Visit this stunning Manchester icon and help restore its Edwardian glory

Victoria Baths holds a special place in the hearts of Manchester residents, having been saved from closure by community effort in the 1990s.

Stepping into the building is like having access to a time machine, travelling back over 100 years to revel in its Edwardian splendour.

The gorgeous greens of the tiles by the entrance, beautifully coloured stained glass windows and striped curtains of the changing booths are magical.

The venue’s cinematic allure has not gone unnoticed, with several notable productions choosing it as a filming location. Iconic series like Peaky Blinders and Ashes to Ashes have featured scenes shot within its historic walls.

“We’ve had people come from as far afield as Canada,” says Victoria Baths engagement officer Ella Walker.

What’s so great about Victoria Baths?

“The enduring appeal of Victoria Baths lies not only in its architectural splendour but also in the memories it evokes,” says Ella.

“I think most people who grew up in this part have their own memories, recollections, and attractions to the place. Many visitors share nostalgic recollections of swimming, family gatherings, and historical events held within these walls. Personal connections to the venue, such as my grandparents’ romance, underscore the profound impact it has had on countless lives.

“This is where my grandma and grandpa met at a dance so without Victoria Baths I wouldn’t be here.”

The Baths are about to open for visitors every Wednesday, so if you’ve always wondered what this iconic building looks like inside, now’s your chance.

What’s on at Victoria Baths?

Welcome Wednesdays will take place every Wednesday from 11 am to 3 pm from April to September.

Welcome Wednesdays will open with a family-friendly focus on Wednesday 3 April and Wednesday 10 April, making this a perfect place to visit during the Easter holidays.

Spring themed crafts will add some colour to your day and there will be a free Spot the Egg trail taking place throughout the building.

If you have little ones you’ll find a play area, with role-play toys and books, set up in the Pineapple Room each time you visit.

Also, regularly available to families is the Miles of Tiles activity, a fun way to discover the building with tasks to complete, quirky features to spot, curious questions to answer and a small prize to claim at the end.

Miles of Tiles is suitable for ages 5+ and is free, with a suggested donation of £1.

“There’s so much going on throughout the week now, it’s a great time to visit,” says Ella. “Alongside our regular summer and half-term operations, we offer free craft sessions for children, stained glass sessions, we do afternoon tea, and there’s a play area for the kids.

“If you’ve got kids, the place is just great for them to run around and explore.”

Discover Victoria Baths’ tours will take place at 1pm on every Welcome Wednesday and are recommended as the best way to experience the building in all its glory. There’s a fascinating history to Victoria Baths and it’s a building with a colourful story to tell, so the tours give visitors a unique insight. Discover VB tours are £9, free for Friends of VB and under 18s.

And coming up on Saturday 20 April is Springfest, a celebratory day filled with art exhibitions and music performances that will take over the pool halls of the famous building. Also on the menu are food, building tours and family friendly entertainment. Make a day of it with family or friends, or pop in on your own, and you’ll find plenty to see and do.

2024 will see a series of Pool Arts exhibitions taking place at Victoria Baths, beginning with “A Work in Progress” – a cross-section of the diverse and varied work of the Pool Art’s collective.

Pool Arts is a collective of artists working to break down the barriers that can exist in the world of art and gets its name from the fact that it began life at Victoria Baths.

Beautiful stained glass windows at Victoria Baths

Photos: Jon Parker Lee photography

The Future of Victoria Baths

Over £5m has been spent on the Victoria Baths building so far. The largest amount – £3m – came from the Heritage Lottery Fund as a result of the 2003 BBC Restoration programme win. English Heritage have also provided several large grants including the first capital grant for work to the building in 2002.

Time may have taken its toll on this gorgeous Grade II listed building, but you can help restore Victoria Baths to its former glory. This beautiful historic building is cared for by a charity, Victoria Baths Trust, which strives to preserve the site’s heritage while fostering community engagement.

“As we look to the future, our goal is to maintain the building’s original purpose of promoting health and well-being while adapting to modern needs,” says Ella.

“By investing in essential upgrades such as heating and accessibility features, we aim to enhance the venue’s functionality without compromising its historical integrity.

“Through collective efforts and support from our community, we envision Victoria Baths as a thriving hub for generations to come.”

Please consider making a donation here, joining the Friends scheme, volunteering or being on their mailing list by clicking here

Entry is free for Welcome Wednesdays, although donations are encouraged to support the work of Victoria Baths Trust. Welcome tours can be pre-booked here.