Victoria Baths
Victoria Baths
4.5
About
The historic Victoria Baths hold open days, usually on the second Sunday of each month from April to November, and guided building tours every Wednesday at 2pm. You can see the incredible stained glass and tile work, along with the three swimming pool areas. The Baths are undergoing restoration.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
220 reviews
Excellent
136
Very good
70
Average
12
Poor
2
Terrible
0
FamilySnit
Matlock, UK28 contributions
Jul 2022
This is a must do when visiting Manchester. The former Water Palace that opened in 1906 and sadly closed in 1993, is now undergoing restoration. A fascinating tour is available at 1pm Wednesdays and the building and shop are open from 11 to 3, also on Wednesdays. For those who learned to swim in the 1960s and 70s it will bring back memories of cold water, slippy tiles and cubicles down the side of the pool. Thoroughly recommended.
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emma
Manchester, UK126 contributions
Nov 2019
This is a great and quirky evening. We attended a Home Alone Christmas film showing and it was something very different and enjoyable. The baths put on amazing street food from different local markets (very much like GRUB Manchester) and there was hot mulled wine, beer and drinks available throughout the entire film. The lighting and decoration was great and it really was a great experience and evening.
Naturally our visit being around Christmas time it was very cold. The venue do put in heating but this seemed to be turned off for the duration of the film (we presumed maybe because of noise) so make sure you wrap up warm and add the layers on as it does get very cold if you dont come prepared. There are blankets, and hot water bottles available to rent for a small price.
Naturally our visit being around Christmas time it was very cold. The venue do put in heating but this seemed to be turned off for the duration of the film (we presumed maybe because of noise) so make sure you wrap up warm and add the layers on as it does get very cold if you dont come prepared. There are blankets, and hot water bottles available to rent for a small price.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joanne F
Manchester, UK5 contributions
Apr 2022
The wedding co-ordinator at this venue was amazing, he made my daughters life so easy when planning her wedding. He listened to what she wanted and went above and beyond to provide it for her. He attended on the day and was a very calming influence. A lovely guy and part of a wonderful day.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kate B
Cardiff, United Kingdom46 contributions
Jul 2021
The very originality of these baths was most impressive and unspoiled.
Fantastic guide Cath who was most knowledgeable and the fact she had personal experience of these baths from her childhood was a bonus.
There was lots of time to explore on your own after the guided tour and no rush to get you out.
Having seen these baths on the TV program Restoration it was one off our bucket list and these baths certainly deserved winning the funding on that program.
We were not disappointed.
Fantastic guide Cath who was most knowledgeable and the fact she had personal experience of these baths from her childhood was a bonus.
There was lots of time to explore on your own after the guided tour and no rush to get you out.
Having seen these baths on the TV program Restoration it was one off our bucket list and these baths certainly deserved winning the funding on that program.
We were not disappointed.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nicola Thomas
Manchester, UK29 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
I visited Victoria Baths for the first time today with a friend. We had a fantastic time. Our tour guide, Gwyneth, was excellent. She was very knowledgeable, funny and easy to listen to. The tour was very informative and the building is absolutely amazing. Thank goodness it was rescued and is being restored! I would thoroughly recommend a visit here.
Written October 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sept
Oldham, UK77 contributions
Sep 2018 • Solo
fav part of this buiding was the guided tour + the stained glass windows which was a highlight in a historical place of history
Written July 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peter W
Cheshire,England35 contributions
Sep 2013 • Couples
As it opened in 1906 perhaps it should be renamed the 'Edwardian Baths'.
Used to go swimming here with my friends many years ago before it closed.I go when I can and usually take friends and family with me so that they can see what a national treasure this is and pass the word on.
Since the baths were saved, due in part to winning the TV programme 'Restoration', the project to re-open it has gone from strength to strength.
The work carried out over the past few years and the efforts put in by Volunteers and Friends has been nothing short of phenomenal.
The front of the building comprises of a stunning decorative façade made from red brick and tiles.
Once inside you can appreciate the work that went into creating this 'Water Palace'.
There were originally three separate swimming pools and a Turkish Baths.You would have gained access by different entrances depending on which class you could afford,First and Second class Males and Females.
The intention is to re-open the First Class Males pool and the Turkish Baths to the public.
Nothing however prepares you for the fantastic stained glass windows that adorn the building.A great deal of time and expertise has obviously gone into bringing these back to life.
The other thing that struck me is how the complex,for that's what it is, has developed into a community centre with regular events taking place.
These include Local History exhibitions and groups,Art exhibitions and various concerts.
The entrance fee was only £2.50 and its worth becoming a friend at only £12.00 per annum.
They run regular guided tours throughout the day but I suggest you check the website before setting off.
www.victoriabaths.org.uk
Telephone: 0161-224-2020
They have a café which serves drinks and snacks and certain hot meals and a shop with a wide range of affordable gifts relating to the baths but also a good selection of local history books.
I urge you to make a visit and take your friends/family.....you won't be disappointed.
Used to go swimming here with my friends many years ago before it closed.I go when I can and usually take friends and family with me so that they can see what a national treasure this is and pass the word on.
