Visit Bath, England and Enjoy a Rooftop Swim in the Thermal Waters

We’ve all heard the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Few visitors have considered doing as the Romans did when in Bath, however, you certainly can!

London to Bath by Rail
The train journey itself through the West of England countryside is stunning and the view of Bath, with its golden-hued Bath stone buildings nestled among green hills is a remarkable sight upon your approach by train into Bath Spa.

This famous, medieval city is just 100 miles from London. Therefore, it is an easy day trip from London which does not require an overnight stay. Just grab your jacket and a bathing suit and head for Paddington Station in Bayswater, Central London. Trains depart about every half hour for the 90-minute journey direct on First Great Western rail, a bit faster and much easier than traveling by car, especially for international visitors.

See the Roman Baths
Upon arriving at the station known as Bath Spa, you’ll find it is less than a ten minute walk to the number one sight, the Roman Baths, constructed in about A.D. 60. Here, around a natural hot underground spring bubbling up at nearly 115 degrees fahrenheit, the Romans built a magnificent temple and bath spa where visitors can walk today upon the ancient stones. The self-guided audio tour commentary is excellent and included in the admission. Plan on an hour inside the well-preserved Roman spa. Check out the rising steam above green pools, learn how bathers used the Frigidarium, the cold pool, and the Sacred Spring some 2,000 years ago and then head for your own bath in Bath.

Take a Rooftop Swim in Thermal Waters
For nearly 30 years, these waters were not available to the public for bathing. Then, in 2006, the Thermae Bath Spa opened, funded in part by the U.K. National Lottery and the local authority. The spa is contained in a modern building, linked to the historic Georgian spa buildings, creating a strong contrast in architectural style. Maintained at a comfortable 92 degrees fahrenheit, the waters rich with 42 minerals are the nation’s warmest geothermal spring, offering the most unique swimming experience available anywhere in Britain today. There are 264,172 gallons of water per day flowing up from more than one mile below ground, pumping up through crevices in high temperature rocks via three natural springs. One can even have a twilight swim above the rooftops of Bath, looking down on to views of Bath Abbey and beyond. Reserve ahead for the pool and the spa treatments.

Traditional English Tea at the Pump Rooms
Once refreshed, very nearby you will find the Grand Pump Room, where high society Victorians would assemble to sip a cup of perfectly brewed tea and enjoy traditional scones and cakes, so do consider stopping here to experience the refined atmosphere and live musical entertainment.

Historic Bath Abbey
Next, on to the Anglican Bath Abbey where Edgar was crowned King of England in 973, is a large and distinguished example of Gothic architecture, home to two organs and a peal of ten bells. Another spot for enjoying a wonderful view of Bath and surrounding Somerset is from the church tower.

Pretty River Avon
The abbey is in the heart of the city, surrounded by shops, pubs, restaurants and a marketplace packed with independent street vendors. Nearby there is another good photo opportunity: the lovely views of the River Avon swiftly passing under the three arches of the picturesque 18th century Pulteney Bridge.

Discovering Bath promises to be a day well-spent in one of England’s oldest and finest cities, so easy to reach from London. However, while your friends may have visited Bath, you will surely be one of the very few to have enjoyed an authentic thermal bath in Bath, in true Roman style.

Thermae Bath Spa
Hot Bath Street
Bath, England BA1 1SJ
Telephone: 0844 888 0844 (from overseas +44 1225 33 1234)
[email protected]

Sources:
The English Tourist Board
First Great Western
The Roman Baths, Bath & Northeast Somerset Council
Bath Preservation Trust
Thermae Bath Spa


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