Roman Baths, Bath (must see)

The Baths at Bath are fed by a natural spring system. Rain falls on the nearby Mendip Hills, and it flows down through limestone aquifers until it is more than 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) below ground level. Geothermal energy heats and pressurizes the water, which rises to the surface and escapes through natural fissures. The 46-degree Celcius (115-degree Fahrenheit) water bubbles up at more than a million liters (250,000 gallons) per day.

This natural spring has attracted visitors to the area for more than 2,000 years. The Celts worshiped here, and the early Romans dedicated the springs to the goddess Sulis. As such, the Roman name of the town was Aquae Sulis. It is also believed that pre-Roman British king Bladud built the original baths here and that their healing powers cured him and his pigs of leprosy.

Between 60 and 70 AD, the Roman temple was built. The Baths, or thermae, were created over the next 300 years or so. After the Romans withdrew from Britain, their complex fell into disrepair and was gone by the 6th century.

Today the spring is housed inside an 18th-century building designed by John Wood, the Elder, and John Wood, the Younger. The buildings were further expanded during the Victorian era in a similar style. The main entrance is currently through the Grand Pump Room, where visitors drank the waters and many social functions were held.

Why You Should Visit:
The Roman Baths intricately connect all points of Britain's history. The natural spring has been worshipped or visited by every resident and conqueror to pass; a visit to the Baths is a walk through time. The Baths are quintessentially unique to this location, and no visit to Bath would be complete without taking the waters, so to speak.

The site is one of the most popular tourist attractions and one of the finest historical sites you can visit in northern Europe. It is remarkably well preserved, with elements on display from each phase of its history.

Tips:
The museum is the place to go to learn the history of the Baths. There you will find thousands of Roman artifacts from the area, many thrown in the spring as an offering to Sulis.

Most people spend from two to three hours to a half-day touring the Baths and museum.

Unfortunately, you can no longer swim in the Baths. But there are several smaller spas nearby that capitalize on the same spring system, and aquifer-drawn water is still served in the Grand Pump Room.