Turkish Baths, Harrogate

Posted on by Fee Hudson

Harrogate has been a Spa town since the 16th Century. In its hey day between 1700 and 1900 Harrogate’s various wells, pump rooms, hotels and spas were built in order to allow visitors to take the waters, bathe in them or have specialist spa treatments. The later included the purpose built Royal Baths which opened in 1897 and offered treatments for various conditions such as rheumatism, arthritis and sciatica. The Royal baths closed in 1969, the building still remains but the only original remaining part of the bath complex is the Turkish Baths.

The Baths have a Moorish Design with beautiful Islamic Arches, tiles and wood panelling. There has been minimal alterations done over the years so the Baths are still how they would have been if you had visited 100 years ago. Nowadays you can book yourself in for a session to enjoy the Turkish baths, add on a modern spa treatment or have a coffee in the cafe.

A pair of teddy bears sit on top of a folded white towel. The bear on the left is wearing a Turkish Bath staff uniform of a turquoiset-shirt and blue trousers. It is wearing two pin badges, one with the logo of the baths and the other a name badge which reads 'Turkish Ted'. The bear on the right wears a navy blue therapist tunic and a logo pin badge.
The photo shows two teddy bears sat on a folded white towel. The bear on the left is dressed in period Turkish baths uniform of a black dress with a white apron. It is wearing a white maid's cap and a pin badge on the centre of the apron waistband with 125 on it. The bear on the right is dressed in a male period uniform of white trousers and white jacket. It is also wearing a 125 pin badge.

The Turkish Bath Experience

The Turkish Baths consists of a number of rooms heated to different temperatures. You start in the Frigidarium which is heated to a lovely warm temperature and has beds for relaxing. Next you have the option of the Eucalyptus steam room or the heated chambers. There are three large vaulted chambers which range in temperature from 40˚ to 70˚and you move through these and spend as long as you want in each area. Between heats you can cool off in the various showers or take a dip in the cold plunge pool.

Sessions are 120 minutes so you are free to move between the areas and dip in the plunge pool as many times as you would like during this time. Staff are around the spa area and can advise how to get the most out of your session.

As photography isn’t allowed inside the baths you can get an idea of the rooms and set up from these lego models or a more accurate idea from the photos on their website.

Photo shows the inside of a lego model of the cold plunge pool area. At the end of the plunge pool there is an archway and a tiled wall and doorway can be seen. On the left you can see the wooden archway which is the entrance to the frigidarium.
Lego model of the cold plunge pool.
A lego model of the frigidarium. The floor had the same tiles and you can see 4 of the relaxation beds and some of the decorated columns and archways.
Lego model of the Frigidarium
The photo Is looking down the frigidarium room towards the plunge pool. There are several beds down each wall with dark red leather tops. A woman wrapped in a white towel is lying on one of the beds on the left handside. At the end of the room is an archways and a wooden decorative arch that leads to the cold plunge pool.
The actual Frigidarium.

Treatments

Original treatments at the Royal Baths included Peat baths and Electric Hydrotherapy, nowadays treatments are a little more modern and you can choose from a range of massages, facials and scrubs.

The first time we visited we both had a Hamman Treatment which was a full body cleanse and scrub and was a lovely compliment to the Turkish Bath session.

The two nail stations in the reception area of the Turkish Baths. They both have a yellow chair sat at them and are covered in white towels and various equipment. The wall behind is painted a dark blue and there are two large signs on the wall with old photos and information about the baths.
Some of the shelves in the reception area with various bottles and boxes of beauty treatments available to buy.
A grey sofa in the reception area with a wooden coffee table in front and two turquoise round stools on either side. The wall behind is painted dark turquoise and there is a row of signs on the wall showing old photos and information about the history of the baths.

The logistics

  • Two towels are provided, one for while you are in the Turkish Baths and one for drying yourself at the end.
  • Lockers are available for your belongings. There is no charge for the lockers.
  • You can take your own toiletries to use in the showers.
  • Changing cubicles are available (this will be mixed during the mixed sessions). If you are still particularly warm after your session then the changing area upstairs is much cooler.
  • You are not allowed to bring your own hairdryers or straighteners, there are some available to use.
  • Sessions are either single sex or mixed and are for 120 minutes.
  • Appropriate Swimwear should be worn.
  • Water is available inside the Baths and other drinks are available for purchase but must be consumed in the cafe area.
  • If you have booked a treatment then you can enjoy the baths until it is time for your treatment when staff will come and find you.
  • You must be over 16 to attend a session.

We’ve visited a couple of times and the baths are great for a date, a session with friends or even some chill time by yourself.

If you want to find out a bit more about the history of the Turkish Baths then they do a guided tour of the building. Alternatively Harry covers the history of Harrogate as a Spa Town quite extensively in his Free Walking Tour.

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