Best Bathtubs in the UK: Where to Buy, What to Choose, and How to Save

Why choosing the right bathtub matters

Picking a bathtub is more than finding something pretty — it shapes how you relax, how your bathroom functions, and how long the investment lasts. Think of a bath as the sofa of the bathroom: you want comfort, durability, and a look that fits your home. Whether you’re after a cosy soak after a long day or a striking freestanding centrepiece, the right choice makes all the difference.

Popular bathtub types and materials

There’s no one-size-fits-all bath. Styles and materials each come with pros and cons, and the trick is matching those to your space, budget, and lifestyle. Below I break down common options so you can decide with confidence.

Acrylic bathtubs

Acrylic baths are lightweight, warm to the touch, and available in lots of shapes. They’re a favourite for many UK homeowners because they’re cost-effective and repairable if scratched. Expect a typical acrylic bath to weigh a fraction of a cast-iron bath — handy if your loft or floor joists have limited load-bearing capacity.

Cast iron and enamel baths

If you want classic heft and a deep, luxurious feel, cast iron is hard to beat. These baths hold heat well and have a smooth enamel finish that ages beautifully. On the downside, they’re heavy — often several hundred pounds — and usually need a firm, level floor and professional installation.

Freestanding and roll-top baths

Freestanding baths make a statement and offer flexibility in placement. Roll-top designs bring vintage charm while modern freestanding silhouettes give a minimalist, spa-like vibe. Remember to leave room around the bath for cleaning and taps.

Compact and corner baths for small bathrooms

Short on space? Corner and compact baths let you keep a soaking option without dominating the room. They’re often shallower, so check depth in inches if you want a proper immersive soak — a deeper tub will hold more water and create that enveloping feel.

Top UK retailers to buy bathtubs

The UK market has plenty of reputable retailers for baths, from big-box DIY chains to specialist bathroom merchants. Here’s a guide to stores that consistently offer quality, competitive pricing, and reliable reviews.

B&Q

B&Q is a high-street favourite for affordable baths and panels, with a wide selection of acrylic and inset tubs. They’re great for DIYers looking for value and simple fittings. If you want a straightforward, budget-friendly option that’s easy to install, B&Q is worth a look.

Wickes

Wickes offers solid mid-range choices and often stocks compact and shower-bath combos ideal for family bathrooms. They also provide installation services if you’d rather hand the job to a pro — handy if you want a guarantee on workmanship.

VictoriaPlum

VictoriaPlum specialises in bathroom suites and accessories, with designer-inspired freestanding baths and good online deals. Their selection leans stylish, and they often bundle baths with panels and grips for a one-stop refresh.

Better Bathrooms

Better Bathrooms is another specialist that combines a wide price range with helpful customer reviews. You’ll find contemporary freestanding baths alongside classic roll-top models, and their product pages typically include dimensions in inches so you can compare easily.

Screwfix

Screwfix is ideal for tradespeople and serious DIY projects — practical, robust baths and quick supply lines. If you want commercial-grade fittings or an out-of-the-box, no-frills tub that stands up to heavy use, Screwfix often has the sort of products professionals trust.

Bathstore

Bathstore focuses exclusively on baths and showers, offering specialist advice and a diverse range of styles. They often provide in-store displays, which is a huge help if you want to sit in a model or test the height and depth in person before buying.

Plumbworld

Plumbworld is known for competitive pricing and a large online catalogue that includes luxury options. They carry high-end acrylic, stone composite, and cast-iron models. If you’re comparing specs and prices across brands, Plumbworld makes it easy to filter by size and finish.

Victorian Plumbing

Victorian Plumbing has a strong reputation for stylish, period-inspired baths as well as contemporary pieces. Their range suits homeowners who want that vintage look without the bespoke price tag.

Wayfair UK

Wayfair offers a huge choice and often has seasonal sales. If you enjoy browsing many designs and catching a deal, Wayfair’s filters and customer photos can be really useful. Delivery and returns are straightforward when the product description is clear.

Homebase

Homebase is a solid option for affordable baths and home improvement packs. They balance price and availability, which is helpful if you need parts and a bath on a tight timescale.

