Health Hydro Milton Road Baths
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Health Hydro Milton Road Baths

3.8
·79 reviews·, United Kingdom

A historic Victorian leisure center in Swindon, featuring a pool, gym, and traditional Turkish baths, currently undergoing refurbishment.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter sessions

CrowdLow
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Health Hydro Milton Road Baths

Health Hydro Milton Road Baths

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter sessions

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Victorian leisure center in Swindon, featuring a pool, gym, and traditional Turkish baths, currently undergoing refurbishment.

3.8
(79 reviews)

"Experience the addictive buzz of historic Turkish baths and feel brand new after a session!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Embrace the History

Appreciate the Victorian charm; it's a historic building undergoing upgrades.

💧 Turkish Bath Bliss

Don't miss the Turkish baths for a truly refreshing and addictive experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian Turkish Baths

Victorian Turkish Baths

Turkish Baths area

Experience the addictive buzz of these historic Turkish baths for ultimate refreshment.

Reddit
Historic Swimming Pool

Historic Swimming Pool

Main Swimming Pool

Dive into the warm waters of this 1891-built pool, a beloved spot for swimming lessons and adult sessions.

InstagramReddit
The Cold Plunge

The Cold Plunge

Turkish Baths area

Brave the town's biggest cold plunge for an invigorating and revitalizing experience.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Plan for Refurbishment Closures

The Health Hydro is undergoing a significant refurbishment, expected to last 18 months. Check for exact reopening dates and consider alternative GLL centers like Dorcan or Linc during the closure. Instagram

Embrace the Historic Charm

This Victorian gem, built in 1891, offers a unique, albeit dated, experience. While undergoing upgrades, appreciate its historical significance and the friendly staff who make it special. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter sessions
Crowd
Low
When
Adult swimming sessions
Why
Well-organized swims
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Here we go!!! This could be even better than the original! #togetherness #teamspirit #mensmentalhealth #stfc #swindon #winners
@lifeofakitman
597.6K likes • 5.9M views

🎯 Embrace the History

Appreciate the Victorian charm; it's a historic building undergoing upgrades. InstagramReddit

💧 Turkish Bath Bliss

Don't miss the Turkish baths for a truly refreshing and addictive experience. Reddit

Stand up to bullies.. have a great night Josh ✌️ #swindon #bikercommunity #Alexwarren #jellyrollofficial #bulliesneverwin #bikersoftiktok #bikercommunity #standuptobullies🙌 #prom #promenterance #unforgettable #emotional #FYP #swindonbikers #mentalhealthmatters #MentalHealthAwareness #dontvhangewhoyouare
@amyjsampss
31.2K likes • 451.7K views
Milton Road Swimming Baths, Swindon, Wiltshire 🏊‍♀️ #listedbuilding #1891 • Swimming baths & Dispensary, now Health Hydro, built in 1891 for the Great Western Railway (GWR) Medical Fund Society, designed by JJ Smith of Swindon; includes washing baths built in 1898-9; Turkish and Russian baths added in 1904-5; with additions made in 1911. #historicbuildings #gwr #greatwesternrailway #igerswiltshire...
pics_on_my_phone
180 likes • 0 views

🏊‍♂️ Kid's First Swim

Wonderful trainers make it a great place for children's first swimming lessons. Reddit

🛠️ Check Refurbishment Status

The facility is closed for a major refurbishment for about 18 months. InstagramReddit

😢🏊‍♀️ My Final time diving into the Health Hydro pool in Swindon yesterday, until it’s re opened in a couple of years… I can’t wait to see the massive refurbishment once it’s complete. I’m going to miss this pool though. I Love this historic building, love training here, and the staff all go above and beyond. @better_uk @gllsportfoundation #healthhydro #swimmingpool #historicbuildings #myhappy...
suzhext
169 likes • 3.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Embrace the History

Appreciate the Victorian charm; it's a historic building undergoing upgrades. InstagramReddit

💧 Turkish Bath Bliss

Don't miss the Turkish baths for a truly refreshing and addictive experience. Reddit

🏊‍♂️ Kid's First Swim

Wonderful trainers make it a great place for children's first swimming lessons. Reddit

🛠️ Check Refurbishment Status

The facility is closed for a major refurbishment for about 18 months. InstagramReddit

🤝 Friendly Staff

Staff are consistently praised for being friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Reddit+1

What Travellers Say

3.8
(79 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Health Hydro is a historic Victorian building praised for its charm, friendly staff, and unique Turkish baths. While facilities are dated and undergoing refurbishment, visitors appreciate the character and the revitalizing effects of the baths. Some changing room issues have been noted, but the overall sentiment is positive, with anticipation for the upcoming upgrades. InstagramReddit+1

"Health hydro is an old victorian building, housing a gym, swimming pool, Turkish baths and shower facilities.
I attended the gym today, whilst a bit dated, all the machines worked fine, and there is a side room with free weights.
The place is clean, and tidy, whilst being dated, (it is a couple of hundred years old).
The staff were very friendly and helpful.
I do believe that there will be an upgrade in the near future, so it will be nice to see the changes."

