No holiday in Bath is complete without a trip to the Roman baths, conveniently located right in the centre of Bath. If you are staying in Bath then this attraction can be visited on foot. Alternatively the Park & Ride bus stops are both within walking distance, parking in central bath is always difficult and very expensive, although several multi-story carparks are nearby. The Baths are located next to Bath Abbey, a prominent landmark in its own right and a favourite setting down point for tour buses. The museum entrance is in the courtyard in front of the main entrance to the Abbey. Check the Official website for details of opening times, admission charges and special events. A museum pass scheme operates in Bath allowing cut price entry to this and other attractions, if you plan to visit more than two attractions in the same day it represents better value.

   The museum tour is not suitable for everyone. Due to the excavations lying six feet below current street level wheelchair access is normally impossible, twice a year a special access day is held where ramps are laid for the benefit of wheelchair users. Those with limited mobility should exercise caution as there are a considerable number of staircases and some sections of uneven and slippery paving.

   In order to appreciate the whole exhibition you should allow at least half a day (recommended 2 hour minimum). If possible visit in the afternoon to enjoy the baths by day and night, but be aware of museum closing times!! Audio guides are available and provide additional detail not available in written form. The vast majority of the site is completely under cover, so this attraction is suitable for rainy days. You can expect to see the excavated remains of the original 4th century roman Temple of Sulis, and the spectacular four seasons facade carved in stone. The excavated and well presented Roman Baths complex that was constructed later. As well as the underground spring overflow system constructed by Roman engineers to provide full control over the spring waters and dump excess water into a underground drainage channel leading to the river Avon. The system still functions as designed, nearly two thousand years later. The Great Bath is the most familiar part of the complex, once covered by a large vaulted roof it now stands in the open air, and is lit by flaming torches at night. Once back at street level you will take in the later Georgian additions to the site which include the Pump Rooms, now used in part as a large dining space available for private hire and often closed in the evening. At the end of the tour as well as the obligatory shop there is the opportunity to taste the bath spring water. By anyone's standards this glass of spring water is vastly over priced, but a trip to the fountain will at least get you into the main hall of the pump rooms, to admire the opulent furnishings for free.

   Unlike visitors to Bath in days past it is no longer possible to bathe in the spring water and enjoy its much vaunted healing properties. Attempts to stick a quick toe in the water are strictly frowned upon, as are attempts to "bottle your own". In recognition of this serious shortcoming Bath & North East Somerset Council have spent a considerable sum of taxpayers money re-developing the Spa on a site just across the road from the Roman Baths. The project now seriously over budget and behind schedule still has not opened, its eventual appearance will doubtless be wreathed in the controversy and scandal that has dogged the project. The council's own website has no information on the spa project, other than some hastily archived memo's, their page on Squirrels is more forthcoming on the subject, but somewhat less controversial. Information on Tariffs, predicted completion date, and digitally doctored photos are available from the official website . As expected prices rapidly exceed the £73 each and every Bath resident has already paid towards the project from their council tax bill. In return all residents of Bath will gain another overpriced tourist attraction, and a 15% discount as long as they book 48hrs in advance.

   If you still want to take in the spa waters and don't fancy sneaking round the old Roman Baths or waiting for the new Thermae Bath Spa then your out of luck! But a number of upmarket hotels in bath do offer spa facilities just remember the water in their pool comes out the tap. Bath Spa Hotel Royal Crescent Hotel and The Bath Priory (which doesn't do Rehab)