Whether or Not to Bathe in Bath

As far as I know there are only 2 places where you can bathe in the spa waters. One is the Thermae Bath Spa, a municipal owned complex, and the other is the spa at the Gainsborough hotel. The hotel used to be a hospital which used the waters for treatment.

Reviews of the Thermae spa are extremely mixed. Some people like it and others hate the experience, finding it too busy and lacking any kind of luxury feel. I’ve been a number of times and actually really enjoy it despite also agreeing with the criticisms! The rooftop pool gives fantastic views over Bath. I would definitely say to go midweek during the day.

I have also been to the Gainsborough spa. This is within a luxury hotel is a very different experience. It’s not massive but if you want to bathe it’s a good option and I really enjoyed my time there.

We did the Thermae one and did not feel it was worth it to us. Many dressing room doors broken, elevators broken etc.

We are in Bath now and plan to visit the Thermae Bath Spa tomorrow evening (12/6). I have been once before at the holidays (2 years ago) and am returning with my niece. I enjoyed the Spa and that is why I am returning, however, there are some pros/cons. If you go, you must pack a swim suit and this is likely the only place you are going to need a swim suit.

Pros

• Good value for the money: they have a wonderful floating spa indoors fed by the Bath hot springs. It is large and spacious, so even when busy, doesn’t feel overly crowded. They also have two steam rooms (different decor and different fragrances, a cool room, dry sauna, a room with zero gravity chairs (a must visit and since it is hidden, rarely crowded) and an outdoor terrace. The highlight is the rooftop pool overlooking the city. My recommendation is to go at night as you can see the lights on Bath Abbey.
• They don’t rush you, even though you are suppose to spend no more than 2 hours, we spent longer and no one rushed us out of the spa.
• The only way to really experience what the hot springs must have been like in ancient times, with modern amenities of course.

Con’s

• A bit chaotic, especially in the changing area.
• Phones are locked in a Yoder box. I am used to that going to concerts, but some folks may have issues, especially if you need to have the phone unlocked, you need to go back down to registration.
• It is cold in the winter, especially on the rooftop in the evening. The water is wonderful, but it is chilly when you get out.