The Roman Baths
Museum · Bath ·
Well-preserved Roman thermae with temple ruins and hot springs
Well-preserved Roman thermae with temple ruins and hot springs
"A testament to ancient engineering prowess, these remarkably preserved ruins showcase the steaming thermal waters that have drawn visitors for millennia." - Aashna Gajra
"Historic thermal complex with seasonal programming: visitors can take part in holiday-related activities tied to ancient traditions (like Saturnalia) and the venue also hosts a New Year's Eve celebration featuring a candlelit dinner and dancing in the elegant ballroom." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Ancient baths that gave the city its name, tourable with good audioguide." - RICKSTEVES
"The Roman Baths in Bath are remarkably well preserved and worth a visit to learn about the hot springs’ spiritual and cultural importance; admission varies by season (around 24.50–29 GBP) and audio guides are available for free." - Matthew Kepnes
"Built by the Romans centuries ago as a spa and dedicated to Minerva, the complex was later buried and partially rebuilt over medieval centuries until an early 19th-century search for leaks uncovered the ancient structure and triggered excavations that revealed most of the site (archaeologists suspect a few more buildings remain). Entering from street level, a terrace lets you look down into baths that sit over six feet below ground; the preservation techniques are excellent and this is one of the best-preserved Roman sites I’ve ever seen. The audio tour, narrated by Bill Bryson, and the displays provide an amazing level of detail about the history, Roman occupation, artifacts, and the excavation process—so complete that I left with no unanswered questions. It’s the most popular thing to do in Bath, generally open around 9am–5pm (extended in summer), admission is about 27.50 GBP on weekends and 25.50 GBP on weekdays, and audio guides are free." - Matthew Kepnes