If there’s one thing that I know will keep my attention for hours it’s history; more specifically, history which remains observable in the present day. I recently headed to the historic city of Bath on the southwest coast of the UK and explored one of the best examples of Roman construction that the world has to offer, the Roman Baths.
Where are the Roman Baths?
Located in Abbey Church Yard (just in front of Bath Abbey) the Roman Baths are accessed by walking through the Pump Room. With the signage and tourists it’s a pretty easy find so you won’t be wandering around for half an hour wondering if you are in the right place.
There is often a lot going on here with an abundance of musicians and street performers. The square is also used as a meeting place for walking tours and other tourist groups. If you are going to head here for a visit just be prepared for it to be a little busy and to keep an eye on children and your belongings.
Inside the Roman baths
Once you have walked through the Pump Room and paid for your ticket you will head inside the Roman Baths where you will immediately take a step back in time.
The walkways will lead you through to the upper balcony that surrounds the open air pool. You can freely walk around this area, observing the external architecture, or stand on the balcony, looking down on the water, imagining what the atmosphere would have felt like here centuries ago.
Open air pool
With so many years having gone by since the Roman times you will head downstairs to what used to be street level where you will walk out to the open air pool.
From here you can then make your way inside the baths complex where you will walk through a series of underground rooms. These rooms offer an excellent insight into how the Romans relaxed with several hot pools heated by underfloor heating systems, and a stone-cut jacuzzi.
You can also head a little deeper underground and see the original Roman Road that formed part of the Main Street and also the natural hot water spring that is being fed in to the Baths from just up the road.
Roman Baths Review
The Roman Baths are a fantastic place to visit if you are planning a trip to Bath. You will be drawn in to the city’s incredible history and discover old ways of life and Roman society. From outside the Pump Rooms the Roman Baths don’t look particularly big but don’t let that deceive you. With the majority of the site located underground you will be amazed at how much there is to see.
Bath is an incredible city to visit for a short city break and the Roman Baths is something you cannot afford to miss.
