 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant Thank you Andrew Clark for such an enlightening tour of Bath yesterday. Should have done this years ago. Great to learn more about the city where one of our ancestors eloped with Elizabeth Linley Read more Written February 11, 2024
  • JoWall22 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Jim will give you a first-rate experience!ds Jim was amazing. He went out of his way to accomodate our group of six on New Year's Eve. First, there didn't appear to be any availability. So I emailed him, and he told me that even though the availability wasn't there on the website, that he could make it happen. Second, we were running just a bit late because of traffic and a long, slow lunch place. He came and met us at the restaurant. Third, the weather was a bit dodgy, so we stopped by his office and he loaded us all up with umbrellas. Fourth, he led us through one of the biggest, windiest squalls that any of us had ever experienced. It only lasted a few minutes, but it was intense. Finally, the weather got significantly worse from the beginning to the end of the tour, so in the end, he led us into a coffee shop where he treated us all to whatever warm beverage we wanted. Add in that he had broad and deep knowledge of Bath that was interesting to both my wife and I, and our 4 children. Truly a first-rate experience. Read more Written January 6, 2024
  • Archugnp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent walking tour! One of the best walking tours I have experienced so far in the UK. Our guide Fred was excellent! The tour was well structured, and Fred introduced us to Bath’s history and architecture in a way that was informative and thoroughly enjoyable. Would highly recommended it! Read more Written December 30, 2023
  • J6651IVrichardp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great. Informative and fun tour The tour is a great blend of old and new and gives a lovely oversight of Bath. Andrew - our tour guide was fantastic. Very knowledgable and enthusiastic about the city he knows so well. Andrew was very accommodating with additional questions and gave many nice personal touches throughout the tour. Read more Written December 30, 2023
  • G5225YYruthd 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great time Great walk and talk by our guide Jim , lovely and friendly and very knowledgable. All in all a very enjoyable 90 minutes Read more Written December 30, 2023
  • M6815HXsabrinab 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 10/10 experience! A lovely afternoon walk with Jim and our new walking family! A super fun, lighthearted and informative walk with our amazing guide! Thank you Jim for getting everyone involved and for all the light hearted chatter between stops. Pace was easy to keep up with (even for my family members with sore hips and knees!) and everything pointed out and mentioned was amazing to hear! We all learnt so much in a short space on time. Read more Written December 29, 2023
  • Trip538701 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Would highly recommend Really interesting, entertaining, & informative. Well rounded information- this Made it enjoyable not just for Bridgerton fans. Through the theme one got to see a great deal of Bath. One felt one could completely trust the information the guide was giving. A blue badge guide. The guide’s photos also helped with context at many different locations. Wide group of Bath locals and visitors and none felt left out. This was the 2nd walking tour I have done with Bath walking tours and would definitely do more. Read more Written December 29, 2023
  • Annyinwla 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour “made” our visit to Bath, informative and fun Jim was a terrific tour guide. He is personable, funny and very knowledgeable. You can tell he is committed to learning about Bath and conveying the info to visitors. Read more Written December 24, 2023
  • Gary G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The very best tour in Bath. I can’t rate Jim and the Bath Walking Tours team highly enough! The most friendly, entertaining, informative and engaging walking tour I could have asked for. Without a doubt the best tour you can experience in Bath. Read more Written December 16, 2023
  • Relax24384724131 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour Very informative and full of information. Philip was friendly and welcoming. Would definitely recommend. Read more Written December 10, 2023
  • Debandez 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles EXCELLENT WALKING TOUR Andrew was an excellent guide, knowledgeable, interesting, fun and so much more. 90 minutes went very quickly. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Read more Written December 3, 2023
  • kld37 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful tour! Andy was knowledgeable, funny and led a brilliant tour! Really enjoyable and gave us a great basis for understanding the significant history of Bath. Read more Written December 3, 2023
  • Jacks921 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant, informative tour. A brilliant tour by Victoria. Lots of information about Bath, its famous residents, its architecture and history. Thoroughly enjoyable, would highly recommend. Read more Written November 27, 2023
  • sharonfG8812NW 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Bought the history of Bath to life Victoria was the perfect guide for our walking tour of Bath. Really knowledgeable, enthusiastic and a great story teller. We learned so much on our tour that we would never have otherwise learned. It bought the history of Bath to life. Thank you so much Read more Written November 27, 2023
  • who999 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great walk, great tour guide (Gary). We really enjoyed this guided tour. It lasted 90muns but seemed to be over too quickly. We learned a lot and not just about Bath. Read more Written November 27, 2023

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Roman Baths Entry and Walking Tour with Blue Badge Tour Guide provided by Bath Walking Tours

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Your Ultimate Sicily Itinerary: 8 Days to Discover the Magic of Sicily

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Looking for a custom vacation in italy, tours straight to your inbox, ancient roman baths: how the roman bath history relaxes.

