Roman Baths & Grand Pump Room

Roman Baths

Known as Aquae Sullis they date back to AD 54 and were abandoned when the Romans left Britain at the beginning of the 5th century.

It was not until the 18th century that it was rediscovered and its potentials once again realised.

Known as a sacred spring the water rises at the temperature of 460c at the rate of 240,000 gallons a day and has done so since time immemorial.

It was considered that the waters had healing powers and so attracted visitors from Europe and beyond. Now the waters are regarded as being unsafe for bathing.

For those wishing to experience bathing in the Bath waters, a visit to the Thermae Spa (opened 2004) gives the opportunity to enjoy the bathing.

In the Roman Baths to the Northwest corner is a pool known as the Kings Bath (12th century construction) and also within the complex is the Temple of Sulis Minerva, this was built to house the statue of the goddess, a bronze head depicting her can be seen in the baths museum as can the stone carving of the Gorgons head (a symbol of Minerva)

With the exception of 25th/26th of December the baths are open daily throughout the year.

Opening hours-
January/February 09.30 to 16.30 exit time 17.30
March /June 09.00 to 21.00 exit time 22.00
September/October 0.900 to 17.00 exit time 18.00
November/December 09.30 to 16.30 exit time 17.30
Admission charges -

Adults £11.00 (July &August £11.50)
Senior Citizens &Full time Students - £9.50
Child (6yrs to 16yrs) £7.20
Family tickets - 2 Adults +4 children £32.00
Children under 14 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Children under 5 years free entry
Visitors should enquire about the combined ticket for the Baths and the Fashion museum which is just a short distance away.

Grand Pump Room

This elegant grade 1 listed building was partly built over the Roman baths in 1706, it was where the elite of the period went to “take the waters” - regarded as the social heart of Bath for more than two centuries. The Pump Room was originally built under the auspices of Richard Beau Nash.

Here they could listen and watch musicians playing classical music whilst sipping a glass of water. (it is still possible to purchase a glass of water).

The Grand Chamber situated within the pump room overlooks the Roman Baths.

Nowadays it is the tea room for the baths, just within the entry is a bath chair which was used for the carriage of invalids. Also to be seen is a Statue of Beau Nash, he was master of ceremonies at the many functions held.

The Pump Room has a reputation for serving excellent afternoon teas and is immediately next door to the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. The Pump Room restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea daily as well as for private hire for evening events.

The main building is built of Bath stone and was begun in 1789 by Thomas Baldwin. He resigned in 1791 and John Palmer continued the scheme from 1793. It was finally finished in 1799.

Roman Baths