Yes, the Roman Baths is largely wheelchair accessible. The site says it's 90% accessible to wheelchair users, with lifts reaching the mezzanine displays, the lower museum, the Great Bath and the East Baths. The catch is that it's a 2,000-year-old site six metres below street level, so there are still some steps and uneven ancient flooring you can't avoid completely, and it's worth calling ahead if you want to use the lifts or have specific needs.
Step-free access and lifts
The main entrance in Abbey Churchyard has level, step-free access through manual doors. Once inside, lifts take you down to the mezzanine displays, the lower museum, the Great Bath terrace level and the East Baths, so you don't need to use stairs to see the site's main highlights. For safety reasons, only four wheelchair users can be in the museum at any one time, and if you specifically need the lifts, the Roman Baths asks that you call its Customer Service team in advance on 01225 477785 so staff can make sure you're welcomed at your chosen time rather than facing a queue for lift access on the day.
Some areas still involve original or near-original Roman stonework, which can be uneven, so sensible flat footwear is worth the effort even if you're not using a wheelchair yourself.
Mobility scooters and wheelchair loan
The Roman Baths has one motorised mobility scooter available on site for visitors whose own scooter is wider than 1200mm, since larger scooters don't fit through some of the lifts. This on-site scooter can't be reserved in advance and is offered on a first-come basis. If you want to guarantee a scooter or wheelchair for your visit, Assured Mobility, a local mobility equipment hire company, rents out wheelchairs and scooters across Bath and is worth booking ahead of your trip.
Accessible toilets and getting around inside
There are two accessible toilets: one close to the main entrance, about 15 metres in on the ground floor, and a second on the Museum and Temple Courtyard level. Staff are on hand throughout the site if you need directions or help finding the quickest accessible route between galleries.
Carers and companions
A carer or companion can join a ticket holder free of charge. Select the free carer ticket option when you book online rather than paying for a second full-price ticket.
Guided tours and the Great Bath
If you've booked a guided tour, be aware it takes place around the Great Bath itself, where the ground has uneven surfaces and small gullies, and the tour moves as it goes. Staff say they'll adapt the route so wheelchair users can take part, so flag any access needs when you book.
Audio guides, hearing and visual impairments
Every ticket includes a hand-held audioguide. If holding it is difficult, ask staff for an earpiece or headphones instead, and paper or emailed transcripts of the audioguide script are available on request. Hearing aid users can ask for an audioguide compatible with the "T" switch, and British Sign Language tours are available free on handsets issued alongside the standard audioguides. There are some Braille information panels and tactile models around the site for visitors with visual impairments.
Neurodiverse visitors and claustrophobia
Parts of the site are underground, including the Roman temple courtyard, where the walkway is narrow and can get crowded, and some visitors find the lifts themselves triggering for claustrophobia. Staff can show you an alternative route if you'd rather skip a particular section. A limited number of sensory bags, for children and adults, are available on request for a refundable £10 deposit, and the Roman Baths publishes downloadable visual-story guides to help neurodiverse visitors and their families know what to expect before they arrive. Weekday mornings, and evenings between mid-July and August, tend to be the quietest times to visit if crowding is a concern.
At a glance
| Feature | What's available |
|---|---|
| Entrance | Step-free, main entrance, manual doors |
| Getting between floors | Lifts to mezzanine, lower museum, Great Bath and East Baths |
| Wheelchair capacity | Max 4 wheelchair users in the museum at once; call ahead for lift access |
| Mobility scooter | One on-site scooter (max visitor scooter width 1200mm), not reservable |
| Accessible toilets | 2, near main entrance and on Museum/Temple Courtyard level |
| Carer ticket | Free, select online when booking |
| Hearing support | BSL tours, T-switch compatible audioguide, printed transcripts |
| Sensory support | Sensory bags (£10 refundable deposit), visual story guides |
For everything else on tickets, prices and how long to allow, see our Roman Baths guide, and for what you can and can't bring with you, including bags and buggies, see our guide to Roman Baths visitor rules.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Roman Baths fully wheelchair accessible?
Not fully, but the site states it's 90% accessible. Lifts cover the main highlights, including the Great Bath and East Baths, but some original Roman flooring is uneven and there are a few unavoidable steps given the site's age and depth below street level.
Do I need to book accessible access in advance?
You don't need to book a ticket in advance for access reasons alone, but if you specifically need to use the lifts, the Roman Baths asks you to call 01225 477785 ahead of your visit so staff can plan for you.
Is there a wheelchair or mobility scooter I can borrow on site?
There's one motorised scooter on site for visitors whose own scooter exceeds 1200mm in width, offered first-come and not reservable. For a guaranteed scooter or wheelchair, book ahead through a local hire company such as Assured Mobility.
Does a carer get in free?
Yes. Select the free carer ticket when booking online so your carer or companion doesn't have to pay for a separate full-price ticket.
Are there accessible toilets inside the Roman Baths?
Yes, two: one near the main entrance and one on the Museum and Temple Courtyard level.
Is the Roman Baths suitable for visitors with claustrophobia or sensory needs?
The underground temple courtyard and the lifts can be difficult for some visitors with claustrophobia, and staff can offer an alternative route around those sections. Sensory bags and visual-story guides are available for neurodiverse visitors, and weekday mornings tend to be the quietest time to visit.