The Turkish Baths

Customer notice

On 1 December the management and operation of the Turkish Baths Harrogate transferred from Brimhams Active to North Yorkshire Council. We do not anticipate any disruption to service or impact on customers. If you have any queries concerning these changes, please speak to a member of staff. A list of customer frequently asked questions can be found on the North Yorkshire Council website here, alternatively, printed copies are available on reception.

At the Turkish Baths Harrogate, you can immerse yourself in Britain's most fully restored Victorian Turkish Baths and enjoy a unique regime of relaxation and rejuvenation, enhanced by friendly, yet unobtrusive attention.

Although Turkish Baths were common in Victorian times, only seven remain which date back to the 19th century. None is as historically complete and in full working order as Harrogate's Turkish Baths. Their importance lies in their decoration, elaboration and rarity. The Baths' Moorish design with Islamic arches and screens, walls of vibrant glazed brickwork, the arabesque painted ceilings and terrazzo floors (laid by the very best Italian experts) all add to its historic elegant features.

Unfortunately, entry cannot be guaranteed, so we strongly recommend pre-booking to avoid disappointment.

Entry is strictly restricted to persons aged 16 and over. It is a term and condition of entry for which you may be asked to verify your age. If you cannot provide appropriate identification such as a passport or driving licence, you will be refused entry.

Swimwear is compulsory at all sessions (including single-sex sessions).

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to session start times.

Recommended stay 1½ hours.

We strongly advise against the use of the Turkish Baths Experience during pregnancy due to the potential health risks. For more information please see our spa etiquette code of conduct page.

Experience the Turkish Baths

Relax

Your journey starts and ends in the Frigidarium. Surrounded by the intricate Italian mosaic floor, Islamic arches and Moorish design, you will become acclimatised to the warmth of the baths in this elegant relaxation room.

Experience the baths

Experience the Turkish Baths

Steam

The steam room, with high levels of humidity combined with eucalyptus infused steam, allows your body to relax, melts away tension in muscles and opens pores helping to eliminate toxins.

Experience the baths

Experience the Turkish Baths

Heat

You gradually make your way through the three heated chambers that range from 40c up to 70c.

Experience the baths

Experience the Turkish Baths

Plunge

Intersperse your heat room experience with a plunge! Immerse your body into the cold invigorating plunge pool. The change in temperature improves circulation, flushes out toxins in the muscles and provides a toning effect.

Experience the baths

Experience the Turkish Baths

Repeat

Throughout the Turkish Baths there are showers to wash away any impurities on the body and prepare your skin for the next experience.

Experience the baths

Our Health Spa is renowned for its tranquil and peaceful surroundings, enhanced by our team of highly qualified and friendly staff who carry out our extensive menu of contemporary spa treatments and therapies. Choose from a range of hand-picked luxury treatments which originate from around the world - a variety of indulgent and relaxing therapies and every day essentials such as manicures and pedicures.

Our day escapes provide the perfect gift for a loved one or just for pure indulgence in a relaxing and tranquil setting.

Timeline

1571:

Discovery of the spring waters of Harrogate

The springs were discovered by William Slingsby four centuries ago. The wide variety of waters make Harrogate unique as a spa town.

Timeline

1884-1887:

Father of Victorian Harrogate - Richard Ellis (Mayor 1884-1887)

A self-made man devoted to public affairs in Harrogate. His last great scheme was the promotion of the idea for an international-quality bathing and hydrotherapy centre which became the Royal Baths.

Timeline

1897:

Opening of the Royal Baths - home of the Turkish Baths Harrogate

The Royal baths were built on the site of the old Montpellier Baths and declared open by the Duke of Cambridge on 23 July 1897. Water was pumped to the baths from a number of different springs and treatments were offered for conditions including rheumatism, arthritis and sciatica.

Timeline

1914:

The First World War brings social change

The end of the First World War left Harrogate feeling the effects of the great social, economic and political change that the country was experiencing. The number of rich visitors coming to take treatments declined, while those of middle income increased.

Timeline

1969:

Closure of the treatment centre

The Royal Baths closed in 1969. The Turkish Baths is the only remaining spa facility in this grand Victorian building. Harrogate now took on a new role as a conference centre and "Britain's Floral resort".

Timeline

2018:

Present

The Turkish Baths continues to offer its unique heat experience as when originally founded with the addition of modern spa treatments to complement and enhance the customers experience. Its wonderful heritage and period features have stood the test of time and continue to make The Turkish Baths a destination for visitors and locals alike.

The Turkish Baths were only one of a vast number of facilities available during the spa's heyday, including dispensing of medicinal waters, hydrotherapy departments, mud baths and steam rooms as well as consulting doctors.

What may seem like a bizarre range of treatments today were household names then - including the likes of the 'Plombiere' douche, Schnee (electric hydrotherapy) bath, saline sulphur and peat baths.

The Royal Baths, one of Harrogate's premier listed buildings were built by Baggalley & Bristowe of London at a cost of £120,000.

The baths' Moorish design which feature Islamic arches and screens, walls of vibrant glazed brickwork, the arabesque painted ceilings and terrazzo floors (laid by the very best Italian experts) all add to its historic qualities.

The baths were popular with members of Royal families from around the world and a particular favourite of Queen Victoria's granddaughters.

Although Turkish Baths were common in Victorian times, only seven remain which date back to the 19th century. Three of them, including Harrogate, are in England (the Victorian Health Suite in Carlisle and the Health Hydro in Swindon are the others). But none are as historically complete and in full working order as the Turkish Baths Harrogate.

their importance lies in their decoration elaboration and rarity

Essentially the baths are intact and very little alteration has taken place over the years. The nature of the materials used - hard, brightly coloured glazed bricks, mosaic floors and fine polished hardwoods - mean the interior always looks new, fresh and bright.

The Turkish Baths have been used for films - including Dustin Hoffman's 'Agatha' detailing Agatha Christie's mysterious disappearance and later discovery in Harrogate, Malcolm McLaren's video for his 'Madam Butterfly' recording and E17's video for their record 'Steam'.

Historic Harrogate

Guided tour

Take a step back and immerse yourself in the heritage and history of the Turkish Baths with our expertly guided tour. Our guided tours are offered Wednesday mornings at 8.30am. Our resident historian will guide you through the unique history and experience that is The Turkish Baths Harrogate. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and cost £4 per person. Book a place by contacting us on 01423 556746. Please note that our tours are subject to availability.

The Turkish Baths

Victorian Turkish Baths experience

Customer notice

Exhilaration, euphoria, total

relaxation & absolute cleanliness.

Relax

Steam

Heat

Plunge

Repeat

Timeline

Timeline

Discovery of the spring waters of Harrogate

Timeline

Father of Victorian Harrogate - Richard Ellis (Mayor 1884-1887)

Timeline

Opening of the Royal Baths - home of the Turkish Baths Harrogate