FAQs

Will you be keeping social distancing measures in place after the 19th July?

The government has announced that from Monday 19th July social distancing requirements and other safety measures in England will be eased. While we are looking forward to life returning to normal, we are also aware of the continuing need to do everything we can to keep visitors and staff safe. For this reason, we have decided to maintain social distancing and other mitigation measures, including asking all visitors to pre-book tickets and wear face masks while indoors, until further notice. You can find out more information on our social distancing and safety measures here.

Do I need to pre-book my visit in advance?

Yes, all visitors will have to pre-book a ticket on our website. This includes Annual Pass holders and those who would normally have free access such as local residents. Visitors with additional access needs will need to contact us directly to book. We're offering dedicated sessions each day at 10am and 3pm for those visitors with additional access needs. These sessions need to be booked via the Group Bookings team at least 48 hours in advance. Please call 01225 477785.

How far in advance do I need to pre-book my ticket online?

We recommend you book your ticket at least 24 hours before your visit, but you can pre-book your ticket on the day if there are still slots available. You will need to join the queue at your allocated time slot. Visitors will not be allowed to enter the queue or building without a ticket and a booked time slot.

How will the booking system work?

You will need to pick a fifteen-minute time slot for your arrival to the Roman Baths. We highly recommend you join the queue 15 minutes before your booked time slot.

How many people can I visit the Roman Baths with?

In line with Government legislation, visitors can only move around the site in groups of six people or less. A maximum of six tickets can be purchased per booking. If your group is larger than six but part of the same household support bubble, please email us. 

Why do you need to take everybody’s contact details for Track and Trace?

We encourage all visitors to check-in using the NHS COVID-19 app but we will not be collecting details of those who do not use the app. QR codes are available at the entrance for visitors to scan in using their phones. 

The app can be downloaded here from the Google Play or App Store.

Thank you for helping us to keep you and other visitors safe during your visit.

What should I do if I am running late and miss my time slot?

For safety reasons while we are operating a physically distanced visit, we will be unable to admit anyone who is late for their slot. If there are later time slots available on the date of your visit, you can rebook your tickets by calling 01225 477785.

Can I visit as part of a group?

No, not at the moment. In accordance with government advice we will not be able to accept groups at this current time. We will be reviewing this on a regular basis and update you as soon as we can welcome groups safely again.

If your group is larger than six but part of the same household support bubble, please email us for further advice.  

How will you be maintaining physical distancing?

There will be safe one-way routes with markers around the site. Staff will be marshalling at key points around the museum and there will be screens on the reception desk. Please note: pushchairs are not permitted around the site. We recommend you bring your own baby carriers as we are unable to loan out our baby carriers.

Will I have to wear PPE such as a face covering in the Roman Baths?

Face coverings are required in all indoor museum areas and the shop, unless you have a special exemption. You will not be required to wear a face covering in open outdoor areas such as the Great Bath and the Terrace. Children under 11 do not need to wear a face covering.

Do Roman Baths staff wear face coverings?

Yes, all staff you encounter will be wearing face coverings. The only exception is our Roman costumed interpreters, who will be at a safe distance!

How are you cleaning the site?

We will be increasing our cleaning regimes in the toilets and throughout the site. While we will be thoroughly sanitising our Audioguide units between uses, we recommend that you bring your own headphones to use. Hand sanitiser will be available at key points around the site, particularly before stairways and walkways where there are handrails.

Will your toilets be open?

Yes. We are currently limiting the number of people who can use our toilets at any one time. We recommend you use the toilets before you start; as we're operating a one-way route, you will be unable to continue your visit if you leave the route on your way round. Toilets are available on entry and at exit only.

Will all areas of the Roman Baths be open?

95% of the Roman Baths will be available to enjoy. There are a few areas that have restricted access where physical distancing is not possible. 

Will the Pump Room be open?

Please visit the Pump Room Restaurant page to find out more about reopening dates.

Will I be able to try the spa water from the fountain?

No, the spa water fountain in the museum will not be available. The Pump Room fountain is only accessible to customers of the Pump Room Restaurant.

Will the Roman Baths shops be open?

The main Roman Baths shop is open and has a one-way route with distance markers. The lower museum shop is not open due to its limited capacity.