Price ranges and getting the best value

Bath prices in the UK can vary wildly depending on material, brand, and size. Expect basic acrylic baths to start around the low hundreds, while designer freestanding and cast-iron pieces can cost several thousand. A good rule of thumb? Decide on must-haves first — depth, style, material — then compare stores for similar specs to find real value.

Measuring for a new bathtub: the essentials

Measure twice, buy once. Accurate measurements in feet and inches will save you time and money. Always measure the length and width of the space, the height from floor to any window sills, and the doorway or stair width to ensure the bath can be manoeuvred into place.

Key measurements to check

Length and width in inches, depth in inches, and the distance from the finished floor to the waste outlet are especially important. If you plan a deep soak, compare the internal depth in inches; a typical deep tub might be 18 to 22 inches deep, while standard tubs are shallower.

Installation tips and when to hire a pro

Installing a bath can be straightforward for an experienced DIYer, but there are several pitfalls — plumbing alignment, floor strength, and sealing against leaks. If the bath is heavy or you’re moving pipework, professional installation is a sensible investment.

DIY vs professional installation

Choose DIY for simple replacements where pipe positions match and the floor is sound. Hire a plumber and a tiler when relocating pipes, fitting a cast-iron bath, or doing a full bathroom refurbishment. A pro can save headaches and protect your home from water damage.

Maintenance: keep your bath looking great

Routine care keeps a bath performing for years. Clean acrylic and enamel surfaces with gentle, non-abrasive cleaners to avoid scratching. For cast-iron enamel, mild detergent and a soft cloth are best. Check seals around the waste and overflow periodically and top up any silicone where necessary to maintain a watertight finish.

Eco-friendly baths and water-saving tips

Want to reduce your water footprint without losing the pleasure of a good soak? Choose baths with a smaller internal volume if water use is a priority, and pair them with a low-flow filler or an aerating tap. A shallow, wider bath can look generous while using fewer gallons than a very deep tub.

Styling your bathroom around a new bathtub

Your bath sets the tone for the whole room. Pair a freestanding tub with floor-mounted brassware for a high-end look, or choose matte black taps for a contemporary contrast. Panels, tiles, and lighting all work together — think of the bath as the stage and the accessories as the lighting design that makes the show.

How to find the best deals and warranties

Timing and research pay off. Watch for seasonal sales at major retailers, sign up for newsletters for first-time discounts, and check whether a retailer includes a manufacturer warranty. Longer warranties often signal confidence in material quality — a nice safety net for a larger investment.

Final checklist before you buy

Quick checklist: measure your space in inches, check bath weight and floor suitability, compare internal depths in inches or gallons of capacity, decide on freestanding versus inset, and read reviews for real-life feedback. If you tick these boxes, you’ll avoid most post-purchase surprises.

Common mistakes to avoid

Don’t buy by price alone. A bargain bath might cost more in installation if the waste position is wrong or the floor needs reinforcing. Also, double-check that taps and waste fittings match your bath — small mismatches can mean extra parts or a second trip to the retailer.

Upgrading your bathing experience with extras

Consider anti-slip finishes, integrated grips, or thermostatic mixer taps for safety and comfort. If you like spa features, look for air baths or whirlpool options, but keep in mind these add complexity to installation and maintenance.

Where to look for expert advice

If you’re unsure, visit specialist showrooms like Bathstore or talk to trade suppliers at Screwfix for practical insight. Online reviews and customer photos from retailers such as Plumbworld and VictoriaPlum can also give a honest sense of scale and finish before you commit.

Choosing the perfect bathtub is a mix of practicality, style, and a dash of personal indulgence. Measure carefully, pick the material and style that match your daily life, and shop around across UK retailers to find the best fit and price. With the right research, you’ll land a bath that looks great, feels luxurious, and lasts for years.

Conclusion: A bathtub is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to a bathroom. Whether you go for a budget-friendly acrylic tub from a DIY store or a statement cast-iron freestanding bath from a specialist, focus on fit, comfort, and long-term value. With careful measuring and smart shopping, your next bathtub will be a practical pleasure — the place you’ll return to again and again.