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The History of Roman Baths. How Romans bathed in Ancient Times, and the role that Ancient Roman bath houses played in Roman society.

Despite the two main fundamental parts of the Roman Baths bearing names of Greek origin, the thermae (bathing facilities) and the palastrae (place for exercise), the idea of joining these two together under one roof and adding libraries, galleries with the idea of putting the whole thing at the service of the people was purely a Roman concept.

These huge public bath houses played an important role in the life of the city, like ancient community centers for the citizens of Rome. The Terme Caracalla (Caracalla Roman Baths) could accommodate up to a thousand and six hundred people at one time. And these Roman Baths were lavishly decorated with precious marbles, and even the basin of the modern day Farnese Fountain was taken directly from these baths.

Taking a Roman Bath, how the Romans bathed in ancient times was a fairly long process that can be broken down into various stages. First, visitors would enter small and dry, hot chambers which encouraged sweating. This area was known as the sudatoria.

This area of the Roman Baths continued into larger hot rooms that were moistened by hot tubs of water. These chambers were known as calidariums, and at this stage it was typical to have an attendant of the Baths apply the Strigil ( a form of scraper) an ancient version of skin cleansing in Roman Times.

After the delights of the Strigil, came the cooling down process of a Roman Bath. Bathers would enter the tepidarium ( a room with moderate heat), before plunging into the cold waters of the frigidarium. One of the best examples of a Roman Bath to visit would be the Caracalla Roman Baths which are located near the majority of attractions of ancient Rome.

At the Caracalla Roman Baths, more or less the whole area of the frigidarium was taken up by the swimming pool and its cool waters, with the rest of the space occupied by changing areas at the poolside. While the tepidarium was flanked on either side by exercise areas. Exercise was mainly in the form of ball games or wresting and usually preceded the bathing process.

Originally the Roman Baths were completely open for both sexes to use them at the same time. But, later they were regulated through which ladies bathed before the men, although the exercise areas were allowed to be used simultaneously by either sex.

To understand further the inner-workings of a Roman Bath, beneath the public areas of the baths was a huge underground section made up of servants quarter, furnaces, stoking rooms, storage areas and passageways connecting them. Surrounding these Roman Baths would be elaborate gardens, stadiums for sport, libraries, shops and arcades where Romans caught up on the latest gossip.

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COMMENTS

  1. Visit

    29 March - 1 April 2024. 9am - 8pm (last entry 7pm) 2 April - 19 July 2024. 9am - 6pm (last entry 5pm) 20 July - 31 August 2024. 9am - 10pm (last entry 9pm) 1 September - 31 December 2024. 9am - 6pm (last entry 5pm) The Roman Baths is open every day except 25 and 26 December.

  2. The Roman Baths

    According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience The Roman Baths: Roman Baths and Bath City Walking Tour (From $25.74) City Sightseeing Bath Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From $28.96) Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London (From $122.26) Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip from London (From $122.26) Walking Tour of Bath ...

  3. The Roman Baths

    About. Constructed in around 70AD as a grand bathing and socialising complex, the Roman Baths is one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world, where 1,170,000 litres of steaming spring water, reaching 46°C, still fills the bathing site every single day. The Roman Baths is the site of extensive ruins and an interactive museum filled ...

  4. Tickets & Tours

    See the best of Bath, including the Roman Baths, on a morning or afternoon walking tour. As you walk between the sites, hear about this UNESCO-listed city and its Roman and Georgian heritage. Admire landmarks like Bath Abbey and the Royal Crescent, and visit the Roman Baths to see the baths and artifacts left by Britain's Roman occupiers ...

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    Plan your visit. Everything you need to know in one place. Opening times, getting here, facilities and more. Open today 9.00am-6.00pm. (last entry 5.00pm) Buy tickets. Show image info. Roman Baths and Pump Room Experience. Enjoy a delicious brunch or afternoon tea in the Pump Room followed by a visit to the Roman Baths.

  6. A Local's Guide to Visiting The Roman Baths

    The Roman Baths. When you visit the Roman Baths, you are stepping back in time to the days of Roman rule in Britain. The Roman Baths are a well-preserved public bathing facility built around 70 AD on the site of a geothermal spring. The hot mineral springs bubble up from the ground at temperatures well above 104 °F (40 °C), with the main one ...

  7. Roman Baths and Bath City Walking Tour (Feb 2024)

    See the best of Bath, including the Roman Baths, on a morning or afternoon walking tour. As you walk between the sites, hear about this UNESCO-listed city and its Roman and Georgian heritage. Admire landmarks like Bath Abbey and the Royal Crescent, and visit the Roman Baths to see the baths and artifacts left by Britain's Roman occupiers almost 2,000 years ago. Upgrade to include the baths ...