Will I have to print out my tickets or can I show them on my mobile device?

Visitors will be asked to show their ticket at the door on arrival and will then self-scan their ticket at the reception desk. You can bring your ticket with you on your mobile device or print it at home.  

I am a Discovery Card holder. Do I have to book online?

Yes, you will need to pre-book your visit online. You will receive free entry to the Roman Baths as normal, but you will still need to have a booked time slot to visit. If you do not have a Discovery Card but you are a resident of Bath & North East Somerset Council, please bring proof of address and I.D with your pre-booked tickets.

I am an Annual Pass holder, do I have to book online?

Yes, you will need to pre-book your visit online. You will not have to pay for a new ticket but you will still have to book a reservation slot to visit. If you’re a current Annual pass holder, we’ll automatically be extending all passes by an additional five months.

My Discovery Card has expired. Can I renew it now?

We’re currently not able to issue Discovery Cards at our Heritage Site or at the Council One Stop Shops. We will update the website as soon as we’re able to start reissuing the cards.

Can I visit if I am a wheelchair user? Can my carer come in for free?

Sessions at 10am and 3pm are reserved for those visitors who need to use the lifts due to mobility issues. These sessions need to be booked at least 48 hours in advance through our Group Bookings team on 01225 477785 or [email protected]. This includes tickets for carers or residents. Carers enter for free.

I need to cancel my booking or change the date, what should I do?

If you need to cancel your booking or change the date, please email us or call 01225 477785.

I don’t have access to the internet, how do I book a ticket?

Please call our Group Bookings team on 01225 477785.

What happens if I turn up on the day without purchasing a ticket in advance?

We will only be allowing entry to the museum if you have pre-booked a ticket.

What time do you open?

This varies according to the time of year. Please look at the opening hours 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 four lifts on site and handrails in many places, but to access the entire site, you will still need to climb some steps.

Disabled visitors pay the normal price for admission, the accompanying carer goes free. More details are available on our accessibility page. 

Can I swim at the Roman Baths?

Unfortunately 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.

Can I bring a pushchair to the Roman Baths?

Because there are steps in various places and a number of narrow walkways, we would encourage you not to bring a pushchair. Pushchairs have to be left in the main reception hall. We're unable to offer baby backpack carriers at the moment, please see our facilities page for more information.

Can I bring my bag/luggage to the Roman Baths?

Only backpacks up to a maximum of 30 litres are permitted to be brought into the Roman Baths. Luggage, including large rucksacks and pull along cases are not permitted on site but there are a number of storage facilities available across the city. The closest place to the Roman Baths for luggage storage is Bath Backpackers hostel.

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. Please select the BANES-Public Wifi network.

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. 

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

We recommend allowing between 90 minutes - two hours for your visit. 

Please note: The last slots of the day may not be long enough to see everything of interest. Some visitors may like to book an earlier slot or book for another day.

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. Today it is a fine dining restaurant.

What does the admission cost include?

Free use of an audioguide in one of twelve languages or hand held BSL video guide. Guided tours starting from the Great Bath from 10.00am and spa water tasting are not available at present.

Can I arrange a press visit?

Unfortunately we are not able to offer our usual complimentary press tickets at the moment. We have a greatly reduced capacity at the Roman Baths, there is a one-way system in place and everyone needs to book a time slot in advance online. Do contact the Marketing Department if you need any further information or images.

Can I take photographs?

You are welcome to use a hand-held device to take pictures all around the site for your own personal enjoyment. If you are a commercial photographer 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 touch. 

Can I eat and drink as I go around?

No food or drink is permitted in the Roman Baths.

Can I bring my dog to the Roman Baths?

The only animals allowed on site are assistance dogs.

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

The Roman Baths site is owned by Bath & North East Somerset Council. National Trust and English Heritage members are not entitled to free entry.

What time are the torches lit?

The fiery torches surrounding the Great Bath are lit at around 4.00pm in the winter and 6.00pm 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
• 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.

Online Ticketing  
 

How does purchasing my ticket online work?

