The Roman Baths and Pump Room, at the heart of the Bath World Heritage Site, is Britain's only natural hot spring. Since the Romans built a temple and bathing complex here, nearly 2,000 years ago, visitors have been coming to bath to relax in, take the "cure" with and even drink these naturally hot mineral waters.
Ruins and Treasures
Today's visitors can see the water's source and walk the ancient stone pavements where Romans once strolled and socialized. The extensive ruins and treasures from the spring are beautifully preserved and presented. Alongside the baths there are ancient changing rooms and saunas, heated rooms and plunge pools. Roman costumed characters appear every afternoon.
The Pump Room
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the neo-classical Pump Room was the social heart of Bath. Here fashionable people dined or took tea, gossiped and - most importantly - drank the free flowing waters of the Roman spring.
Roman Bath and Pump Room Essentials
The thermal waters still flow as they always have and it is still possible to taste them at the Pump Room and immerse yourself in them at the 21st century
Thermae Bath Spa, adjoining the ancient Roman site. Here's the skinny -
- Roman Baths
- Address:Abbey Church Yard, Bath, Somerset,BA1 1LZ
- Telephone:+44 (0)1225 477785
- Hours:Daily except Christmas and Boxing Day, winter - 9 or 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., spring and fall, 9 to 5 p.m., July and August, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Admission:About £11. Student, senior, child and family tickets available.
- Website
- The Pump Room Open every day for morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea, the Pump Room is still the place to try the mineral rich waters of Bath's natural hot spring. Admission and tasting the water is free. A trio of violin, cello and piano play during morning coffee and afternoon tea.
- The Spa Package A reasonably priced spa package includes a visit to the Roman Baths, a three course lunch in The Pump Room and a two hour session enjoying the modern facilities of the Thermae Bath Spa (swimming in steaming hot waters of the rooftop pool in winter are an experience really worth writing home about). To book the package (two days notice is required), telephone +44 (0)1225 477 736, Monday-Friday during business hours. The cost in 2008 was £55. Visit the website for the latest prices and booking information.
