Every weekend until the end of August, the Roman Baths in Bath, Somerset, open their doors for a truly special event. Known as Summer Lates, these evening visits allow guests not only to explore the ancient museum and bathing complex—steeped in over 2,000 years of history—but also to relax by the Great Bath with a drink in hand, accompanied by soothing Latin-inspired music.
As someone visiting Bath for the first time, I was eager to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn about life in Roman England. The Summer Lates event, included with a standard museum ticket on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and the August Bank Holiday Monday, offers incredible value and a fresh way to experience history.
The museum itself is a treasure trove of artefacts and stories that brought Roman Britain vividly to life. Yet, the highlight was undoubtedly the Great Bath area. Sitting beside the steaming ancient waters, I enjoyed a local beer while a DJ played warm, relaxed Latin and Afro-inspired tunes. The music was subtle—perfectly balanced to enhance without overwhelming the serene atmosphere.
READ MORE: Somerset Country Pub Where You Can Enjoy a Pint with Wallace
READ MORE: Hundreds to Tackle Bath’s 22-Mile Charity Walk Supporting Homelessness
I spoke with Stu Matson, director of Bath Carnival and founder of the Carnifunk DJ Collective, who curated the music experience. He explained, “The setting is really unique and beautiful, though it does come with acoustic challenges. We’ve aimed to mirror that with a warm, inviting sound—music that encourages sitting, relaxing, and soaking up the ambience.” His vision wasn’t to create a dancefloor, but a reflective environment where visitors might linger for hours, much like Roman bathers of old.
The event’s success lies in how it merges education with ambiance. Instead of a lengthy, tiring museum visit, Summer Lates offers a compact 45-minute tour followed by an immersive, multi-sensory opportunity to soak in history—literally and figuratively. I found myself engaged and refreshed, a rare feat for a museum outing.
Amanda Hart, Director of Archaeology at the Roman Baths, shared her thoughts on the social aspects of the baths in Roman times: “People would have been there to socialize, be seen, chat with friends, do business, and maybe enjoy music. It was a bustling, lively place—almost like a modern leisure centre.” The team’s experimental approach to visitor experience aims to revive this lively spirit, and the positive feedback shows they’re succeeding.
This dynamic mixture of history, atmosphere, and music creates an experience unlike any other museum visit. For me, it was a memorable connection to the past—a place where history comes alive not just through artifacts, but through sound, sight, and social ambiance. If you’re looking to explore Bath and want a truly unique take on one of the UK’s best tourist attractions, Summer Lates at the Roman Baths is the perfect choice.