Bucket list experience:
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)
Credit Thermae Bath Spa
Many people are surprised that they can’t bathe in the town’s Roman Baths, but the Thermae Bath Spa is the modern equivalent of the attraction that gave the town its name.
It opened in 2006 with a showpiece rooftop pool, steam rooms and the intimate Cross Bath and therapy rooms specialising in thermal water massages. Bath’s natural thermal water – the same used by the Romans – is used throughout.
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Destination Guide >Book well ahead for treatments, especially in the peak summer season (June to August).
Only children over 12 years old are allowed. Children under 16 are not permitted in the New Royal Bath; those aged 12-16 years must be accompanied by an adult or guardian in the stand-alone Cross Bath. There are no spa treatments for anyone under age 18.
It’s open all year round, seven days a week. Weekends during summer sees queues around the corner for entry and a bit of a scrum in the steam rooms.
Hit the spa later in the day to watch the sunset from the rooftop pool. Weekday mornings are a great time as well – you’ll have the place pretty much to yourself.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0 miles]
No need to head to the often-busy Thermae Spa to get the full benefit of Bath’s healing waters – the gorgeous Gainsborough Hotel, which shouts luxury throughout, has its own thermal pools in its in-house spa, right in the city centre.
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Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]
Slap bang in the heart of things, No 15. is one of the smartest places to stay, on arguably Bath’s grandest road, close to the city centre. There’s beautiful décor, a relaxed bar and fine attention to detail.
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Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]
Expect friendly, youthful vibes at this relaxed hotel, decorated in jewel tones and with a buzzy restaurant. The location is excellent – the city centre is a five-minute walk away.
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Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]
Contemporary, stylish hotel spread across four Georgian townhouses on a classic Bath street.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)
A lovely west country city of world-class Georgian architecture, ancient and modern spas, and an atmosphere of romance and refinement.
United Kingdom (UK)
Bristol is the beating heart of the UK’s South West, with an offbeat focus on culture and the arts plus interactive history, a cutting-edge independent food scene and street eats all on offer.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
The historic Grand Pump Room next door has a fountain spouting genuine mineral-rich Bath spa water for tasting. It also does an enjoyable afternoon tea, a popular and highly recommended way to round off your visit.
Best for ages: 8+ | £15
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[1.1 miles]
Take to the air for unrivalled views of Bath’s architecture and the north Somerset countryside.
Best for ages: 13+ | £120 | 4 hours
Castle Combe, Wiltshire, United Kingdom (UK)[15.6 miles]
One of England’s prettiest villages, Castle Combe is a perfectly-preserved slice of medieval life, with a pub that has been open for more than 500 years.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Bristol, United Kingdom (UK)[20.2 miles]
One of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is a spectacular sight, 75 metres above the dramatic geography of Avon Gorge.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
A historic café in one of Bath’s oldest houses, serving up trademark light, fluffy and sweet brioche-like buns since 1680. See the original, 300-year-old kitchen.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
This Gothic beauty, built in Bath Stone in the 12th and 16th centuries, known for its unique architecture and fan vaulting. You can climb the tower for views of the city, and there’s also a small museum in the vaults housing artefacts and exhibits about the abbey’s history.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]
The cheery cluster of wooden cabins that take over the city centre from mid-November attracts a throng of shoppers, but is still well worth wandering through on a Christmas weekend trip if you fancy meeting local makers and sampling festive foodie treats.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]
Step inside one of Austen’s novels (Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were both set in Bath) at this elegant town house, on the same street where the author lived. The Centre offers an interactive snapshot of Regency life, fashion and food as well as insights into Austen herself.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
‘Natural’ spa holidays can be traced back thousands of years – Cleopatra was a regular visitor to the rejuvenating waters of the Dead Sea. Here’s our round-up of some of the best places to find the authentic ‘natural spa’ experience.
