AD | Press tickets
Bath is one of those cities in the UK that feels like stepping straight into history. Cobbled streets, Georgian townhouses, and of course, the world-famous Roman Baths. When we were planning our family trip to Bath, the Roman Baths were top of our list. There’s a reason why it’s one of the city’s biggest attractions. But how does it work when you’re visiting with children? Is it worth it for families, and what should you expect on the day? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Roman Baths with kids.
Where are the Roman Baths?
The Roman Baths are right in the heart of Bath city centre, just a few steps from Bath Abbey and the main shopping streets. You’ll find them in Abbey Church Yard, which is pedestrianised and easy to get to whether you’re arriving by car, train, or bus.
If you’re staying centrally, you can easily walk there – the city is very compact. For those driving in, there are a few car parks within a short walk, such as SouthGate Bath or Charlotte Street. The train station is less than 10 minutes away on foot, making it really accessible for a family day trip.
Address: The Roman Baths, Abbey Church Yard, Bath, BA1 1LZ
Telephone: 01225 477785
Email: romanbaths_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk
Website: http://romanbaths.co.uk
Opening times
The Roman Baths are open every day (except 25th and 26th December). Opening hours can vary depending on the season, but generally they are from 9am until 6pm.
It’s always worth checking the official website before you visit, as times can change, especially around holidays or special events. During the summer, opening times can be later, especially on weekends.
We found that arriving earlier in the morning was best, as it wasn’t too crowded and our daughter had plenty of space to explore without being overwhelmed.
Ticket prices
Visiting the Roman Baths is one of the pricier attractions in Bath, but it’s definitely worth the experience. At the time of writing (2025), online prices can be found below. Tickets purchased on the day cost £2 more.
| Ticket type | Weekend/Bank Holiday | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (19+) | £28.00 | £25.50 |
| Student | £27.00 | £24.50 |
| Senior (65+) | £27.00 | £24.50 |
| Child (6-18) | £21.00 | £18.50 |
| Family 2 adults + 2-4 children | £75.00 | £67.00 |
| Family 2 adults + 1 child | £68.00 | £61.00 |
| Family 1 adult + 2-4 children | £55.00 | £49.00 |
Pre-booking online in advance is strongly recommended, especially during weekends and school holidays. Not only can it save you time queuing, but it also guarantees your entry slot.
What to expect inside
The Roman Baths are essentially the remains of one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world. The site includes the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Bath House, and a museum full of artefacts from the period.
Walking through the site, you’ll follow a set route that takes you around the central Great Bath (which is the big pool of greenish water you’ll have seen in all the photos). From there, you move through various rooms and exhibition spaces that explain the history and archaeology.
One of the highlights for kids is the free audio guide. The Roman Baths have a special children’s version, narrated in a way that’s easy to follow and engaging. It tells stories about what life would have been like for Romans in Bath, has information about when the baths were built, and explained why this ancient site was so important. This really helped bring the place to life, and Erin enjoyed spotting the characters in the guide and matching them to what she could see around her.
Top tips for visiting with kids
When you’re planning to visit somewhere like this, such a wonderful historic site, with children, it can be a bit daunting. However, as one of the top things to do in Bath, the Roman Baths have really thought about how to make sure kids will enjoy themselves. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit while you’re in the City of Bath:
- Audio guides: As mentioned, the children’s audio guide is brilliant. You can pick one up at the entrance when you show or buy your tickets. To make sure children don’t lose them, they can be worn around the neck, which is really helpful. At various points on your visit to the Roman Baths, you can input a number to listen to the audio. There is a diferent version for children, which is fantastic!
- Costumed characters: On busy days, you’ll sometimes find actors dressed as Romans wandering around. They’ll chat to visitors and answer questions, which is a nice way to keep children engaged. We saw someone sat drawing but Erin was a little bit nervous so didn’t want to chat to him.
- Children’s trail: Just after you go through the entrance you can pick up a free children’s trail and pencil. Having something for children to do is always a good idea and this way, they can look for certain things as you walk around. It also doubles as something to draw on if they are creative!
- Time your visit: During our visit to Bath, we made sure we arrived just before opening time, to be first in the queue. We didn’t have tickets so we wanted to make sure we could get in early. The earlier your entry, the fewer people there are and this can mean it’s less overwhelming for smaller children. In terms of how long to spend at the Roman Baths, 1.5 to 2 hours was about right for us. We could have spent a bit longer looking around the Roman Baths museum, but at this point, Erin wanted to look at other things.
- Bring a carrier: Due to this being a site dating back to the Roman times, there are uneven steps and pathways. You’ll be asked to leave pushchairs in the entrance and are encouraged to use baby carriers instead. There are a few available to borrow but this isn’t always available.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Baths are mostly indoors, so it’s a great option if the weather isn’t on your side.
Is it worth it for families?
Absolutely. While it might not sound like the most obvious choice for younger kids, the Roman Baths manage to balance history and family appeal really well. Erin came away chatting about Romans and baths for the rest of the day, which says it all really.
The combination of the free audio guide, fascinating ruins, and the sheer scale of the Great Bath makes it a memorable experience. Plus, it’s such an important part of Bath’s history that it would feel like a shame to miss it.
When we talk about what our favourite things were in Bath, this always tops the list, and it’s somewhere I think we’d all want to go back to one day.
Making a day of it
If you’re planning your day, the Roman Baths work well alongside other family-friendly attractions in Bath. You could combine your visit with:
- Bath Abbey: Right next door, with a tower climb for amazing views.
- Jane Austen Centre: A short walk away, the Jane Austen Centre is a museum with a difference. It’s a great way to introduce children to Jane Austen in a fun way.
- Tootbus Tour: Great for seeing more of the city without too much walking.
We spent the morning at the Roman Baths, had lunch in the city centre at Sally Lunn’s, and then headed to the Abbey. It made for a really balanced day where everyone got something they enjoyed.
Final thoughts
Visiting the Roman Baths with kids is a fantastic way to introduce them to history in an engaging and memorable setting. It’s educational without being dull, and the child-friendly touches make it much easier for parents too.
Yes, it’s one of the more expensive attractions in Bath, but it’s also one of the most iconic. For us, it was a highlight of our trip and something we’d definitely recommend adding to your family itinerary. So whether you’re in Bath for a weekend break or just passing through, make sure you put the Roman Baths on your list.
What to do in Bath as a family
- Bath Abbey
- The Roman Baths
- No. 1 Royal Crescent
- Try Bath Buns at Sally Lunn’s
- Jane Austen Centre
- TootBus city tour
- Holburne Museum
