The Roman Baths are a remarkably preserved Roman religious and bathing complex built over Bath's natural hot springs from around AD 60-70, dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva. The site combines the Sacred Spring, the Great Bath, and a temple, alongside a museum of Roman finds, drawing more than a million visitors a year. Because the ancient remains sit below modern street level with Georgian and Victorian buildings above, several eras overlap in a single view. As of 2026 the museum is fully operational and runs special summer programming, including evening openings.
The Great Bath - the lead-lined open-air pool of steaming, green mineral water, ringed by columns and statues (the upper terrace is a 19th-century Victorian addition)
The Sacred Spring - the heart of the site, where roughly 1.17 million litres of water at about 46C rise every day
Temple of Sulis Minerva - the temple courtyard and the famous pediment carved with a snake-bearded Gorgon head
Museum treasures - curse tablets thrown into the spring, one of Britain's largest votive coin deposits, and the gilt-bronze head of Minerva found in 1727
Explore each point with the included audioguide, available in 13 languages including English, Japanese and Korean
Good to know
RulesYou cannot touch, drink or bathe in the spring water; bathing has been banned since a fatal amoebic infection in 1978. For an actual thermal soak, visit the nearby Thermae Bath Spa.
SafetyAncient stone floors can be wet and slippery, with steps and narrow passages; wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
SeasonMuch of the site, including the Great Bath, is open-air, so bring a waterproof layer even in summer. July-August is peak season - early mornings or the summer evening openings (Summer Lates) are far less crowded.
RulesEntry is by timed ticket; booking online in advance is cheaper than on-the-day and can sell out in peak season (always confirm current prices and hours on the official website before visiting).
CautionBath's central streets and the station area are busy with tourists, so watch for pickpockets - keep bags in front of you and stay aware of belongings in queues.
MannersNo tipping is expected at UK museums or heritage sites; consider a small tip only for a paid guided tour or cafe service, and avoid flash photography and tripods indoors.
Practical info
From London Paddington, GWR trains reach Bath Spa in about 1 hour 15 minutes, and the Baths are roughly a 7-minute walk from the station. It opens daily (broadly 9am-6pm, last entry 5pm) but with extended summer hours and events, so confirm current opening times, prices and booking on the official website.
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