Victoria Baths Heritage Open Days 2023

Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September

Free General Admission to the building all weekend, plus our highly recommended guided tours…

Widely recognised as Britain’s finest municipal swimming pool and a Grade II* listed building, no expense was spared in the construction of Victoria Baths. The building is remarkably intact and today you can still discover the beautiful stained glass, rich terracotta, sumptuous tiles, and amazing mosaics.

Join us for FREE entry across our Heritage Open Days weekend and discover the Grade II* listed Manchester landmark that won BBC Two’s ‘Restoration’ programme. Explore the building, including the three pools, Turkish Baths, Aeratone and History Exhibition, and free family- friendly activities all weekend!

Our Tea Room will have a wide variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches, cakes and our well-recommended Cream Tea! Visit our Gift Shop for Victoria Baths and Manchester-themed souveneirs and gifts, including our sell-out VB Craft Gin and much loved Tea Towels!

Don’t miss our highly recommended Guided Tours!

Discover the rich history and heritage of the Baths with our optional Tours at £8 per person (Free for U16s and Friends of Victoria Baths)

Saturday 9 Sept tours: Discover VB 12noon and 14:30 // Off Limits 13:30

Sunday 10 Sept tours: Discover VB 12noon and 14:30

– Discover Victoria Baths takes you through the building covering the uses of the main spaces, the history of the building & details of the decorative features that make the building so unique

– Off Limits visits areas of the building not usually accessed by the general public, including the undercrofts of the pools, boiler house and water treatment room! (Not fully accessible, contact us for more info)

Plus…

Pools of Creativity – taking place across Heritage Open Days!

Celebrating this year’s Heritage Open Days theme of “Creativity Unwrapped”, Pools of Creativity explores the creative past and present of Victoria Baths. From artistic swimming and the use of the Gala Pool as a dancefloor in the 1950s to the thirty years of creative activity since the building closed as a pool in 1993. Including housing Pool Arts, who take their name from the Baths. Creativity has always been a key part of Victoria Baths!

Pools of Creativity will see the return of Pool Arts artists for a weekend takeover of Victoria Baths. With art and installation to be found across the site, deep in the pools and high atop the balconies. Explore an exciting mix of artists, genres and media, as we celebrate Pool Arts return together for the first time since 2005!

Plus Victoria Baths presents a limited exhibiton of the Creative History of the Baths and Manchster Charity, Back on Track, showcases a digital-photography exhibit – all free and in the beautiful setting of Victoria Baths!

Sunday also includes a singing celebration with performances from SHE Choir MCR, Ordsall Acapella Singers and the Oldham Music Centre Adult Choir.

For more info visit www.victoriabaths.org.uk/events/pools-of-creativity

Event Details

Free Building Entry

• Open 11am – 4pm (last entry 3pm)

• Tea Room and Gift shop open 11am – 4pm

• Guided Tours (Tour Tickets available here)

• Pools of Creativity event takes place across the building, with details of artists and activities available on entry

• Creative and Family-Friendly activities all weekend

• Sunday 10 September includes performances from SHE Choir MCR , Ordsall Accapella Singers and Oldham Music Centre Adult Choir

Entry for Heritage Open Days and Pools of Creativity is FREE. All tour tickets, tea room and shop purchases and donations support the Victoria Baths Trust to preserve the Baths for the future and ensure we can open for all to explore. Thank you.

FAQs

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Ring the Victoria Baths office on +44 (0)161 224 2020 or email enquiries@victoriabaths.org.uk.

Can I take photographs?

Photography and filming for personal use is permitted anywhere in the building. Personal photos and films may not be sold for commercial gain. Please contact the office for information about professional or commercial shoots.

Do I have to buy an online ticket?

Heritage Open Days entry is free – no need to book. Tour tickets can be booked in advance and are also available on the day on the door. Tour tickets are subject to availability and sell out fast.

What’s the refund policy?

Heritage Open Days entry is free – no need to book. Tour tickets can be booked in advance and tour tickets can be refunded in full up to 72 hours (3 days) before the tour date. Eventbrite’s fees are non-refundable.

Do I have to bring my printed tour ticket(s) to the event?

Yes please, either as a printout or on a mobile phone or tablet. Plus your VB Friends membership card if applicable.

Is it OK if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends?

Yes, this is fine.

#VBHOD23 #HODs23