The Thermae Bath Spa has reopened the ancient spa waters to the public once again

Bath has been a spa town since Roman times when it was known as Aquae Sulis and baths were built to enable the Romans to soak in the naturally hot spring water.

Over a million litres of mineral water rises each day at a temperature of over 46C and when the Thermae Bath Spa opened last year, Bath finally became a spa town again.

After years of construction problems and millions of pounds over budget, the Thermae Bath Spa complex opened as a tourist attraction in August 2006. The modern building houses the New Royal Bath which has two natural thermal spas - the curving Minerva bath and the open-air pool with views over Bath.

There is also a smaller Cross Bath across the street from the main centre and inside the main complex are steam rooms infused with essential oils and a waterfall shower. Relaxing treatments can also be booked at an additional cost to the £19 entry fee for a two-hour session. Booking is essential and it's best to try and go early morning or late evening on weekends to avoid the rush www.thermaebathspa.com
To take a peek at how the Romans did things, a visit to the Roman Baths is unmissable. Based in Abbey Courtyard, the Roman Baths is below the modern street level and has four main features, the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman bathhouse and finds from Roman Bath. Audio guides for adults and kids' guides - narrated by Bill Bryson - lead visitors around the many attractions including the Great Bath, which once stood in an enormous barrel-vaulted hall over 40 metres high and is lined with 45 sheets of lead and filled with hot spa water.

Visit www.romanbaths.co.uk for opening hours and a virtual tour.

10:05am Monday 31st March 2008

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