The Roman Baths
About
The reason Bath exists: the temple and bathing complex the Romans built around Britain's only hot spring in the first century AD, when the city was Aquae Sulis. The Great Bath still steams at the heart of it, lined with Victorian statuary and fed by the same spring that pushes out 1,170,000 litres (240,000 gallons) of 46-degree water a day, and the museum around it holds the gilt bronze head of the goddess Sulis Minerva and thousands of Roman objects thrown into the sacred spring. Be clear about one thing: you cannot get into the water here; bathing happens at Thermae Bath Spa nearby. Book the first slots of the day or late afternoon in summer, since this is one of the busiest attractions in the country. In summer 2026, advance adult tickets were £29 midweek and £33 at weekends, about £2 cheaper than on the day; an audio guide in twelve languages is included.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓The Great Bath, still fed by the original hot spring
- ✓The gilt bronze head of Sulis Minerva and the temple pediment
- ✓Roman lead plumbing, drains and the sacred spring overflow
- ✓The Pump Room next door for spa water and afternoon tea
Tips
- →Book the earliest or latest slots in summer; midday queues are real.
- →Advance tickets are cheaper than walk-up, and weekday cheaper than weekend.
- →Winter visits see steam rising off the Great Bath, the most atmospheric time of year.
- →Combine with the Pump Room next door if you want to taste the spa water.
Best Season
More Attraction Activities
Thermae Bath Spa
Bathe in Bath's real thermal water: indoor Minerva Bath, steam rooms and the famous open-air rooftop pool. Adults only; book ahead.
Bath Abbey
England's last great medieval church, with climbing stone angels on the west front, fan vaulting inside, and a Tower Tour overlooking the Great Bath.
No.1 Royal Crescent
The first and finest house of the Royal Crescent, restored room by room as it was in the 1770s-90s. The Crescent and the Circus themselves are free.