The historic Roman Baths has welcomed its first visitors of 2021, having been closed since 31st December due to government COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
Councillor Kevin Guy with Sue and Johan Jenkins | Photo courtesy of B&NES Council
The first people to visit the attraction were Johan and Sue Jenkins, who were met by B&NES Council leader Councillor Kevin Guy and Roman Bath’s staff.
Councillor Guy said: “Re-opening the Roman Baths is a big step forward in our recovery as we ease out of lockdown and I was absolutely delighted to greet Sue and John.
“The balance is now shifting thanks to the rollout of vaccines and testing. So our priorities are to support the recovery of our High Streets and local businesses in a sustainable way.
“The safe reopening of the Roman Baths, as well as the Fashion Museum and the Victoria Art Gallery, will be a huge boost to businesses in the city and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to Bath & North East Somerset.”
Sue Jenkins, 65, said: “We moved to Bath a year ago from Lacock in Wiltshire and have spent this last lockdown walking past the Roman Baths most days wishing we could come inside and look around.
“The last time I was here I was aged 18. It has been great to be able at last to revisit the Roman Baths.
John, 68, added: “We have also got our tickets for the Fashion Museum and The Victoria Art Gallery and are really looking forward to being able to explore them too. The Roman Baths was always a place we wanted to visit since moving to the city last year.
“We feel really safe visiting the Baths with all the measures that have been put in place and we enjoyed our warm welcome.”
Pre-booking for the Roman Baths opened in mid-March and has proved popular with more than 7,600 tickets booked so far.
Safety measures are in place to protect visitors and staff, with reduced capacity and one-way systems introduced, along with increased cleaning and screens at ticket desks.
Visitors are required to wear a face covering unless exempt. All visitors must book online in advance.
