The tallest Roman structures surviving in northern Britain are located here. Located at the beginning (or the end!) of the World Heritage Site, Ravenglass Roman Bath House was established in AD130 and was a base for hot saunas and cold baths. Quite the spa! The Bath House remains stand at almost 4 metres (13 feet) at the highest point.

Situated south west of the Bathhouse, the fort at Ravenglass (Glannaventa - whose earthworks can be seen) guarded what was probably a useful harbour, and there is evidence that soldiers stationed here served in Hadrian's fleet. The site was occupied by the Romans for over 300 years and had a garrison of a thousand soldiers.

Ravenglass was a regional supply point for much of the north west, with a Roman road from Ravenglass through the Hard Knott Pass to the Roman fort at Ambleside (Gallava). One reason for the importance of this route may have been the transport of lead from mines in the Lake District to Ravenglass for onward transport by sea. The soldiers in the forts at Ambleside and Hardknott would have protected the route and supervised the mining activity.

Ravenglass Roman Bath House is managed by English Heritage.

More information

Open all year.

Admission: Free

 
www.english-heritage.org.uk/ravenglass

Access

Sat Nav: CA18 1SR

Ravenglass marks the start or finish of the Hadrian’s Cycleway; a 188 mile route, part of the national Cycle Network, taking in Hadrian’s Wall Country and finally emerging at Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields.

Buses run the coast line and there is a railway station in Ravenglass linking the west coast towns.

Northern Rail operate the Cumbrian Coast railway line connecting Ravenglass with many towns and villages of the Western Lake District with Carlisle in the north and Barrow-in-Furness in the south.

http://www.muncaster.co.uk/welcome-muncaster-castle-and-gardens

Other things to do

A short walk from Ravenglass will bring you to Muncaster Castle and Gardens; a stunning Castle with 70 acre Gardens set against the back drop of the Lake District fells, and home to the World Owl Centre with over 200 amazing birds. With event held in the castle and gardens throughout the year, there is something for all the family to enjoy. Also a gift shop and coffee shop.

Running numerous services every day, take the scenic Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway on a 7 mile journey(40m each way) through the picturesque western Lake District to the foot of England’s highest mountains. You can make a day of it by taking the train, having a stroll then heading back to the new café on platform 1.

To extend your Roman experience (and if you’re brave enough!) take the infamous Hardknott Pass road up to Hardknott Fort (Mediobogdum). The loneliest outpost of the Roman Empire and built between AD120 and AD138, the fort is a spectacular site overlooking the pass which forms part of the Roman road from Ravenglass to Ambleside and Brougham at Penrith.