  8. The Roman Baths

    The Roman Baths is one of the finest historic sites in Northern Europe, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK. ... Roman Baths and Bath City Walking Tour. 177. Recommended. 91% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Historical Tours. from . £20.00. per adult. BEST SELLER. Stonehenge, Windsor Castle ...

  9. Guide to Visiting Bath's Roman Baths

    The Roman Baths can be found at Abbey Church Yard, Bath, BA1 1LZ. The nearest station is Bath Spa (Great Western Mainline) which is less than 10-minutes walk away. You can catch a bus (3, D1 discover or D3 discover) from the bus station outside Bath Spa to Guidhall which is just 1-minutes walk from the entrance to the baths.

  10. Bath: City Walking Tour with Optional Roman Baths Entry

    Meeting point. Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked. City Walking Tour Only. Private City Walking Tour without Roman Baths Entry Ticket. City Walking Tour with Roman Baths Entry Ticket. Likely to sell out. From $25.32 per person.

  11. Roman Baths Tours and Tickets

    Bath and Stonehenge self-guided audio tour. Discover the rise in popularity of Bath as a spa resort during the 18th century. Learn about the Pump Room and Jane Austen's visits. free cancellation. Available in: en. from: $13.00. Book tickets to the Roman Baths and discover a treasure trove of Roman history.

  12. Roman Baths, Bath

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    The World Heritage city of Bath is a top draw for visitors from around the world, and so its main attractions, such as the Roman Baths, draw long lines daily. You can skip the line with this walking tour led by a Blue Badge-registered guide. Get a fuller understanding of Bath than possible alone and avoid the hassle of waiting in lines.

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    Victoria Coach Station. 164 Buckingham Palace Road Buckingham Palace Road. SW1W 9TP, London, England, United Kingdom. Enjoy the beautiful English countryside on this full-day tour to Stonehenge and Bath. Venture to the mysterious site of Stonehenge—a UNESCO World Heritage.

  15. A Guide to the Roman Baths at Bath

    The thermal springs at Bath were known to the pre-Roman prehistoric denizens of the Mendips thousands of years before the final conquest of Britain in the year 43 AD, and a shrine to the Celtic goddess Sulis already existed in the area. To the bathing-crazed Romans too it seemed like a gift from the gods, and they wasted little time in building ...

  16. Bath: Guided City Walking Tour with Entry To The Roman Baths

    The duration of the walking tour is approximately 1.5 hours and the tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress accordingly. Entry to the Roman Baths following the 11:30 AM tour will be at approximately 2:30 PM. Entry to the Roman Baths following the 2:30 PM tour will be at approximately 4:30 PM. Likely to sell out.

  17. Roman Baths & City Walking Tour

    Go inside Roman Baths The most popular historical sites in Bath Entrance to sites including Bath Abbey History of Bath delivered in a fun, engaging style BOOK NOW Book Direct On Our Site For Advantages! Booking Direct Allows Us To Greater Support You During Covid Impacts/Restrictions × Dismiss alert Overview Availability: Monday to Sunday - 11am & 2pmDuration: 2 hoursPrice:Adults:Starting ...

  18. 2024 Roman Baths and Bath City Walking Tour

    Before visiting the Roman baths, we went on a walking tour with Sarah (Footprint tours Ltd). Her knowledge of Bath was fantastic, divulging fasinating information. Found the Roman baths very interesting and well preserved. The organisation was excellent with strict covid guidence felt very safe. Written August 30, 2020.

  19. The baths of ancient Rome that you can still visit today

    Baths of Caracalla. The Baths of Caracalla in Rome were commissioned by Emperor Caracalla in 212 AD and were one of the most luxurious buildings at the time with up to 1,600 Romans visiting the baths every day. While only the huge walls and exteriors of the baths are left standing, many of the underground tunnels are still accessible and open ...

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    Our most recommended Roman Baths Tours. 1. London: Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath, and Roman Baths Day Trip. Explore several top highlights around London on this bus day trip from London. Experience the elegance of Windsor Castle, unlock the mysteries of Stonehenge, and admire the Georgian architecture in the city of Bath.

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    The Roman Baths which was a self-guided tour also exceeded expectations. Would recommend for adults and children 10 and above. Read more. Written August 8, 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards.

  22. Ancient Roman Baths: How the Roman Bath History Relaxes

    Taking a Roman Bath, how the Romans bathed in ancient times was a fairly long process that can be broken down into various stages. First, visitors would enter small and dry, hot chambers which encouraged sweating. This area was known as the sudatoria. This area of the Roman Baths continued into larger hot rooms that were moistened by hot tubs ...