Bath’s iconic Roman Baths has attracted more than 100,000 visitors since reopening from lockdown at the beginning of July – an achievement described as “a milestone on the city’s road to recovery”.
The Baths was among the first major UK attractions to re-admit the public following the closedown of the cultural sector in March as coronavirus swept the country.
Strict hygiene and physical distancing measures were put in place by owners Bath & North East Somerset Council before it reopened on July 6.
As one of the first of Bath’s historic venues to welcome back visitors, the was viewed as a significant step in bringing tourists back to the city and returning to some form of normality, especially as Bath’s historic venues are vital to the city’s economy, contributing around £7.7m to the council’s coffers in 2017/18.
All booking has since then been carried out online and allowed for no more than 30% of total capacity.
For most of July and August the available spaces were fully booked – but numbers have grown steadily and the 100,000 mark was reached on October 6, exactly 13 weeks after reopening.
Council cabinet member for community services Paul Crossley said: “It’s great that we have reached this milestone on our road to recovery.
“Although we have only been able to welcome 23% of the visitors we had over the same period last year, feedback has been hugely positive with particular mention made of the friendly and helpful staff and the safe environment we have created.”
He said the city’s Victoria Art Gallery and Fashion Museum were now on track to reopen with the same safe procedures in place next March.
“Bath and North East Somerset residents can continue to gain free admission to the Baths with valid proof of their address but must still book their visit online.
This month they are open from 10am – 6pm on Monday to Friday and 9am – 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Last entry is at 5pm.
Earlier this year the Roman Baths & Pump Room collected two Silvers in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in the international tourism and large visitor attraction of the year categories.
