The Roman Baths

A range of family tickets are available

Now you've had a brief taster, let's jump into your Roman Baths Guide...

History of the Roman Baths

The Roman Baths were built in the middle of the 1st Century CE but fell into ruin when the Romans left and was only rediscovered in 1878 by Major Charles Davis! The Roman Baths are located at the heart of the World Heritage City of Bath. Here, the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex on the site of Britain’s only hot spring, which still flows with natural hot water today.

Discover the Sacred Spring that has risen for thousands of years at the heart of the site and follow its mineral-rich waters as they flow through the ingenious Roman plumbing to fill the many baths and pools. This spring is in the middle of the site. Watch the heat rise from the natural hot spring - it's 46° C, so it’s hotter than the water in your bath!

Believing the warm waters to be sacred, the Romans dedicated the site to Sulis Minerva, goddess of wisdom. They built a temple to honour her and altars for worship and sacrifice. As one of only two classical temples remaining from Roman Britain, this is a place with real historical significance.

Things To Do

Marvel at the striking gilt-bronze head of the goddess Minerva - one of the most iconic and rare treasures of Roman Britain. Spot the famous Gorgon's head that dominates the Temple pediment, and learn about the curse tablets which were thrown into the Sacred Spring to seek revenge on those who had committed wrongdoings.

The beautiful Great Bath is the centrepiece of the complex, with its ornate columns and a deep sense of what has gone before. See where the Romans kept fit in the remains of a gym and Laconicum (sauna) and learn about the exercises they did and their attitudes to health and well-being. That's right - communal exercise was a thing thousands of years ago, too!

Wander the walkways, while away time by the waters, and you'll get a unique perspective on what it would have been like to slip into these inviting baths. You'll even get a chance to taste the famous water.

Step into the world of Ancient Rome at the historic Roman Baths! Take your little ones on a journey through time and walk in the footsteps of the Romans who used to live and work there over 2000 years ago. Meet a rich Roman lady called Flavia, stonemasons Sulinus and Brucetus, or a travelling merchant named Peregrinus. Listen to each real-life story and prepare to be immersed in Ancient Roman Britain.

A visit to the Roman Baths is a great educational experience for all the family. You’ll be equipped with a free audio guide, specially designed for kids, so you can listen to tales of the past as you wander around and explore. Got younger kids? The tiniest visitors just love the family activity trails, which follow the adventures of Hoot the Owl.

Check out The Beau Street Hoard! This collection of more than 17,000 Roman coins was recently discovered in Beau Street, Bath, and is now on display in the museum.

Plug your ears into award-winning audio guides - there are 13 languages available! There is a special audio guide for children, narrated by Michael Rosen. All this is included in your ticket price!

Seasonal Activities

💐Join Mission Floralia and help the Romans put on the annual festival of the goddess Flora. Follow a brand-new family trail and take part in interactive challenges: make paper flower crowns and sunflowers, try your hand at ancient games and even meet Flora as she prepares for her festival.

Do you have an inspiring archaeologist? Archaeology Adventures run during the school holidays. Dig for and discover replica artefacts in the adjacent Clore Learning Centre (bookable, additional fee)

Why We Recommend The Roman Baths

- Over 2000 years of history

- Authentic costumed characters

- A range of Family Tickets are available