Bath, one of England’s most historic and beautiful cities, has been a popular destination for centuries. It was originally established by the Romans as a spa town, thanks to the natural hot springs bubbling up from the earth. The local Celtic tribes believed the springs had spiritual significance, and when the Romans arrived, they shared this belief. They dedicated the site to Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, and built a grand bath complex. Despite Bath being on the edge of the Roman frontier, it quickly grew into an important cultural and religious hub, attracting people from far and wide who came to bathe and pray to Minerva, believing the waters had healing powers.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the baths fell into disrepair, and over the centuries, the structures were buried and forgotten. Medieval leaders later built their own baths, and pilgrims continued to flock to the hot springs for healing. It wasn’t until the early 19th century that the remains of the original Roman baths were rediscovered during repairs to a house above the site. This led to archaeological excavations, revealing a treasure trove of Roman history that had been buried for centuries.
Today, much of the Roman baths have been excavated, though archaeologists believe there may still be more structures yet to be uncovered. The site has become one of the top attractions in Bath, and it’s easy to see why. The baths are well-preserved, and visitors enter the complex from street level, looking down at the baths that sit six feet below ground. The preservation efforts here are exceptional, and the site offers one of the best examples of Roman engineering in the world.
The audio tour, narrated by renowned travel writer Bill Bryson, adds another layer of depth to the experience, providing detailed information about the history of Bath, the Roman occupation, and the excavation process. The exhibits do an excellent job of explaining the significance of the artifacts and the history of the baths, so you’ll leave with a solid understanding of the site without any lingering questions.
What really fascinates me about Roman engineering is their advanced systems, like the plumbing, aqueducts, and sewers. It’s amazing to think how a civilization that seems so ancient was able to create such sophisticated infrastructure.
While the Roman baths are the main attraction, Bath is also home to a stunning abbey, where the famous philosopher Thomas Malthus is buried. The town itself is charming, with many of its buildings still reflecting the same architectural style from centuries ago. If I had to describe the style, I’d call it “pretty”—a mix of elegant and quaint, with a timeless feel.
One of my favorite spots in Bath is the Avon River, which runs through the city. There are lovely parks along the river where people relax with picnics, and the iconic Pulteney Bridge, with its shops and views over a little cascade in the river, reminded me of the charming covered bridges in Florence.
While Salisbury still holds the title as the most beautiful city I’ve visited in England, Bath is definitely a close second. I’d heard from so many people that Bath was beautiful, and they were right. The only downside? My camera battery died halfway through my visit, leaving me with far fewer pictures than I’d hoped for.
How to Get to Bath, England
If you’re coming from London, it’s a 90-minute train ride, with one-way fares starting at around £40. Buses take about 2.5 hours and cost around £10 each way. If you’re driving, it’s a 2.5-hour drive from London, and you can rent a car through Discover Cars for the best prices. If you’re coming from Bristol, it’s only a 30-minute drive or a 15-minute train ride, costing around £10 each way.
How to Visit the Roman Baths
The Roman Baths are located right in the center of Bath, on Stall Street. The entrance is through Abbey Church Yard. Opening hours vary by season, so be sure to check their website for the latest schedule, but they’re generally open from 9 am to 5 pm, with extended hours in the summer.
