Soak Up The Atmosphere of Ancient Rome: Summer Lates at The Roman Baths
You probably know that the city of Bath got its name because it is built around a natural hot spring. The spring was harnessed by the ancient Romans about 2,000 years ago as the religious and social centre of Aquae Sulis – the settlement that we now know as Bath.
The reason for this history lesson is simply to whet your appetite for visiting the city’s world-famous heritage attraction – the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. The Roman Baths are breathtaking and striking, transporting you back through the millennia, and this summer you can visit them by torchlight.
The Roman baths/temple complex is centred on a massive, lead-lined pool filled with steaming, mineral-rich thermal water that naturally reaches 46°C (swimming isn’t permitted nowadays!). You can walk on the original Roman pavements, explore the ancient saunas, plunge pools and changing rooms, and generally immerse yourself in the life and times of two millenia ago.
Torchlight Shimmering on the Still Waters
It’s worth making a trip to Bath just to experience the Roman Baths – but if you’re heading to the city for other reasons this summer make sure you don’t miss out on visiting this wonderful domain of the Romano-British Goddess Sulis Minerva, deity of sacred healing waters.
The highlight of the summer calendar at The Roman Baths is the return of Summer Lates, running from 20 July to 31 August.
During this period the Roman Baths stay open until 10pm, so instead of the usual daytime visit, you can wander the ancient stones and shimmering waters after dark, drink in hand from the bath-side bar, as the site takes on a completely different atmosphere by torchlight.
Your standard admission ticket covers full access to the Baths and museum, so you’re free to explore at your own pace and soak up the evening ambience.
What makes Summer Lates especially fun is the live entertainment: vinyl DJ sets take over on Friday and Saturday nights, while Sundays bring acoustic live music performances.
The full lineup runs right through the summer with a different act nearly every weekend, so it’s worth checking the Roman Baths website closer to your visit to see who’s playing on the night you’re planning to go.
If you fancy making an evening of it, the elegant Georgian Pump Room Restaurant next door also runs Summer Evening Dining on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the season — a three-course meal with live music in one of Bath’s most beautiful settings.
Usual Opening Hours and Tickets
Outside of Summer Lates evenings, the Roman Baths are open daily from 9am to 6pm throughout the season, with last entry at 5pm.
Ticket prices vary depending on the date and time slot you book, as the Roman Baths uses a dynamic pricing system, with online advance tickets working out cheaper than tickets bought on the day.
As a guide, adult tickets typically start from around £20–£26, with reduced rates for students, seniors and children, and family tickets available for those travelling with kids.
Because prices and availability shift throughout the summer, it’s well worth booking online in advance directly through the Roman Baths website to secure your preferred time slot and the best price. All tickets include an excellent audio guide, available in thirteen languages, and there’s a dedicated children’s version too.
Getting There and Parking in Bath
The Roman Baths sit right in the centre of the city on Abbey Church Yard, next to Bath Abbey, so once you’re in Bath it’s an easy walk from almost anywhere.
If you’re travelling by car, the easiest option is to use one of Bath’s Park & Ride services rather than trying to find city-centre parking, especially in summer when the centre gets busy. The Lansdown Park & Ride is a good choice if you’re approaching from the north, and services run right through the evening (until 11.30pm Monday to Saturday), so it’s ideal even if you’re visiting for a Summer Lates evening. There are also several central car parks dotted around Bath if you’d rather drive straight in, though spaces can be limited during peak season, so arriving early is advisable.
Stay in the Countryside, Just Minutes from Bath
If you’re looking for ideal accommodation on the doorstep of Bath there’s nowhere better to unwind than Toghill House Farm. Set in beautiful Cotswold countryside just a short drive from the city, our historic guesthouse and working farm offers a peaceful, rural alternative to staying in the centre of town, with stunning views over the River Severn, the Bristol Channel and the Brecon Beacons.
We have a range of comfortable rooms to suit couples, families and groups, from doubles and twins through to family rooms sleeping up to five, all served with a traditional English breakfast each morning.
If you like a bit of glamping we offer a self-catering fully-equipped shepherd’s hut with a wood fired hot tub – not quite the Roman Baths but a good alternative!
Guests are welcome to explore the working farm, meet the animals, and enjoy our gardens and stabling facilities.
As a bonus, guests staying with us can take advantage of the Bath reward card scheme, which includes a discount on Roman Baths admission along with offers at other local attractions and restaurants — the perfect way to top off a summer visit to Bath.
Book your stay direct and save 10%, or get in touch with us to find out more.