The Roman Baths
BEST FOR
Ages 6-18
ENTRY
from £19.50
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Bath
What it’s like
Steamy Roman ruins with a free Michael Rosen audioguide, best for kids six and up who can handle steps and a slow walk round.
This isn't a hands-on kids' attraction, it's a genuinely old site you walk round with an audioguide doing the talking. Every ticket includes the free guide narrated by Michael Rosen, which is the thing that keeps six to twelve-year-olds engaged rather than dragging their feet past glass cases. There's a Hoot the Owl trail for younger ones and an activity book with puzzles, plus Roman character encounters based on real historical figures dotted around, so there's actual stuff to do, not just look at.
Budget 90 minutes to two hours, and don't book the last slot of the day if you want to see everything properly, since they're upfront that the final entries don't leave enough time. Prices sting a bit: a child ticket is £19.50 on a weekday, £22 at weekends, and a family of two adults plus two kids comes to £69 midweek or £77 at weekends if you book ahead. Under-sixes get in free but you still need to reserve their ticket, and it's worth knowing tickets are non-refundable, they'll only shift the date if you ask before your visit.
The catch for anyone with a buggy is real: the site's six metres below street level, there are steps and narrow walkways throughout, and pushchairs get left at reception. They'll offer a baby carrier but say to bring your own since stock is limited. If narrow, closed-in spaces bother you or your kids, the courtyard walkways and lifts are tight enough to notice. No food or drink is allowed inside beyond water in a sealed bottle, so eat before or after.
There's no parking on site, though it's a five to ten minute walk from Bath Spa station and there are car parks and Park and Ride options nearby. Booking a timed slot is pretty much essential, especially in summer, and they suggest doing it at least 24 hours ahead since slots do sell out.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 6 to 18, younger ones need a good audioguide attention span
- Last entry
- 5:00pm
- Booking
- Advance booking recommended, especially summer
- Parking
- No on-site parking. Several car parks within walking distance
- How long to allow
- 90 minutes to 2 hours
- Pushchairs
- Discouraged. Must be left at reception
- Wheelchairs
- 90% accessible. Lifts available
- Dogs
- Trained assistance dogs welcome
- Getting there by bus or train
- Bath Spa rail and bus station: 5-10 minutes walk
- Worth knowing
- Children under 6 get free entry
- Blue Peter badge holders get free entry, badge and photo ID needed on arrival
- Backpacks are fine up to 30 litres but large luggage and pull-along cases aren't allowed on site
- The audioguide comes in 13 languages and is included in the ticket price
- Open every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with extended evening hours in the Summer Lates programme
Plan your visit
How much are tickets?
A child (6-18) is £19.50 on a weekday or £22 at weekends, booked in advance. A family of two adults and two to four kids is £69 midweek, £77 at weekends.
Do we need to book ahead?
Yes, and they recommend at least 24 hours before your visit since slots can sell out, particularly in summer.
Is it free for under-sixes?
Under-sixes get in free, but you still need to reserve a ticket for them when you book.
How long should we plan for?
Around 90 minutes to two hours. The last slots of the day might not give you enough time to see everything, so an earlier booking is the safer bet.
Can we bring a pushchair?
You're discouraged from bringing one in, it has to be left at reception. They can offer a baby carrier but say to bring your own if you can, since theirs are limited.
Is there parking on site?
No on-site parking, but there are several car parks within walking distance and Park and Ride services on the edge of the city. It's five to ten minutes from Bath Spa station on foot.
Can we bring snacks or a packed lunch?
Food or drink is allowed inside apart from water in a secure bottle.
What if we need to cancel or change our date?
Tickets aren't refundable, but you can change the date or time by contacting their customer services before your visit, subject to availability.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs?
The site's around 90% accessible with lifts available, and there's a free carer ticket. A motorised scooter is available if your own is too wide, and lower levels take a maximum of four wheelchair users at once.
Is there a discount for anyone on benefits?
UK visitors on Universal Credit, Pension Credit or ESA can get £1 tickets for themselves and up to four accompanying children.
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