Families are invited to enjoy a fun-packed day out at the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery this May half-term.
Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic & Cultural Sustainable Development, said, “Join us over the school holidays for an immersive journey through history and art at the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery. Meet our Roman characters, explore the new Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition, follow the family trails and get involved in hands-on craft activities. It’s an experience not to be missed!”
The Roman Baths
Come face to face with characters from the past and discover the treasures of the Roman Baths this half-term.
- Meet the Romans: Chat with costumed characters around the Great Bath and discover what life was like for the people of Aquae Sulis.
- Take part in fun trails around the Baths: Collect an activity trail on arrival and explore the Roman Baths, finding friendly faces along the way!
- Don’t miss the children’s audio guide: Fire imaginations with stories of Roman life narrated by former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen.
- Pick up the new children’s activity book: Encourage your little one’s love of history with this fun book, jam-packed with fun facts, stickers and activities. Order for collection with your tickets, or buy in the gift shop for £5.
- Make a Roman writing tablet: Join us in the education room to make a Roman writing tablet from Plasticine and card. Monday 27 to Friday 31 May, 10.30am to 2pm. Included in Roman Baths admission.
New guided tours of the Roman Baths
The Roman Baths has launched new guided tours, designed to give visitors a greater understanding of the site’s rich history and significance.
The one-hour tours delve into the Roman bathing experience, taking visitors around the famous Great Bath, exploring the suite of Roman bathing rooms in the East Baths, and visiting the Sacred Spring where naturally hot water has bubbled up from under the ground for thousands of years.
During the tours, there’s a chance to see historic photos and illustrations of the Roman Baths, and handle replica bathing equipment – including a strigil, which Roman bathers used to scrape and clean their skin. The tours also touch on aspects of pre-Roman and post-Roman history.
Guided tours start from the Great Bath each day at 10am, 11am, 2pm and 3pm, and cost £5 per person in addition to Roman Baths admission (free for children under six).
Tours can be booked along with Roman Baths tickets at romanbaths.co.uk, or at the ticket desk on arrival, subject to availability.
Victoria Art Gallery
Discover the sights and sounds of Toulouse-Lautrec’s Paris in the dazzling new exhibition, and enjoy family trails, dressing up and crafts.
- Follow a family exhibition trail: Pick up a fun kids’ trail and explore the colourful world of Toulouse-Lautrec and the Masters of Montmartre. There’s a choice of two printed exhibition trails, plus a family trail on the Bloomberg Connects app. There’s also an in-person lunchtime tour each Thursday at 1.30-2pm (free with exhibition ticket).
- Dress up Parisian style: Try on an outfit from our Toulouse-Lautrec inspired dressing-up box – will you choose a feather boa, a cloak or a top hat?
- Make a pattern cat: Create a cat inspired by Steinlen’s iconic Tournee du Chat Noir poster, which is currently on display in the exhibition. Tuesday 28 to Friday 31 May, 10.30am to 2pm. Free activity, no need to book. The exhibition is ticketed.
Tickets for the Roman Baths and the Toulouse-Lautrec and the Masters of Montmartre exhibition can be booked at romanbaths.co.uk / victoriagal.org.uk.