no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Sian Lewis

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.

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.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

The Gainsborough

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.

Official star rating:

No 15 Great Pulteney

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.

Official star rating:

The Bird

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.

Official star rating:

Queensberry Hotel

Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]

Contemporary, stylish hotel spread across four Georgian townhouses on a classic Bath street.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bath

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.

Website >
Overview >

Bristol

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.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Roman Baths & Pump Room

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

Clifton Suspension Bridge

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

Website >
Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Exterior of the small cafe, with dark blue frontage
Experience

Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House

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

Website >
Overview >
Exterior front facade of beautiful abbey in golden bath stone
Experience

Bath Abbey

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

Website >
Overview >
Christmas market stalls with people, underneath a large tree lit up in green festive lights
Experience

Bath Christmas Market

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

Website >
Overview >
Exterior of the entrance with Jane Austen model standing outside
Experience

Jane Austen Centre

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

Website >
Overview >

Round-ups that include this experience