Fresh start as visitors return to Roman Baths
This was the scene as the Roman Baths were cleaned and social distancing measures put in place before the attraction reopened on Monday.
All 250,000 litres of hot water from within the Great Bath have been drained and staff have given it a scrub as part of regular maintenance to prevent it becoming murky and to stop algae from growing.
A one-way system has been installed throughout the site, as well as clear screens in reception areas, hand sanitation stations and staff will be marshalling at key points to ensure visitors keep two metres apart.
The Roman Baths will run at a maximum of 30 per cent of normal capacity in terms of visitors, who must pre-book before attending.
And all residents of Bath and North East Somerset are being invited to visit the Baths for free, even if they are not Discovery Card-holders who usually get free entry. Booking is required.
There is also a 25 per cent discount for guests of Discovery Card-holders and B&NES residents.
In a local Facebook group, the official Roman Baths’ account said: “We’re so excited to be reopening our doors, and we want to share our remarkable museum site with our local residents!”
Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for community services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said group visits would not be allowed “for the time being”.
Mr Crossley said it was important for the Baths, visited by an average of 1.2 million people per year, to reopen.
“The Roman Baths is a point of great historical significance and one of the aspects that makes Bath a Unesco World Heritage Site,” he said.
“It’s part of Bath’s identity. Of course, alongside that it generates revenue for the council to deliver essential local services.”
To book tickets, go to: www. romanbaths.co.uk/tickets-prices.