With the Romans, we have a lot to be thankful for. They brought many aspects to modern daily life as we know it – including the importance of health. It was given top priority because the Romans believed in taking care of one’s health to prevent disease. Various spas were built around the UK but only Bath is home to Britain’s only naturally warm, mineral-rich waters to bathe in just as the Celts and Romans did over 2000 years ago. I went along to find out more about the historic city during this year’s third ReBalance Bath Wellbeing Festival. Within minutes of arriving at Bath via train, I found myself immersed in the city’s Georgian splendour. Enveloped by its stunning natural setting, and my initial thoughts were that the place provided the perfect backdrop to the festival.
I only intended to drop off my belongings at Eight, before navigating my way around Bath. But the glorious boutique townhouse hotel spread over two buildings had me so charmed, I couldn’t resist having a cup of tea in my room whose window overlooked the 200-year-old Plane tree. All 20 en-suite rooms have their own historic charm yet all the mod cons one would expect. Mine boasted a stand-alone bathtub which I vowed to step into once I had had my fill of exploring.
My first stop was to The World Heritage Centre for a chat with staff and plan my visit. The festival I was told was curated by the Bath Business Improvement District (BID) as a unique and immersive event centred around the deep-rooted connection Bath has to wellbeing. Staff pointed out that it’s worth remembering Bath has been celebrated for its warm healing waters even before the Romans. Archaeological evidence suggests that there was human activity around the hot springs on which Bath is built as far back as 8000 BC.
Over three weeks, visitors are encouraged to take time out for their physical and mental wellbeing and reminded to reconnect with the real ‘you’. This is done through a roster of diverse events, access to exclusive wellbeing experiences and chats with experts in the wellbeing sphere. Exploring the Roman Baths just a corner away helps cement the importance the city holds with wellness for centuries. Visitors can see the remains of this ancient spa and discover stories of Roman life in a museum brimming with artefacts and treasures.
To see one of Bath’s three Hot Springs, guests can head to The King’s Spring where they’ll be greeted with a bubbling misty steam rising above the ground. Over a million litres of steaming water has risen here every day for thousands of years. The Pump Room Restaurant close by is the only place in Britain where you can drink mineral-rich hot spring water. The water with 43 natural minerals fell as rain over the Mendip Hills over 10,000 years ago and now bubbles out of the ground at 46 degrees Celsius. To extend a visit, guests can also treat themselves to an afternoon tea in The Pump Room Restaurant.
Today, you can bathe in the same mineral-rich thermal springs that soothed the Romans at Thermae Bath Spa. This modern bathing experience is far more luxurious than 3000 years ago when Bath’s legendary founder King Bladud wallowed in the muddy spring water with pigs. But it was in AD 43 the Romans started the development of ‘Aquae Sulis’ as a sanctuary of rest and relaxation. Its rooftop offers bathers the most glorious of views over the city. For those wishing to take a slightly more rigorous approach to their fitness can take part in aqua sana classes.
The festival offers a great opportunity to clock up the steps and combine sightseeing. During the festival there are numerous free walks to take part in led by volunteers. And it’s through my feet I was able to tick off a sizeable chunk of my bucket-list of places to see in Bath. Built in 1767-75, the Royal Crescent is perhaps the city’s most famous buildings. The first crescent-shaped terrace of houses in Europe, it was the most coveted place for Georgian people to meet and walk along its sweeping pavement while admiring the countryside views.
A walk to The Jane Austen Centre along the stylish wide-paved Gay Street and I imagined what life must have been like here for the revered author over 200 years ago. She took inspiration for her novels from the fashionable society who promenaded here. The centre chronicles the literary legend’s short life with facts and fascinating memorabilia. It was poignant to visit this year as the nation gears to celebrate her 250th birthday.
Connecting with nature is great for the mind, body and soul and the festival offered plenty including the Alice Park tour which looked at the wide variety of open-grown trees. But there’s much more to do to connect the trio even in closed spaces. Plenty of visitors and locals joined Bath Abbey for a movement and guided meditation session that engages with Christian spirituality while Soul Spa in the historic spa quarter offered a sound meditation which piqued my interest.
The lotions and potions emanating from my skin from the complimentary hand and arm massage at the Molton Brown store had already put me a relaxed mood. I was taken into a further deeper relaxation state as I drifted off to the beautiful sounds of crystal bowls during the 45-minute session. Under the therapist’s guidance, I used my breath and thoughts to release tension from my body and relax my mind. The feeling was of utter bliss.
Food is integral to wellbeing and again it was the Romans who taught Britain the importance of healing and preventing diseases through eating well. Bath is awash with some fabulous places to eat, from historic eating houses like Sally Lunn’s, (home of the first Bath Bun popular nationwide) to the modern Chez Dominique, a fantastic modern French and European restaurant.
Just over Pulteney Bridge, close to Chez Dominique, you’ll find a plethora of buzzy cafes and places to mooch in shops. As well as buying a souvenir or two to take home, snap a few Instagram-worthy pictures of one of Bath’s most photographed places.
Whether you’re looking to reconnect with yourself or seeking fitness and nutrition advice, ReBalance Bath offers something for everyone. The host of activities, workshops, and classes will take you a step closer. And what a wonderful place to start than Bath – UK’s no.1 spa and wellness city.
Next year’s ReBalance Wellness Festival will take place between 29 January to 15 February 2026.
For more information visit ReBalance Bath
All imagery courtesy of ReBalance Bath.