pandop: (Panda)
pandop ([personal profile] pandop) wrote2007-04-10 12:17 pm

Belated review of Harrogate Turkish Baths

I have been meaning to write this up for a week now, but have only just got round to it.

The boy and I have been to Harrogate Turkish Baths a few times now, and we really love them, and I can't recommend them enough.

For the most part the original interiors are intact, and that is one of the joys of this place. The tiles, the lovely little wooden changing cubicles, the glorious neo-gothic designs in the rest bed area all combine to make it feel so much more special than a lot of the more modern spas.

Unfortunately, it isn't somewhere you take your camera, so these pictures come courtesy of google images:

The plunge pool:


The rest beds and some of the changing cubicles - just look at that design:


I don't seem to be able to find any pictures of the hot rooms, which is a shame, as these are one of the best parts of the experience. As there are three hot rooms you can gradually build up your heat levels, cooling off in the plunge pool when you need to.

We like to add the steam room into this cycle too, although you can use the rooms however you wish (the staff give excellent introductions and advice), as the eucalyptus really does wonders for my breathing.

You are advised not to spend more than two and a half hours in the baths, but even at peak times it is only £16:50, which is a lot better than most spa prices. There are unlimited towels available for you to use while you are there, which is a good thing, as you certainly get through them. I do recommend taking a book or magazine with you, as it helps to pass the time in the hot rooms.

Oh, and don't miss the chance to 'go' on an original Thomas Crapper convienience ....

[identity profile] zeusgirl.livejournal.com 2007-04-10 12:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh wow, they are stunning!

[identity profile] hazelstitch.livejournal.com 2007-04-10 12:18 pm (UTC)(link)
I know. We are so lucky they are so near here.

[identity profile] phonemonkey.livejournal.com 2007-04-10 12:15 pm (UTC)(link)
That is a truly awesome-looking place. Reminds me a little of Budapest.

[identity profile] hazelstitch.livejournal.com 2007-04-10 12:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Well we can go if you are ever over here at a good time (ie for a mixed bathing session)

I so want to go to Budapest

[identity profile] mamlambo.livejournal.com 2007-04-10 01:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Okay my boy has to take me to these baths... *dials*

[identity profile] hazelstitch.livejournal.com 2007-04-10 01:16 pm (UTC)(link)
Come up and stay sometime, we can all go! (I love them, and am happy for any excuse to go)

[identity profile] sugar-spun.livejournal.com 2007-04-10 04:20 pm (UTC)(link)
That's gorgeous. Next trip is that!

[identity profile] hazelstitch.livejournal.com 2007-04-10 04:21 pm (UTC)(link)
I am beginning to think they should pay me for this advertising!

[identity profile] sugar-spun.livejournal.com 2007-04-10 04:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Send them an email and suggest it ;)