The Roman Baths of Bath: an essential guide

Stunning architecture, rich history and picturesque nature are only a few reasons why Bath is one of the UK's most beloved tourist spots. Its most popular part are the famous Roman Baths, a 2,000-year old complex of baths, hot springs and temple remains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, while still being a luxury modern getaway destination.

We’ve collected a list of things you could do near the Roman Baths in order to get the most out of your visit. Even if you’re a local, we might help you get some new ideas.

If you’re a tourist in Bath right now (or you plan to be in the future), having your Wise card will come in handy. It’s a convenient way to avoid extra costs, while the Wise app can help you manage all your expenses.

The Roman Baths complex¹

Your first stop should definitely be the ancient Roman Baths complex. It’s still very well preserved and authentic, so you can expect to daydream 2,000 years into the past as soon as you walk in. Not only are these baths an example of outstanding architecture and construction, they also show the way Romans used to relax and socialize.

The Romans believed in the healing powers of the hot spring in Bath and even dedicated a temple to the Sulis Minerva healing goddess on site. This shows how significant the spring was to them and their lifestyle, so paying it a visit is a must. The main preserved parts of the complex are the Sacred Spring, the Roman Bath House, the Temple and the museum with many important artefacts from that era.

Visitors to the Roman Baths today can explore the buildings and see the grandiose structures. However, despite the name, you cannot swim or take a bath here anymore. Here’s a little bit about the preserved parts of the complex and what you should see there:

The Roman Temple²

The temple dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva, or what’s left of it, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bath. It’s fascinating to stand there and think that those little remains are what makes the town of Bath so significant and unique. Besides that, Minerva’s bronze head in the courtyard is another one of the impressive preserved fragments.

The Sacred Spring²

The spring in the Roman Baths is the only thing that has remained completely unchanged for thousands of years. The 46°C water still keeps on rising day after day, just like it did in ancient times. When you stand there and look at the steam, you can almost understand why the Romans found it so magical. In fact, you can even taste a bit of the water from a special spa fountain and see how you like it!

UNESCO World Heritage Centre³

Did you know that Bath is a double-inscribed World Heritage Site? First, it was given the big title for its hot springs, Roman archaeology and stunning landscapes. Then, only a couple of years ago, it made the list again, but this time the list of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. This is enough of a reason to visit the centre in Bath dedicated to these amazing accolades.

The Bath World Heritage Centre is free to enter and exciting to visit. Not only do they have interactive exhibits and useful information, the passionate volunteers can also recommend some more sights you should visit while in Bath.

Spa weekend⁴

Even though this is an obvious suggestion, it’s still worth pointing out, just in case. One of the absolute best things you could do while in Bath is book a spa getaway. Since we already mentioned that taking a dip in the original Roman Baths isn’t possible, it’s important to find a good alternative. We can help with that too!

Although there’s an abundance of luxury hotels and villas in Bath, the Thermae Bath Spa is the only one with permission to access the town’s natural thermal waters. It also has a stunning rooftop pool and a large thermal bath called Minerva bath. If you like more privacy, their Cross Bath is a more intimate space, ideal for no more than 10 people. So, take a look at their treatments and packages and treat yourself to an authentic Roman experience!

Jane Austen Centre⁵

If one of the greatest authors of all time fell in love with Bath, there must be something special about it. In case you didn’t know, the famous Jane Austen spent five years living and creating in Bath. Her novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion are even set in the town and the locals are very proud of the fact she chose their hometown.

The perfect place to start exploring Jane’s presence would be the Jane Austen Centre. They have interactive tours and exhibits, along with actor guides in costumes who make the experience so much more fun. If you’d like to see more of the dressing up, the centre also hosts the annual Jane Austen Festival. It had humble beginnings, but today it’s a 10-day celebration of the author’s life and the era she lived in. Festival activities include guided walks, costumed balls and promenades and so on.

P.S. While you’re here, you can also drop by Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein. It’s pretty close to the Centre and it’s inspired by yet another talented author.

Victoria Art Gallery⁶

Even though Bath isn’t primarily famous for its art museums, this doesn’t mean they won’t blow you away. One example is the Victoria Art Gallery in the town centre. This lovely gallery has a collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts with over 1,500 pieces.

Some of its most famous pieces are by Thomas Gainsborough, Thomas Jones Barker and Walter Sickert. Even the exterior of the building has stunning statues, including one of Queen Victoria. If you’re an art enthusiast, make sure you don’t miss this one!

The Royal Crescent⁷

The Royal Crescent is one of the most iconic and most photographed landmarks of Bath. This hypnotizing arc of 30 identical mansions is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the country. They’re arranged around the perfectly green grass of Royal Victoria Park, which makes this must-visit sight even more picturesque.

It might look familiar to you, since it appeared in many movies and TV shows (most recently Bridgerton). One of the houses, No.1 Royal Crescent, has been turned into a one of a kind immersive museum. It shows you what life would have looked like in an 18th century Bath house, up to the smallest details. The furniture, carpets, cutlery and servants’ rooms are all very authentic and carefully picked.⁸

Walcot Artisan Quarter Shopping Area⁹

The Walcot area is not your typical shopping street. Here you can find vintage flea markets, premium craft shops and unique designer homeware. It’s a haven for all eccentric independent thinkers and artists, and those who enjoy their art.

The Walcot area is also home to one of Bath’s most interesting festivals - the Bath Fringe. This is an art festival with little to no rules, as they like to say, and with a long tradition of independent art promotion. Some of their centerpieces in the past have included spoken word, standup comedy, physical theatre, folk music etc.¹⁰

All the shows are financed by the venues or the presenting artists. Since the festival’s destiny greatly depends on support from sponsors and visitors, you might want to stop by if you’re in town at that time.¹¹

A great alternative for low-cost spending in the UK - the Wise card

With a Wise card on hand, all that’s left to do is enjoy your time in Bath and its Roman Baths. You won’t have to think about unnecessary extra expenses and hidden fees.¹² Instead, you can spend and convert in more than 50 currencies, using the guaranteed mid-market exchange rate. Plus, you can withdraw up to £200 a month from UK ATMs with no charge from Wise (although ATM providers may charge their own fee).

Also, having the official Wise app on your phone will save you so much time and effort. Budgeting and tracking your transactions has never been so easy and straightforward. Use that extra time to soak in Bath’s magnificent sights!

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Sources used for this article:

Sources checked on 10-Apr-2023.