The baths' hip beginnings
Harrogate's waters have been famous since the 16th century, but it was during Victorian times that the Royal Baths Assembly Rooms were opened. Then anyone who was anyone headed for hammams, or Turkish Baths, to 'sweat it out', and receive the latest treatments, such as nasal douches and plombieres two-way system (intestinal lavage - mmm, nice). More than simply a place for curing ailments, Harrogate's Baths achieved worldwide fame attracting European Royal families and socialites of the time to sit in the great hall or bathe in exotic luxury. By the late 1960s modern treatments meant that the spa went into decline and only the Turkish Baths remained.

The scene today
Thanks to cash totalling £1m from Scottish Life and the Heritage Lottery Fund, a new entrance and café-reception area were added in 2002 (with replica 19th-century posters advertising the baths). Seven new treatment rooms were also built, in addition to the existing three, all offering beauty and complementary therapies, plus the baths themselves were renovated.

There are just three remaining 19th-century Turkish Baths in England but Harrogate's are the most beautiful and complete. The rare and colourful Arabic tiles remain (only one per cent had to be replaced), and the original elaborate arched roofs and oak and mahogany changing rooms evoke Victorian luxury. Remember to look out for the listed toilet!

How to take the Turkish baths
The baths themselves are a series of interconnecting rooms. Take a shower before going into the steam room, where you inhale eucalyptus vapours, which help you breathe more easily. Walk round to the plunge pool by the relaxation room and take a deep breath before wading through its refreshingly cold water. After that, do as many circuits as you like around the Hot Room Chambers, starting in the warm tepidarium, moving to the hot calidarium and the hottest laconium - 70°C/150°F. When you're starting to feel hot, take a shower or jump back into the plunge pool and start again. Once you've had your fill of the hot room chambers, visit the frigidarium (relaxation room) - it's still pretty warm - and relax on the cushioned beds, chilling out to ambient music.

Remember to take your own swimming costume, flip-flops and personal toiletries. Towels and robes are provided. If you're feeling modest, opt for female- or male-only sessions.

What you get and what it costs
Turkish baths: Turn up on the day but be warned that weekends are busy and limited to 60 bathers, so make sure you come at the beginning of the morning or afternoon (allow about 2 1/2 hours). You can pay for a single session (£12; Tues off-peak session £8.50) or discounted multiple visits (six for £65; 10 for £105; 12 for £122).

Beauty and complementary therapies: These have to be booked in advance and include facial treatments (£33-£50), waxing (£7-£23), manicures (£16-£20), facials (£40-£50), body wraps (£45-£50), massages (£18-£35) and day packages (£65-£145).

Turkish Baths Timetable

Day	Gentlemen	Ladies	Ladies & Gentlemen
Mon	5.30pm-9pm	9.30am-5pm
Tues		1pm-9pm	9.30am-12.30pm (off-peak session)
Wed	1pm-5pm		5.30pm-9pm
Thurs		1pm-9pm
Fri	1pm-5pm	9.30am-12.30pm	PAIRS* 5.30pm-9pm
Sat			9am-11.30am 12pm-2.30pm 3pm-5.30pm
Sun		9.30am-1pm 1.30pm-5pm	PAIRS* 5.30pm-9pm

*PAIRS sessions - one male /one female. Equal numbers of each gender only.
Closed on bank holidays

Health spa timetable

Mon-Fri 9.30am-8.30pm
Sat 9.30am-4.30pm
Sun 9.30am-8.30pm

How to get there
Harrogate is half an hour by train from York and Leeds. Trains from London to Leeds take a little over two hours. If driving, take the A61 from Ripon, A59 from York and A61 from Leeds.

Contact details:

Harrogate Turkish Baths & Health Spa
Royal Baths
Parliament Street
Harrogate
HG1 2WH
Tel: 01423 556746
http://www.harrogate.gov.uk/turkishbaths

Prices and details are correct at time of publication.

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