To celebrate World Water Day on 22 March, Thermae Bath Spa in Bath, England, will provide free public access to its Grade 1 listed Cross Bath. Visitors will be able to view the historic Cross Bath, bathe in its natural thermal waters, and drink the spring waters in the Pump Room free of charge.

Thermae Bath Spa has teamed up with the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) and its Celebration@Sources event, which celebrates the sources of water that are at the heart of each of the member towns. The event is also designed to raise awareness of Water Aid, and the many people in the world who lack access to clean water.

“Bath’s spa heritage was built on the traditional spa premise of Health Through Water (Salus Per Aquam) and the Cross Bath is a special sanctuary in the heart of the city,” said Peter Rollins, Thermae Bath Spa’s marketing and communications director.

Throughout history, Bath’s mineral-rich thermal waters have had legendary healing properties, dating back to Prince Bladud in 863 B.C., whose leprosy was allegedly cured after bathing in Bath’s thermal springs.

World Water Day is an annual international observance designed to help people learn more about water-related issues and take action to make a difference. It dates back to the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

Celebration@Sources is an event held each year on World Water Day and features special events to promote access and awareness of thermal bathing and drinking waters.

“We’re aware that Bath has benefitted over the last centuries from having the UK’s only source of hot, mineral-rich water, and yet millions of people lack basic access to safe drinking water,” said Rollins.

“So we’re pleased to raise awareness of this and to support better water access for people around the world. This is a great opportunity to view the beautiful Cross Bath, drink the waters from the Pump Room and learn more about the history of Bath as one of the great spas of Europe.”