Rare Turkish Baths attraction in the UK reopens after £8million revamp
A TURKISH BATHS attraction reopened in the UK earlier this year – and its just one of a few remaining open.
City Baths in Newcastle opened earlier this year after an £8million renovation.
More than 100 years ago, there were as many as 600 Turkish Baths across the UK, built when households had little access to household water.
Not only were they were for cleanliness, but some studies suggested they were also good for stress relief, as well as improving circulation and muscle aches.
However, they dwindled over the years, with the majority being forced to close.
Just a few remain open to the public, with one of the newest renovated being Newcastle‘s City Baths.
Built in 1929, the Grade-II listed attraction closed back in 2013 due to council cuts.
The multi-million pound renovation included restoring the glass dome ceiling, as well as new relaxation chambers.
A new spa also opened, with treatments on offer, with a swimming pool and gym part of the complex too.
A two-hour trip costs just £21.50.
One previous visitor said in a review: “Calm relaxing atmosphere in the spa and hammam.
“We could really soak up the atmosphere of the Victorian architecture.”
Another said: “Having visited other Turkish Baths in the UK this one, although the smallest, has all the grandeur of the more famous ones.”
Fewer than 10 Victorian Turkish Baths dating back to the 19th century remain in the UK.
Edinburgh has just one remaining Victorian Turkish Bath experience, with the Portobello Swim Centre having three hot chambers and pool.
Northampton has Mounts Baths in an Art Deco building, while in the spa city of Harrogate is the most extensive Victorian Turkish Bath.
There are also a number of them in London and Glasgow.
Others are hoping to reopen, including Carlisle Baths and Victoria Baths in Manchester as well as Health Hydro in Swindon.
This is what you an expect from London’s oldest spa, in Queensway.
In the mean time, here are the UK spa getaways you can still book.
What are the health benefits of a spa?
Benefits include pain and stress relief, and potentially lowering heart disease risk, thanks to the heat helping blood vessels widen.
Tom de Wilton, founder of The Saunaverse, which hosted the first sauna festival last year, backed this up.
He said: “Saunas are becoming an alternative to a pub meet-up, especially with young people, who are choosing to go for one instead of out drinking.
“Inhibitions are stripped away, making for the best and most relaxed conversations.”
Or you can head to Romania’s Therme Bucharest for a spa holiday.
And even better, a Therme attraction is set to open in Manchester.