Accessibility

Because the Roman Baths are six metres below street level, there are unfortunately a number of steps throughout the site. We have three enclosed lifts and one platform lift and handrails in many places, but to access the entire site, you will still need to climb some steps. Please make staff aware that you have limited mobility, and they will direct you to the most accessible route. 

We give every visitor a hand-held audioguide to help you enjoy your visit. If arthritis or any other limb condition makes it difficult for you to hold, we can give you an ear-piece or headphones. Disabled visitors pay the normal price for admission, the accompanying carer goes free.

Wheelchair access

There is level access from the Abbey Church Yard entrance to most of the ground floor areas including the 18th century Pump Room, the Sun Lounge which overlooks the hot spring and the outside Terrace which overlooks the Great Bath. The front door opening width is 1320mm (52in). There is also level access to the main Roman Baths shop from Stall Street.

Access to the teaching space, mezzanine displays, lower museum, Great Bath and East Baths is via four accessible lifts. For safety reasons a maximum of four wheelchair users can access the lower levels at any one time. There is a limit to the size of the wheelchair, see platform lift information below. There is one accessible toilet close to the Roman Baths entrance and one at the beginning of the Kings Bath corridor. Measurements are included in our Access Statement which you can download below.

There are three wheelchairs available for use by visitors but these are not bookable. We also keep a small mobility scooter that can be borrowed by those whose own electric wheelchair/mobility scooter is too heavy for our lifts (total maximum weight 300kg, maximum length 1200mm). However, the Shopmobility service can reserve wheelchairs and mobility scooters for visitors. Please also note that the original Roman paving around the Great Bath is extremely uneven.

Visitors with hearing impairments

We have British Sign Language tours available on Opus Touch handsets available free of charge with your ticket. These are issued beside our audioguides. If you are a hearing aid user, we can provide you with an audioguide compatible with the "T" switch on hearing aids. We can also provide a printed copy of the audioguide text. 

Visitors with visual impairments

We have some Braille information panels and tactile models as well as a more descriptive audioguide for people with visual impairments, which describes things in greater detail. Braille transcripts of the audioguide are available on request. We are happy to arrange object-handling sessions for groups with special needs. Contact the Bookings Office for further information.

Visitors with potential claustrophobia

The Roman Baths is below street level and some of the complex is underground, including the Roman temple courtyard. The walkway through the courtyard is narrow in places and can become crowded, so there is a risk of claustrophobia. You can if you wish omit part of the visit, just ask a member of staff to show you an alternative route. In July and August the visit is less crowded in the evening, or before 10.00am. At other times weekdays are less busy than weekends and weekday mornings are the best time to visit.  

To help plan your visit please click on the links and watch our accessibility video below:

• Accessibility Guide 2017
• Information and maps for wheelchair users
• Information for visitors with Autism
• Easy read Autism information
• Platform Lift information

 

Winner of the Gold Award for Access and Inclusivity at the 2015/16 South West Tourism Awards
 

 

 

Winner of the Silver Access for All Award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2016