Thermae Bath Spa is celebrating two decades of welcoming millions of visitors while helping make Bath into one of the UK's leading visitor destinations.

An aerial view of the rooftop pool at the Thermae Bath Spa at night
Image: Thermae Bath Spa

Since opening in August 2006, more than five million people have enjoyed Britain's only natural mineral-rich thermal waters. Over those two decades, Thermae Bath Spa has become one of Bath's defining landmarks, generating millions of pounds for the local economy and playing a significant role in the city's renaissance as a thriving year-round destination.

Designed by Nicholas Grimshaw & Partners, the Spa reconnected Bath with a bathing tradition stretching back more than 2,000 years. Today its iconic rooftop pool overlooking the city is recognised around the world and has become synonymous with Bath itself.

Visitor loyalty has remained a defining feature of the Thermae Bath Spa experience. Independent visitor research by The South West Research Company found that 88% said they were likely to return and 58% of visitors said Thermae Bath Spa was the main reason for their visit to Bath, underlining its importance as one of the city's leading visitor attractions.

The Spa's appeal extends far beyond the local area. The research found that 29% of visitors travelled from overseas, while 53% stayed overnight in Bath and the surrounding area, providing valuable year-round business for local hotels, restaurants, retailers and other attractions.

The reopening of Bath's thermal waters helped re-establish the city as an internationally recognised spa destination, encouraging investment across the visitor economy and reinforcing Bath's reputation as one of the world's great spa cities. Today, Bath enjoys the rare distinction of holding two UNESCO World Heritage inscriptions: The City of Bath and The Great Spa Towns of Europe.

People in the rooftop pool at the Thermae Bath Spa at night - credit Ioan Said Photography
Image: Thermae Bath Spa 

The creation of Thermae Bath Spa was itself a remarkable achievement. Following years of planning and determination by Bath & North East Somerset Council, architects, engineers and many supporters, an ambitious vision became one of the city's most important modern developments. Public response was immediate, with visitor demand exceeding expectations from the outset.

Today, Thermae Bath Spa welcomes around 230,000 guests each year from across the UK and around the world. And Bath is consistently recognised as one of Britain's most desirable cities to visit, including being named Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Best UK City 2025 and Which? Best Medium-sized UK City 2024.

Kevin Guy, Leader Bath and North East Somerset Council said: "Twenty years after it opened Thermae Bath Spa is now firmly established as a major visitor attraction, having welcomed more than five million visitors more than half of which say Thermae Bath Spa was their main reason for visiting the city. It makes a significant contribution to the visitor economy and to Bath's reputation of one of Europe's leading spa destinations."

Kathryn Davis, CEO of Visit West said: "Thermae Bath Spa is at the heart of the Wellness visitor experience in Bath. It provides a tangible connection to the customs of the past and enables today's visitors to experience bathing in naturally hot thermal spring water as people have been for hundreds, and thousands, of years. This unique experience is at the centre of what makes Bath special, underpins its double UNESCO world heritage designation, and gives a competitive edge with other UK wellness destinations through its authenticity."

Andrew Jordan, Executive Vice President YTL Hotels & Properties said: "For twenty years, Thermae Bath Spa has given millions of people the opportunity to experience Bath's unique thermal waters while making a significant contribution to the city's economy and international reputation. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and grateful to everyone—our guests, colleagues, partners and the wider community—who have been part of that journey."

To mark the anniversary, Thermae Bath Spa hosted a special celebration this week (Wednesday 16 September), which brought together many of the people whose vision, determination and commitment helped create one of Bath's greatest modern success stories.

As it looks to the future, Thermae Bath Spa remains a symbol of Bath's heritage, resilience and ambition continuing to connect the city's extraordinary past with a vibrant future.