Thermae Bath Spa
The only place in Britain where you can bathe in natural thermal water. A rooftop open-air pool lets you soak while looking out over Bath Abbey and the city skyline.
Bathing is not allowed in the Roman Baths themselves, so to experience Bath's thermal waters you need to visit Thermae Bath Spa, which opened in 2006. This modern building of glass and stone connects to the 18th-century bath buildings nearby and uses mineral-rich spring water from the same source as the Roman Baths. A standard 'New Royal Bath' ticket costs about £40 to £50 (prices vary by time slot and at weekends) and lasts two hours. It includes the indoor Minerva Bath, aromatic steam rooms and a cold waterfall area, as well as the most popular feature, the rooftop open-air pool. The pool overlooks Bath's rooftops and abbey towers, and the atmosphere is best at sunset and at night. Massages and physiotherapy require separate booking. Under-16s are not admitted. Holidays often bring long queues, so book online or visit on a weekday morning. Bring your own swimwear; bathrobes and slippers can be rented. Across the way, the Cross Bath is a more private small open-air pool.
Opening hours
Daily approx. 09:00–21:30 (last entry approx. 19:00)
Nearby sights
- Roman Baths
- Bath Abbey
- Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House
- Jane Austen Centre
- Pulteney Bridge
- The Circus
- Royal Crescent
- Holburne Museum