The long-awaited Thermae Bath Spa now has a firm opening date – August 7. Britain’s only natural thermal spa in the centre of Bath is a 21st-century recreation of the waters originally exploited by the Romans in the first century AD. Bath was made fashionable by royal patronage from Elizabethan times onwards, reaching its heyday in the late 18th century when the likes of Beau Nash and Jane Austen flocked to the Pump Room. Taking advantage of the 1.2 million litres of water that gush daily from three underground springs at a temperature of 40°C, the revitalised spa is expected to make a huge contribution to Bath’s importance as a tourist destination.

This massively ambitious millennial project, beset for several years by technical problems and delays, will be operated by the Dutch-owned Thermae Development Company. The new spa will consist of four thermal baths, including a spectacular open-air rooftop pool with views of the city. The Roman, medieval, Georgian and Victorian sections of the baths have been fully restored and are clearly visible within the modern complex of steam rooms and whirlpools. The Spa Visitor Centre (free of charge) traces the 2,000-year history of the baths. An extensive range of spa treatments and packages will be available, using beauty products provided by Pevonia Botanica. Website: www.thermaebathspa.com. Press contact: Charlotte Hanna (Tel: 01225 328465, e-mail: charlottehanna@thermaebathspa.com).