Every weekend until the end of August, the Roman Baths in Bath, Somerset, transform evening visits into something truly special. Alongside exploring the ancient bathing complex that dates back 2,000 years to Roman Britain, visitors can now relax by the Great Bath with a drink in hand while enjoying soothing Latin-inspired music. This unique event, known as Summer Lates, adds a fresh, immersive dimension to one of the UK’s most famous heritage sites.
I attended one of these events and was genuinely impressed. As a first-time visitor to Bath, I was eager to learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the lives of Romans in ancient England. The event is included with a standard museum ticket on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and the August Bank Holiday Monday—offering excellent value.
The museum itself is a treasure trove of history and artefacts, providing a fascinating glimpse into Roman Britain. But the real standout moment came when I reached the Great Bath. There, I settled in with a locally brewed beer, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere as a DJ played warm, Latin-inspired tunes at the edge of the water. The music wasn’t intrusive; rather, it blended beautifully with the setting, enhancing the overall experience.
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This thoughtful musical accompaniment was created by Stu Matson, director of Bath Carnival and founder of the Carnifunk DJ Collective. Stu shared his vision to create an ambiance that encourages relaxation and reflection, rather than a party atmosphere. “The setting is unique and beautiful, but challenging for acoustics,” he explained. “We chose selectors and music that offer a warm, rich sound—Latin and Afro vibes—to mirror the atmosphere. It’s about sitting back, relaxing, and soaking it all in.”
Thanks to this approach, visitors tend to linger for over an hour, enjoying a deeper connection with the historic space and a more authentic experience of how it might have felt in Roman times.
Amanda Hart, Director of Archaeology at the Roman Baths, echoed this sentiment. She described the baths historically as a bustling social hub where people would meet, work, and relax—much like a modern leisure centre. “In the evenings, especially as lamps light the Great Bath, it’s a beautiful sight,” Amanda said. “This event taps into that social element the Romans valued. It’s a different, richer way to experience the monument.”
Summer Lates remains something of an experimental venture, but early feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The heritage team is excited by how the addition of music and social atmosphere encourages visitors to engage with the baths in new and meaningful ways.
For me, this event perfectly bridges history and modern enjoyment, transforming a traditional museum visit into a memorable, multi-sensory journey to the past. It’s an invitation to not just observe history, but experience it.