• You will be prompted to pay with a credit or debit card. A payment receipt and an Order Confirmation will be emailed to you and your tickets will be attached to the Order Confirmation email. You must either print your tickets and bring them with you or show them on a mobile device.

The Roman Baths does not send out printed tickets.

I have bought a family ticket, valid for up to four children, why have I only received two child tickets?

• Two child tickets are issued as standard, any additional child tickets that are required will be issued to you at the point your tickets are scanned.

I am a student outside of the UK, will you accept my student card?

• We accept student cards from anywhere in the world, as long as they state that you are a full time student. 

I have some unused tickets left over from my visit – can I use them another time?

• No. Single site admission tickets must be used on the selected date. 

I would like to visit with a carer – do I need to buy a ticket online for them?

• A visitor with a disability will be charged the standard price for admission. An accompanying carer goes free. For further information regarding general access and suitability of our attraction for disabled visitors, please visit our accessibility page.

I have an Annual Pass or Discovery Card already; do I have to buy a ticket online?

• Yes, tickets for Annual Pass and Discovery Card holders must be booked online in advance.

I am bringing a group of 20 or more – can I buy tickets online?

• We are unable to accept groups at the moment.

I have a child under 6 – do I need to buy a ticket online for them?

• No, there is no need to book a ticket for children under 6. Tickets for children under 6 will be issued when your tickets are scanned on the day of your visit.

 Placing an order, payment and delivery
 

How do I know that you have received my order?

• When you submit your order, the email address you provided will receive two emails. The first email will be a payment receipt from WorldPay, the second will be an Order Confirmation. Your Order Confirmation email will include a breakdown of the tickets and products you have ordered and the total cost.

I haven’t received my email confirmation, what do I do?

• Please allow approximately ten minutes for your order confirmation to come through. In addition to this, please make sure you check your spam folder as emails can sometimes be redirected to this folder. If it is not in your spam folder please email us to have your order confirmation sent out again.

I’ve accidently booked multiple tickets online, what do I do?

• Please email your request into our Bookings Office. To ensure we are able to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, please include the following details in your email:

- The full name that the order was made under
- The Order Number(s) of your booking(s)
- The Order or number of tickets you would like to be refunded

Please note: In the event of a failed or voided transaction it may take up to two weeks for banks to reconcile the outcome of the transaction. Failure to contact us before your visit date may result in us being unable to refund the additional tickets.

My booking failed halfway through the process and it looks like I’ve been charged – what do I do?

• Please email our Bookings Office. To ensure we are able to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, please include the following details in your email:

- The full name that the order was made under
- The Order Number(s) of your booking(s)

Please note: In the event of a failed or voided transaction it may take up to two weeks for banks to reconcile the outcome of the transaction.

What forms of payment do you accept online?

• We accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and American Express.

When will I receive my tickets?

• The Roman Baths does not post tickets to you but you will receive an Order Confirmation by email within 5 minutes of your transaction being completed. Your tickets will be attached to your Order Confirmation. Please either print your tickets or have them on a mobile device ready to present them at the entrance desk.

When will I receive my guidebook?

• If you buy a guidebook, you can collect it on arrival, the Roman Baths will not post it to you.

Allocated Entry Time
 

What is an Allocated Entry Time?

• When booking your tickets online you will be given the opportunity to select a date and time for arrival at the Roman Baths (also known as ‘Allocated Entry Time’). Times are subject to availability. Your allocated entry time will be shown on your confirmation email. It is your responsibility to arrive within your allocated entry time.

What if I miss my Allocated Entry Time?

• For safety reasons while we are operating a physically distanced visit, we will be unable to admit anyone who is late for their slot. If there are later time slots available on the date of your visit, you can rebook your tickets by calling 01225 477785.

Can I change my Allocated Entry Time or Date of Visit?

• We’ve implemented a very flexible rebooking policy. Should you feel unwell/are displaying COVID-symptoms, please email us in advance of your visit to rebook. We will be waiving rebooking fees at this time. Please note that all date changes are subject to availability and must be made before the date of your visit.

Refunds
 

What is your refund policy?

• We’ve implemented a very flexible rebooking policy. Should you feel unwell/are displaying COVID-symptoms, please email us in advance of your visit to rebook. We will be waiving rebooking fees at this time.