On our recent trip back to the northern hemisphere our first stop was Bath, England for a family wedding. We had planned to arrive a few days in advance, in just enough time to explore some of what Bath has to offer. The weather was very much in our favour, albeit a bit stifling (you know that humid, overcast, any minute there might be thunder weather?) but it was dry and warm during our tourist-y days! Coming from the wintry Melbourne conditions we were a little unprepared to say the least.
We landed in London at 6.30am Thursday morning, slowly made our way to Paddington Station (as out train wasn’t until 11am) where we caught a train directly to Bath. The journey took just 90 minutes and it was very smooth journey.
We stayed in a hostel in Bath city centre located just 6 minutes from the main stretch of shops and the historical Roman Baths. As one of the main tourist destinations it was inevitable we would pop in for a visit.
Click on photo to enlarge.
Built over 2000 years ago by the Romans and steeped in history, stepping on the very concrete that they would have walked on was just surreal. The Bath itself is housed 4 metres below street level and cannot be viewed from the outside. Only when you enter and make your way via the museum and finally to the lower levels do you begin to realise the magnificence of the space. The Great Bath can be viewed from a height as there is a walkway around three sides of the bathing pool, this walkway is held up by pillars that below house little seating areas for those wanting to take a rest from bathing. We were informed these little alcoves also sold items to visitor all those years ago.
Click on photo to enlarge.
When entering the museum each visitor is given a handheld device with audio-guide explaining different parts of the building as you go. At each stop there is a number corresponding to that particular part of the tour, enter this number to your device and further information will be provided.
The Romans Baths were a public bathing space with a natural hot spring reaching temperatures of 46 degrees. Although you are advised not to even touch the water, water that has been cleaned is available for drinking at the end of the tour.
I don’t want to go in to too much detail with regards the history as I don’t want to spoil it but I would absolutely recommend a visit. I would advise joining in on one of their free walking tours also, at just 30 minutes long, it is a short concise introduction to the history of the Romans while exploring the wonders of this incredible city.
How magnificent are the Baths?
Loving this panoramic I took with my iPhone!
Prices
With prices starting from £15/adult, £13.25/senior citizens and students, £9.50/children, the baths are well worth a visit and a super way to spend a morning or afternoon. Family tickets are also available and all ticket prices can be found online here.
At present, I don’t think tickets can be purchased in advance however waiting times were not that long when we went. We visited on a Friday morning, although it was not quiet it was not too busy either.
Opening Hours
Opening hours vary throughout the year however during our visit it was open from 9.00-17.00, with exit time 18.00. Summer opening hours remain open until 21.00, with an exit time of 22.00. I would recommend spending at least 2 hours exploring the site.
Conclusion
Jamie and I absolutely loved our visit, so informative and as mentioned before steeped in such amazing history. One of the most remarkable things I noticed about the place was how well preserved the site is, you are literally stepping back in time!
We were guests of the Roman Baths, Bath however as always all opinions are my own.
More Photos of Bath
