Roman Baths of Bath - CLOSED

## Overview The Roman Baths of Bath are one of the most remarkable ancient thermal spring sites in the world, located in the heart of the city of Bath in Somerset, England. The site is built around natural hot springs that rise at a temperature of approximately 46°C (115°F) — the hottest natural springs in the United Kingdom. The springs deliver over one million litres of mineral-rich water every day from a source deep beneath the Mendip Hills, where rainwater that fell thousands of years ago is heated by geothermal energy before rising to the surface. The springs were sacred to the Celtic people, who dedicated them to the goddess Sulis. When the Romans arrived in the 1st century AD, they constructed an elaborate bathing complex and temple dedicated to Sulis Minerva, merging the local deity with their own goddess of wisdom. The Great Bath, the centrepiece of the complex, remains one of the best-preserved Roman structures in northern Europe. Over the centuries, the baths fell into disrepair before being rediscovered and excavated in the 18th and 19th centuries, eventually becoming a world-renowned museum and heritage site. Today, the Roman Baths operate as a museum where visitors can explore the ancient bathing chambers, view Roman artefacts, and see the steaming spring water up close. However, **bathing in and drinking from the spring water is no longer permitted**. This restriction followed a serious incident in which a group of swimmers contracted meningitis from an amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) found in the warm water. Despite periodic discussions over the past decade about finding a way to safely reopen the baths for swimming, no resolution has been achieved, and the ban remains in place. For those wishing to bathe in Bath's thermal waters, the nearby Thermae Bath Spa — a modern facility that uses the same natural hot spring water after treatment — offers a public bathing experience, including a rooftop pool with views over the city. ## Directions 1. The Roman Baths are located in the centre of Bath, just off Stall Street, adjacent to Bath Abbey. 2. **By car:** From the M4 motorway, take Junction 18 and follow the A46 south toward Bath. Follow signs for the city centre. Several car parks are available nearby, including the Southgate and Charlotte Street car parks. 3. **By train:** Bath Spa railway station is approximately a 10-minute walk from the Roman Baths. Exit the station, head north along Manvers Street, turn left onto North Parade Road, and continue to the Abbey and Baths. 4. **By bus:** Multiple bus routes serve Bath city centre. The bus station is a short walk from the site. 5. **GPS coordinates:** 51.38103, -2.35955 — these will bring you directly to the site entrance on Stall Street. ## What to Expect The Roman Baths are a ticketed museum attraction, so visitors should expect to pay an admission fee. The museum features the original Roman bathing complex, including the Great Bath, several smaller baths, a temple courtyard, and an extensive collection of Roman artefacts discovered during excavations. Audio guides are included with admission and are available in multiple languages. The spring water itself is a vivid green due to algae growth (the baths are open to the sky), and steam rises dramatically from the surface, especially on cooler days. Visitors can view the water flowing from the King's Spring — the main source — but cannot enter the water or drink from it due to health and safety restrictions. The site can be busy, particularly during summer months and school holidays. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help avoid the largest crowds. Evening visits during the summer season offer atmospheric torchlit tours. The museum is largely accessible, though some areas involve steps. The surrounding area offers plenty to explore, including Bath Abbey, the Pump Room restaurant (where a glass of spa water has historically been offered to diners), and the Georgian architecture for which Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.