Victoria Baths - Back in the swim

The oldest swimming pool in the UK

The Victoria Baths building in Manchester was opened in 1906 and is the oldest swimming pool in the UK but it was last used by swimmers in 1993, that is until this weekend.  The baths are being filled for the first public swim in 24 years which will be taking place on Sunday 14th May.

When it opened in 1906 the baths incorporated hot rooms and steam rooms, and were described at the time as: “The most splendid municipal bathing institution in the country”.

Edwardian splendour in the spa area

After its closure in 1993 the building suffered years of neglect and the Victoria Baths Trust was set up with the aim of fully restoring the building and bringing the Turkish Baths and at least one of the swimming pools back into public use.  There are three pools, one was for 1st class men, one was 2nd class men and the third was for women.  The water flowed from 1st to 2nd to 3rd!

One of the three swimming pools

There is still much to do with the renovation and the charity and volunteers are doing their best to increase awareness and get donations.  It is through a private donation that the event on Sunday has been made possible.

Ceiling of the tea room 

The building is gradually being restored to its original splendour and is a wonderful place to visit.  Check out their website for details of events.

Victoria Baths

Edwardian changing rooms