Since the baths were saved, due in part to winning the TV programme 'Restoration', the project to re-open it has gone from strength to strength.
The work carried out over the past few years and the efforts put in by Volunteers and Friends has been nothing short of phenomenal.
The front of the building comprises of a stunning decorative façade made from red brick and tiles.
Once inside you can appreciate the work that went into creating this 'Water Palace'.
There were originally three separate swimming pools and a Turkish Baths.You would have gained access by different entrances depending on which class you could afford,First and Second class Males and Females.
The intention is to re-open the First Class Males pool and the Turkish Baths to the public.
Nothing however prepares you for the fantastic stained glass windows that adorn the building.A great deal of time and expertise has obviously gone into bringing these back to life.
The other thing that struck me is how the complex,for that's what it is, has developed into a community centre with regular events taking place.
These include Local History exhibitions and groups,Art exhibitions and various concerts.
The entrance fee was only £2.50 and its worth becoming a friend at only £12.00 per annum.
They run regular guided tours throughout the day but I suggest you check the website before setting off.
www.victoriabaths.org.uk
Telephone: 0161-224-2020
They have a café which serves drinks and snacks and certain hot meals and a shop with a wide range of affordable gifts relating to the baths but also a good selection of local history books.
I urge you to make a visit and take your friends/family.....you won't be disappointed.
Written September 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fforde
Manchester, UK454 contributions
Oct 2011 • Solo
The tiles, stained glass windows, and layout of the victorian bathing experience is fascinating to see.
I'm so pleased this building is being renovated.
I'm so pleased this building is being renovated.
Written November 15, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chrisdcoool
Greater Manchester, UK68 contributions
Nov 2019
Memories of bygone days these baths are amazing wish there where more of them these days as well but there not
Written October 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RosieBrum
Birmingham, UK106 contributions
Sep 2019
This was fascinating. We enjoyed an excellent guided tour of this building which is continuing to be restored. There is much still to be done but what has been restored is well used. The stain glass throughout is incredible, particularly in the Turkish baths. We were so lucky to see the gala pool full of water for the heritage weekend. Pity all tickets for swimming had been sold long ago. Will return sometime.
Written September 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
terry w
Wigan, UK63 contributions
Hi, I was wondering if anybody could help me in my research please. Could anybody tell me how I can find out information regarding Osborne Bath in Manchester in the period of 1897. The reason I am asking there was a swimming competition Between England and Australia, there was 78 Entries for the 100 yds Swimming Handicap and my Grandfather won this competition and was given an award for this. Has anybody any idea how I can find any information about this. I have tried to google some of the information but without success. Many Thanks. Terry
Chrisdcoool
Greater Manchester, UK68 contributions
Will look in this for you
Is it still open on the second Sunday of the month?
VBaths
Manchester, UK
No sorry, please check our website for all of the available events.
Vivien P
Manchester, UK18 contributions
Hi!
Can someone help please
How about that do i need to book online for an entry or could i just walk in the same day and spend a few hours there?!
Cause i dont want to stay for a whole day only for a few hours, but I couldn’t find if there is a possibility.
VBaths
Manchester, UK
Hi Vivien, there are a number of ways you can visit Victoria Baths. You can book or turn up to one of our Wednesday guided tours, which run from April to October. Or attend an event, details of which are on our website on the Visit / What's On page.
We aren't open every day for visitors to drop in, as away from the times above the building is booked for filming, photoshoots, private events, weddings, etc.
Where would you recommend for nearby parking? Cheap as possible and all day please! Thanks
suesalford
Cadishead, UK391 contributions
There is a small car park to the side of Victoria Bath's and there is a fair bit of on the road parking close by, especially on the main road that the Bath's are located on
Layseyloo
Coffs Harbour, Australia11 contributions
Can you actually swim there at the moment?
Kathleen W
Leicester, NC54 contributions
Only on certain dates. They have special days throughout the year when you can use the pool. You have to book in in advance. I think it costs about £15. These days are very popular and get booked very quickly. They have a excellent web site with lots of info about all the events. It's well worth a visit. Hope this helps.
CarolMitchell485
66 contributions
What time does the car park get locked up when there is a wedding on?
JanetT423
Bolton, UK6 contributions
There isn’t a car park, there is limited parking next to the baths, otherwise you park in the streets nearby
Francis E
Leicester, UK23 contributions
hi is it possible to look around this amazing site on sunday 16th ? We know there is an event on but we would like to see around some of this national treasures areas used during the shooting of life on mars ,
slightlydisapp0inted
Altrincham, UK160 contributions
As far as I know, you can book a tour around Victoria Baths when an event is taking place. I sing there twice a year and the public seem to be allowed to view the place. It's probably better to look at their website for further details.
taylorshane
Manchester, UK1 contribution
Opening times?
Kenneth1960
Edinburgh, UK322 contributions
Wednesday's at 2pm for guided tour and some Sunday's see 'victoriabaths' website
Victoria Baths (Manchester) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Victoria Baths
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