Bonjour, manchester

Victoria Baths

The Victoria Baths complex was designed by Manchester's first city architect, Henry Price, and opened in 1906. No expense was spared — the façade has multicoloured brickwork and terracotta decoration, the interior spaces are clad in glazed tiles and most of the windows have decorative stained glass. At the opening ceremony, the Lord Mayor described Victoria Baths as “a water palace of which every citizen of Manchester is proud”. For 86 years, the baths provided both essential and leisure facilities. Private baths and a laundry were housed there alongside three swimming pools and Turkish Baths. In 1952, the first public Aeratone (Jacuzzi) was installed. Even though the baths were closed in 1993, the Grade II listed building is remarkably intact, with most of the stained glass and original tiling remaining. Victoria Baths opens from March/April to October/November each year for weekly guided tours, public open days, and special events.