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Victoria Baths
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Victoria Baths

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Victoria Baths
4.5
220
#16 of 246 things to do in Manchester
Historic Sites
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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.
Popular mentions
4.5
220 reviews
Excellent
136
Very good
70
Average
12
Poor
2
Terrible
0
FamilySnit
Matlock, UK28 contributions
A glorious reminder of times past
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
Christmas Cinema Viewing
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.
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
Wedding
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
CONSERVATION AT ITS BEST
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.
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
Manchester’s Water Palace
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
history
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
Manchester's 'Water Palace'-the Victorian/Edwardian Baths
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.
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
Amazing building
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.
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
Victoria baths
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
Excellent
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.
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