RESTORED POOLS AND BATHS TO VISIT

BRAMLEY BATHS, LEEDS

Opened in 1904 as a pool and public bath house with Russian steam baths, this is now a community-run, not-for-profits pool. The poolside cubicles, ornate iron balcony and mosaic tiles remain, as does the steam room, and everything has been generally spruced up for the modern age. bramleybaths.com

GOVAN HILL BATHS, GLASGOW

Operated by a Trust of committed locals who rescued it after closure by the council in 2001, this Edwardian bath house originally comprised public baths, a wash house and three swimming pools. One pool has re-opened and plans are in place to reopen two more plus a sauna and steam room.

TURKISH BATHS AND SPA, HARROGATE

This, the most complete Turkish bath in England, was refurbished in 2002, restoring its highly decorative and exotic Moorish arches and screens, terrazzo floors and polished hardwood furnishings. It boasts four heated chambers, one plunge pool, and a relaxation room to lounge about in afterwards.

MARSHALL STREET BATHS, LONDON

Built in 1928–31 (although a bath house dating from 1850 existed on site before), this marblelined pool was re-opened in 2010 following an £ 11-million refit. Its white-Sicilian-marble-lined pool and Swedish green marble walls were restored, as was a bronze fountain of merchild and dolphins. Changing cubicles line the 30m long pool which has a barrel-vaulted ceiling.

VICTORIA BATHS, MANCHESTER

No need to pack your cozzie, this is open as a heritage attraction for now with open days across the year. Described as a ‘water palace’ when it was built in 1906, this complex of Turkish and Russian baths and pools closed in 1993 when the council couldn’t afford to keep it open. So far, £5 million has been spent on restoring its original features including stained glass, mosaic floors and terracotta tiles. The aim is to reopen one swimming pool and the Turkish baths.