FAQs

What time do you open?

This varies according to the time of year – it is either 9.00am or 9.30am. Please look at the opening hours page.

Where can I buy tickets?

You can buy tickets online or on arrival at the Roman Baths entrance desk. If you are a group of 20 or more, please see the Groups page.

Is there parking nearby?

There is no parking at the Roman Baths but there are a number of car parks within easy walking distance. There are also several Park and Ride services on the outskirts of Bath which drop off in the city centre.

Is there any disabled parking provision?

The nearest three hour parking spaces to the Roman Baths for disabled visitors are on Cheap Street, BA1 1NA. Details of other Blue Badge parking areas

How far are you from the train/bus station?

It is about five to ten minutes walk.

Are the Roman Baths fully accessible?

Lifts are available and 90% of the site is accessible to wheelchair users. Because the Roman Baths are six metres below street level, there are unfortunately a number of steps throughout the site. We have recently installed two lifts and improved the handrails in many places, but to access the entire site, you will still need to climb some steps. More details are available on our accessibility page.

Can I swim at the Roman Baths?

Because of the quality of the water it would not be safe to swim here. The nearby Thermae Bath Spa uses the same water which is treated to make it safe for bathing. Spa Packages are available and include entry to both the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa, plus lunch in the Pump Room.

Can I bring a pushchair to the Roman Baths?

Because there are steps in various places and a number of narrow walkways, pushchairs have to be left in the main reception hall. Baby backpack carriers are provided, please see our facilities page for more information.

How sustainable are the Roman Baths?

We seek to reduce our carbon footprint in many different ways including using energy from the hot spring to heat our buildings and using energy-efficient lighting. You can read our full list of initiatives on our Sustainability page. 

Is there Wifi access for visitors?

Yes, free Wifi is available throughout the site.

What is the best time of day to visit?

Usually this would be as soon as possible after we open to the public. Generally between 11.00am and 3.00pm are the busiest times during the week, and at weekends we are busy for most of the day. From 16 June-31 August we remain open until 10pm and usually it's comparatively quiet in those months after 5pm.

How long is the queue?

At peak times this could be up to half an hour, but will vary depending on the time of year. You should expect to queue if visiting during July or August, or at weekends throughout the year.

How long will it take me to see everything at the Roman Baths?

About an hour and a half usually but you can stay for as long as you like.

What is there to see at the Roman Baths?

A range of Roman bathing and leisure facilities along with part of the religious complex. Displays of Roman and Celtic objects found locally, building models, projected images of Roman characters and costumed Roman characters who like to chat to visitors.

What is the Pump Room?

The original eighteenth century room was used as a meeting place and for Assemblies. Nowadays it is used as a restaurant and the spa water can be drunk in here.

What does the admission cost include?

Free use of an audioguide in one of twelve languages or hand held BSL video guide; hourly guided tours starting from the Great Bath from 10.00am and an opportunity to taste the spa water at the end of your visit.

Can I arrange a press visit?

Members of the media wishing to cover the Roman Baths, Fashion Museum or Victoria Art Gallery can obtain free entry if arranged with the Marketing department 48 hours before their visit. (One ticket per visit.) Please see the News page for our latest press releases.

Can I take photographs?

You are welcome to use a hand-held camera to take pictures all around the site for your own personal enjoyment. If you are a commercial photographer or wish to use a tripod or flash photography please contact us for further details. Wedding and civil partnership photography is not allowed unless the couple either have their ceremony or reception at the Roman Baths. For information please contact us.

Can I leave and return later in the day?

No re-entry is allowed as it is a one-way route around the complex and our high visitor numbers would make it impractical. 

Can I touch or drink the water?

The water in the Great Bath is completely untreated and unsafe to drink or even to touch. There is a safe supply of drinkable spa water available within the Pump Room restaurant (free on production of a valid Roman Baths ticket, otherwise fifty pence per glass) and also at an outlet just before the exit.

Can I eat and drink as I go around?

No food or drink is permitted in the Roman Baths. There is a formal restaurant within the Georgian Pump Room or the family-friendly Roman Baths Kitchen is immediately opposite the main entrance to the Roman Baths.

Can I bring my dog to the Roman Baths?

The only animals allowed on site are assistance dogs, most often used by visually impaired people.

Does English Heritage or the National Trust own the Roman Baths?

The Roman Baths site is owned by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

What time are the torches lit?

The torches are lit at dusk. In this part of the United Kingdom dusk is at around 16.00 in the winter and 21.00 in the summer. 

I have lost something at the Roman Baths, who do I contact?

If you think that you have lost an item of your property while visiting us, please contact our Lost Property Office. Please include the following details:

• detailed description of the item you have lost.
• full details of when you visited and where you might have lost it.
• the name of the organisation you were travelling with, if any.
• your name, and an e-mail and telephone number where we can contact you.
• an address to which we can post the item.

We will ask you questions about the item of property to make sure that you are the rightful owner. If postal charges are significant, we will ask you to contribute to them. It is our policy to keep lost property for six weeks and to offer unclaimed items to charity. Please note though that during very busy periods it may not always be possible to keep lost items for this length of time.