HARROGATE'S TURKISH BATHS

I have often enjoyed relaxing in a spa, or spending time in the steam room or sauna of a hotel whilst on holiday. But I had never experienced a traditional Turkish Bath, that is, until I recently visited the Turkish Baths in Harrogate Yorkshire.
 

I was in Harrogate with my wife, celebrating our wedding anniversary. It was our first visit to this historic spa town, and we were both very keen to get as much out of our two day visit as possible. We had stayed the previous night at The Best Western Cedar Court Hotel, a four star hotel dating back to the 17^th century, and had already spent some time exploring the town.
 

We had booked a morning session at the baths, 10am to 12.30pm. The session was a mixed sex session, so swim wear had to be worn. There are various sessions that can be booked, including female only sessions as well as mixed sex sessions. For those interested in the history of the baths, but not wanting to experience them, there are guided tours on Wednesdays, between 9am and 10am.

 

The Royal Baths date back to 1897 and the Turkish Baths were only one of a vast number of facilities available during the spa's heyday. Back then, visitors to the baths could indulge in hydrotherapy treatments, mud baths and steam rooms. There was also a full complement of consulting doctors on hand. Today, visitors can take advantage of 3 hot rooms, a steam room, rest area, plunge pool and the Winter Garden Lounge.

 

 

 

 

 



Our session was due to start at 10am, but we had been advised to arrive about 15 minutes prior to our session. We had booked on-line so it was just a matter of being checked in by a member of staff at the desk. Between the front entrance of the building and the entrance to the baths, there is a modern, glass roofed area which is used as a reception/waiting area. We were asked to wait until we were called. My wife and I were the first clients to be checked in, but as we waited many more arrived. There is a cafe area selling snacks and drinks for those that require it.

At 10am we were informed that the baths were open, we were then shown into the changing area where each guest was given 2 towels. One towel was for use within the baths, the second towel was to be left in our locker for use after the session. We were asked to change into our swimwear then put our belongings in our lockers (a £1 coin is needed for the locker). We were then instructed to wait in the rest area where we would receive further instructions.

Once changed into our swimwear, and personal possessions stowed away in our lockers, we all gathered as requested. Our guide for our introduction to the Turkish Baths was a gentleman called Bob, and we could not have asked for a better guide. He was not only very informative, and clearly passionate about the Turkish Baths, but also very funny and entertaining, making our visit a most enjoyable one. Bob explained a little about the history of the baths, then walked us through the various rooms, explaining what we should do in order that we may gain the best possible experience from these wonderful, historic baths.
 

The sequence that Bob suggested we follow was: First take a hot shower, then spend 4 minutes in the steam room, followed by another shower. We then worked our way through the 3 hot rooms, each one a little hotter than the one before, on reaching the 3^rd and final hot room, we found the temperature to be 68 degrees centigrade. After the hot rooms and a further shower, we were invited to take to the plunge pool to cool off. Having completed the circuit, it was suggested that we either repeat the experience again or relax in the rest area.
 

 

 

The baths really are in an excellent condition, with Moorish design and great Islamic arches and screens. With walls of vibrant glazed brickwork, arabesque painted ceilings, mosaic floors and polished hardwoods, these magnificent Turkish Baths, must look as fresh today as they would have done when they were originally built. There are only 3 remaining 19^th century Turkish Baths in England, and only Harrogate's baths are as historically complete and in full working order. The baths have often been used for film, television and video, as well as photo shoots.
 

Throughout our visit, both my wife and I found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. We were also very impressed with the quality of the restoration work that has been carried out, ensuring that this historic building will remain for the enjoyment of generations to come. For anyone visiting Harrogate, I would wholeheartedly recommend a visit to these wonderful Turkish Baths, you certainly will not be disappointed. This was a truly unique experience, a real step back in time, and I for one came away from the baths feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I'm only sorry that I live 240 miles away!
 

For more information on opening times, prices, and to book a session, please visit: www.turkishbathsharrogate.co.uk or telephone 01423 556746