Spa · Wellness · Bath

A Bath spa day

Bath is the only place in Britain you can bathe in natural thermal spring water. A two-hour session at Thermae Bath Spa — rooftop pool, city views, from around £40 — is the classic spa day. Here's what to book, what it costs, and how to do it without the crowds.

From £40

Thermae 2-hour session

33.5°C

Natural thermal water

16+

Minimum age at Thermae

Rooftop

Open-air pool, city views

Book the spa day

Thermae sells timed two-hour sessions — weekends go first, so book before you travel.

Book Thermae Bath Spa → Find a spa hotel →

Your options for a spa day in Bath

Thermae Bath Spa — the two-hour session

The default Bath spa day, and the only place you can bathe in the city's natural thermal water. A two-hour session (from around £40 off-peak, a little more at peak weekends) gets you the open-air rooftop pool with views across the city, the four indoor Minerva Bath pools, and the aroma steam rooms. Towels, robe and slippers are included — bring swimwear. Pre-book; weekend slots sell out. Entrance on Hot Bath Street.

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Twilight and spa packages

Thermae's Twilight package (around £55–70) pairs an evening session with a robe, towel, slippers and a meal in the Springs Café Restaurant — the rooftop pool at dusk is the highlight. Spa packages add treatments: massages, facials, and a couples' ritual (around £130 for two). These book up further ahead than the standard session, so plan a couple of weeks out for weekends.

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The Cross Bath — a private thermal bath

The Cross Bath is Thermae's smaller, open-air thermal pool in a separate historic building across the street — quieter, more intimate, and bookable for private sessions. It's the calmer alternative to the main spa on a busy weekend, and a lovely option for a couple or a small group who want the thermal water without the crowds.

Hotel spa days

If you'd rather a full day with treatments and lunch, Bath's hotel spas deliver. The Gainsborough Bath Spa has its own natural thermal Spa Village (the only hotel with thermal water). The Royal Crescent Hotel's Spa & Bath House has a relaxation pool and garden setting. The Bath Priory and Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel both run spa-day packages with treatments and use of facilities — book direct or as part of an overnight stay.

Before you go

  • Bring swimwear — it's required in every pool. Towels, robe and slippers are included.
  • Minimum age is 16. Arrive 15 minutes before your session.
  • Weekday mornings are quietest; Saturday afternoons are busiest.
  • The rooftop pool is the highlight at dusk — consider a Twilight session.

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Bath spa day — frequently asked

How much is a spa day in Bath?
A two-hour session at Thermae Bath Spa starts from around £40 off-peak, rising slightly at peak weekends. The Twilight package (evening session plus robe, towel and a meal) runs around £55–70. Spa packages with treatments start from roughly £90–150 depending on the treatment. Hotel spa days at the Gainsborough, Royal Crescent or Bath Priory typically run £100–250 per person including treatments and lunch. Booking ahead is essential for weekends.
What is the best spa in Bath?
Thermae Bath Spa is the headline choice — the only spa fed by Bath's natural thermal springs, with a rooftop pool overlooking the city. For a hotel spa day with treatments, the Gainsborough Bath Spa is the standout (it also has thermal water), with the Royal Crescent Hotel's Spa & Bath House and the Bath Priory close behind. Which is 'best' depends on whether you want the iconic rooftop bathe (Thermae) or a full pampering day with lunch (a hotel spa).
Do you need to book a Bath spa day in advance?
Yes — book ahead, especially for weekends and the Christmas period, when sessions sell out. Thermae Bath Spa sells timed two-hour sessions; turning up on spec on a Saturday rarely works. Treatments and packages need more notice still, often a couple of weeks for popular times. Weekday mornings are the quietest and easiest to book at short notice.
What do I need to bring to Thermae Bath Spa?
Bring swimwear — it's required in all the pools. Towels, a robe and slippers are included in every session and package, so you don't need your own. Lockers are provided. There's no need to bring flip-flops or toiletries for a standard session, though you may want them for a longer visit. The minimum age is 16.
Can you do a spa day in Bath as a couple?
Yes — Bath is a popular couples' spa destination. Thermae offers a couples' treatment ritual (around £130 for two) alongside the shared rooftop session, and the smaller Cross Bath can be booked for a private thermal soak. Hotel spas including the Gainsborough and Royal Crescent run couples' packages. For a full romantic weekend around it, see our couple's guide.

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