From ancient thermal springs to tranquil places to enjoy water in and around the city, and from modern day spas and spa hotels to tasting the mineral water, Bath’s history is closely tied to water. The city's second UNESCO inscription as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe is testament to the importance of the waters in Bath's heritage.

Here’s a dive into Bath’s connection with water…

Roman Baths

Image - Roman Baths, credit Andy Fletcher

Splash-tastic Springs

The city of Bath exists because of thermal springs discovered by Prince Bladud, who, according to legend, was cured of leprosy after bathing in hot muddy waters when he came to the area. In gratitude, he founded the city of Bath around the springs in 863 BC. Bladud proceeded to become the ninth king of the Britons and is, according to legend, the father of King Lear.

Three hot springs can be found beneath the city: the King’s Spring, supplying the Roman Baths, and the Hetling and Cross Springs, which can be bathed in at Thermae Bath Spa.

Thermae Bath Spa rooftop pool and city skyline

Image - Thermae Bath Spa

Healing Waters

The hot springs are a wonderful, natural resource which deliver over one million litres of mineral-rich water every day. Uniquely in the UK, the mineral water is hot. In the past, the source may have lain in the Mendip Hills, 30 miles to the south of Bath. Recent findings suggest that rainwater probably enters the ground through areas of carboniferous limestone to the north, west and south of Bath.

You can enjoy Bath’s thermal water at the city’s modern spa, Thermae Bath Spa. Reopening on 12th April, a two-hour spa session with full use of the indoor Minerva Bath and the open-air rooftop pool (with spectacular views over the city) is a great way to unwind.

People standing at the edge of the water at Cleveland Pools

Image - Cleveland Pools

An Open-Air Dip

On the banks of the River Avon sits Cleveland Pools, the UK’s only surviving Georgian open-air swimming pool. Built in 1815, they became a favourite summer destination for generations of bathers from Bath and beyond. The site was closed in 1984, but thanks to some significant funding support, the Grade II listed lido will reopen again next year after extensive refurbishment.

Great Bath at Roman Baths

Image - Roman Baths

Roman Remains

Constructed in around 70 AD as a grand bathing and socialising complex, the Roman Baths is one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world, where 1,170,000 litres of steaming water, reaching 46°C, still fills the bathing site every single day – you can sample the water in the museum area of the Baths. 

The Roman Baths will reopen on 17th May and a new World Heritage Centre exploring the history of the city – of which the spa water is a key part – will open later in the summer.

Innovative Uses

Works have recently been completed on a brand-new heating system for Bath Abbey – the building is now heated by unique thermal technology that uses energy from the hot thermal springs deep in the ground below!

Water fountain at the Pump Room

Image - The Pump Room

Taking the Waters

Located above the Roman Baths, today’s Pump Room stands on the site of a smaller building built by John Harvey in 1706. Aristocrats came here to ‘take the waters’ – believing in the curative powers of the hot springs.

As visitor numbers grew, a larger Grand Pump Room was built in the early 1790s – its elegant, neo-classical style inspired by fragments of the Roman Temple discovered directly below during excavations. It soon became the destination for high society to meet and enjoy lavish entertainment. Jane Austen even mentioned it in her novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.

Over 200 years later, most of the splendid Georgian features remain unchanged, including the marble vase fountain which still pours rejuvenating spa water.

Pool at Gainsborough Bath Spa

Image - Gainsborough Bath Spa

A City of Relaxation

Bath is full of tranquil spa hotels and day spas. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa sits at the centre of the city’s most famous crescent; The Gainsborough Bath Spa is the only hotel in the city which uses the thermal waters in its Spa Village; and The Bath Priory Hotel has a Garden Spa by L’Occitane.

There is also Macdonald Bath Spa HotelSpa 15 at No.15 by GuestHouse, and LUSH Spa Bath, who are launching a new treatment inspired by the thermal waters when they reopen.

Swans on the lake at Bowood House & Gardens

Image - Bowood House & Gardens

Outdoor Oases

There are many places in the city and surrounding area where you can go to be near water. Take a walk or a boat trip along the River Avon or canal, sit in Parade Gardens overlooking the cascading water falling over Pulteney Weir, or, further afield, head to Bowood House & Gardens. Their calming lake sits at the centre of the Capability Brown landscape gardens and reopens on 1st April.

Bottling the Mineral Magic

Bathonians Mark and Rachel Allen, and friend, Bath-based film producer Jonathan Willis, created Bath Water in 2016 when they decided it should be bottled for drinking. Their quest led them to the original source of Bath’s water in the nearby Mendip Hills. The water filters through ancient limestone vales deep underground and is drawn and bottled at source on organic land.

Click here for a guide to spas in Bath

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