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Roman Bath, Somerset

Bath in Somerset was a sacred place before the Romans arrived. The warm waters that bubbled naturally out of the ground at forty degrees centigrade were believed to possess divine healing powers. The Romans built a large city at Bath, and dedicated the site of the spring to the goddess Minerva. The spring was used to feed a lavish bath complex. An excavation in 1755 uncovered part of the baths, only to rebury it again. It wasn't until 1878 that Charles Davis the city surveyor stumbled on the baths whilst investigating a leaking pipe, and persuaded the city council to demolish the residential buildings standing on the site of the baths and carry out a complete excavation. The work took many years, and this remarkable site can now be visited.

Bath recovered its reputation as a spa in the sixteenth century, and became in effect Britain's first tourist resort. For more information see History of Holidays.

The Roman spa also includes a museum where many finds made during the excavation are displayed. There are also computer visuals, an audio tour, and a gift shop. The spa can be found off Stall Street in the centre of Bath.

Opening Times: January, February, November and December 9:30am - 5:30pm, last admission at 4:30pm. March, April, May, June, September and October 9am - 6pm, last admission at 5pm. July and August 9am - 10pm, last admission 9pm. The spa is closed 25th and 26th December.

Bath is also famous for its wonderful Georgian architecture.

For children there are two trails to follow, and pushchairs can be exchanged for a courtesy child carrier.

Directions: the Roman Bath is in Stall Street, Bath, next to the Cathedral. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred on the Roman bath.

Access: the Roman baths are six meters below street level and there is no wheel chair access to the side of the bath itself. There is level access from the entrance to the Sun Lounge which overlooks the King's Bath, and the outside Terrace which overlooks the Great Bath. Twice a year ramps are used to give wider access, which includes the Great Bath itself. Contact the Roman Baths or go to the official web site. The surface round the bath is uneven. Object handling sessions can be organised, and people with hearing difficulties can use the 'T' switch on the audio guide. There is an adapted toilet near the entrance.

Contact:

telephone: 01225 477785

e-mail: romanbath_booking@bathnes.gov.uk

web: www.romanbaths.co.uk