Torchlit Summer Evenings at the Roman Baths attracted record visitor numbers this year. There were 55,203 evening visitors, up from approximately 40,000 in 2016 and 33,000 in 2015.
Each summer, the Roman Baths stays open until 10pm every evening, offering visitors the chance to beat the crowds and soak up the special atmosphere around the torchlit Great Bath.
Due to its popularity, evening opening was extended this year, starting two weeks earlier than usual, on Saturday, June 17, and running until the end of August. The pricing structure was also changed to make it cheaper to visit after 5pm.
Various packages were available, enabling visitors to combine their visit to the Roman Baths with dinner at The Pump Room or Roman Baths Kitchen, or a visit to Thermae Bath Spa.
Admission to the Roman Baths is free for Bath & North East Somerset residents with a Discovery Card, and this year 1,171 local people used their Discovery Cards to visit on a summer evening.
Councillor Paul Myers (Conservative Midsomer Norton Redfield), Cabinet Member for Economic and Community Regeneration, said: “We’re delighted with the continued success of Torchlit Summer Evenings at the Roman Baths. The extended opening hours contribute to the tourism economy of Bath and the wider district, while helping to avoid overcrowding during the daytime.”
“The evenings are also a great opportunity for local people to explore the Roman Baths outside of normal opening hours, and I’m pleased that well over 1,000 people used their Discovery Cards to visit in the evening for free.”
Comments in the visitor book included:
- Very romantic by torchlight and so much inspiring history. Brilliant, just brilliant.
- Sunday evening, fabulous! Not too crowded, atmospheric and great tour guide.
- Brilliant idea to open in the evening
- Baths look beautiful at night and a fabulous tour
Next year’s Torchlit Summer Evenings will begin on 16 June 2018 and run until the end of August 2018. To find out more visit: www.romanbaths.co.uk
