Originally opened on Friday 23 July 1897 by The Duke of Cambridge Prince George, the Royal Baths were built by Baggalley & Bristowe of London at the cost of £120,000 on the site of the old Montpellier Baths.
Water was pumped to the baths from several different springs, and guests could choose from three options. They could go through to the Winter Gardens to take the waters, enjoy the music and social life; they could visit the hospital where they would enjoy one of a variety of medical treatments on offer or they could go through to the Turkish Baths to relax and unwind.
Facilities available during the baths’ Victorian heyday, included dispensing of medicinal waters, hydrotherapy departments, mud baths and steam rooms as well as consulting doctors. And 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 baths were popular with members of royal families from around the world and a particular favourite of Queen Victoria’s granddaughters – Princess Alix and Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine.
Although Turkish Baths were common in Victorian times, only seven remain dating back to the 19th century. None is as historically complete and in full working order as Turkish Baths Harrogate. Their importance lies in their decoration, elaboration and rarity. The baths’ Moorish design with Islamic arches and screens, walls of vibrant glazed brickwork, arabesque painted ceilings and terrazzo floors all add to its historic elegant features.
Today you can and relax and unwind with the same Turkish Baths experience and unique surroundings Victorian visitors enjoyed many years ago.
Begin with a cleansing shower, then let off some steam in the steam room with calming eucalyptus infused steam which will melt away muscle tension, open your pores and eliminate toxins. Next, cool off in the plunge pool, immersing yourself in the invigorating water to benefit from improved circulation and toning. Then explore the various heat chambers which range from 40 to 70 degrees Celsius taking an invigorating dip in the pool between heat chambers and then head to the cooling atmosphere of the Frigidarium – an elegant relaxation room.
Finish off your visit by choosing from a range of relaxing treatments perfect to find your moment of calm. From massages to traditional Turkish rituals to thermal mud wraps, you are sure to find something that makes you feel good.
A visit to the Turkish Baths will not only benefit the body but the mind too as you discover the history of the area’s spa heritage amongst this unique and wonderful building. To find out more and start planning your journey to relaxation, check out :Turkish Baths Harrogate – Visit Harrogate
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