Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)
Destination guide
A lovely west country city of world-class Georgian architecture, ancient and modern spas, and an atmosphere of romance and refinement.
Travel bucket list idea:
Thermae Bath Spa
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)
Bucket List Experience
Credit Thermae Bath Spa
Last updated: 18 March, 2024
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.
Logistics
Price from: £38
Minimum age: 12
Age suitable: 12+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
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.
When to do it
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.
Destination guides
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
United Kingdom (UK)
Destination guide
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.
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Multiple countries
Inspiration
‘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.