Francis Vertannes

"A wonderful place to begin the first lessons in swimming for kids and youngsters. Wonderful trainers and other support staff always available at your service with a friendly smile and to help you around the facility and answer your queries. Separate changing rooms for ladies and gents with shower 🚿 and locker facilities available. Open at their usual hours without any restrictions. As the weather is getting better can see more kids getting enrolled to enter the swimming world 🌍. Presently refurbishment works are going on and so the facility will be temporarily shut down for about a year and a half. Till then one can enroll in their other centres, the closest ones being Dorcan and Linc centre in West Swindon."

Alex Rodrigues

"Been visiting this place for 35yrs.
I feel so fresh N clean when I visit!
Totally refreshed when I finish a session in the Turkish bath it's really addictive buzz!
The cold plunge is the biggest in town I believe.
I always feel brand new when i leave!
Looking forward to the refurbishment in 2023/24"

Chris Dugan

What People Like

Historic Victorian charm
Friendly and helpful staff
Invigorating Turkish baths

What People Dislike

Dated facilities
Outdated changing rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Health Hydro is located on Milton Road in Swindon. While public transport details are scarce, it's accessible by car. During refurbishment, consider nearby GLL centers like Dorcan or Linc. Reddit

Information on specific parking availability is limited, but it's advisable to check local parking regulations or inquire directly if driving. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Health Hydro is currently closed for a significant refurbishment expected to last around 18 months. Check their official channels for reopening updates. InstagramReddit

Pricing details are not readily available as the facility is undergoing refurbishment. Membership or pay-as-you-go options will likely be available upon reopening. Reddit

Given the ongoing refurbishment, advance booking is not currently applicable. Upon reopening, it's wise to check if pre-booking is recommended, especially for popular sessions. Reddit

Currently, entry is not possible due to the extensive refurbishment. Once reopened, standard facility rules and any specific session restrictions will apply. Instagram

🎫 🏊‍♂️ Onsite Experience

Historically, Health Hydro offered a gym, swimming pool, Turkish baths, and shower facilities. These are all part of the Victorian building's charm. Reddit+1

Yes, the pool is a wonderful place for children's first swimming lessons, with wonderful trainers and support staff. Reddit

Reviews indicate that changing rooms are outdated and have had issues with broken facilities, though staff are friendly. Reddit+1

The historic Turkish baths are a highlight, offering an addictive and refreshing experience, including a large cold plunge. Reddit

The gym is described as a bit dated but functional, with machines and a free weights area. It's part of the building's historic character. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Specific details about food and drink facilities are not widely mentioned, suggesting it's primarily a place for activities rather than dining. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

While not explicitly forbidden, it's always best to be respectful of other visitors' privacy. The historic architecture might be worth capturing. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Health Hydro is a fantastic place for families, especially for introducing children to swimming. The trainers and support staff are noted for being wonderful and always available to help, making it a welcoming environment for young learners. Reddit Separate changing rooms for ladies and gents, along with shower and locker facilities, are available. Reddit

While the facility is undergoing a significant refurbishment and is temporarily closed, families can explore other GLL centers in Swindon like Dorcan or Linc. Upon reopening, the Health Hydro's historic pool and dedicated instructors will likely continue to be a hit with families looking for swimming lessons and fun. Reddit

🏋️ Fitness Enthusiasts

For fitness enthusiasts, the Health Hydro offers a gym with functional machines and a free weights area. While described as 'dated,' the equipment is reported to be in working order. Reddit The unique atmosphere of this historic building provides a different kind of workout environment compared to modern gyms. Reddit

Beyond the gym, the swimming pool offers a great space for aquatic fitness, and the Turkish baths provide a unique recovery and relaxation option. The upcoming refurbishment is expected to bring modern fitness amenities while retaining the building's historic appeal. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Wellness Seekers

The Health Hydro is a haven for those seeking traditional wellness. The Turkish baths are a major draw, offering an 'addictive buzz' and leaving visitors feeling 'brand new' and 'refreshed.' Reddit The inclusion of a large cold plunge pool adds to the invigorating experience. Reddit

Even with the dated facilities, the sense of history and the effectiveness of the traditional baths make it a unique destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. The refurbishment promises to enhance these wellness offerings, making it an even more appealing retreat. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

The Health Hydro, originally known as the Milton Road Swimming Baths, is a Grade II listed building with a rich history dating back to 1891. It was initially built for the Great Western Railway (GWR) Medical Fund Society and designed by J.J. Smith of Swindon. The complex expanded over time, with washing baths added in 1898-9, and Turkish and Russian baths in 1904-5, followed by further additions in 1911. This architectural evolution reflects its importance as a community and wellness hub. Instagram

Its Victorian origins mean the building possesses a unique character, a stark contrast to modern leisure centers. While this historical charm is a significant draw, it also means some facilities, like the changing rooms, are showing their age and are in need of modernization. The ongoing refurbishment aims to preserve its heritage while bringing it up to contemporary standards. Reddit

Travelers often remark on the 'dated' feel of the facilities, but this is frequently coupled with praise for the building's inherent beauty and historical significance. The blend of old-world architecture with its functional purpose as a place for fitness and relaxation is what makes the Health Hydro a distinctive destination. InstagramReddit

The Turkish Baths Experience

The Turkish baths at Health Hydro are a standout feature, consistently praised by visitors for their revitalizing effects. Many describe the experience as 'addictive,' leaving them feeling 'fresh and clean' and 'brand new.' The facilities include various heat rooms and a notable cold plunge pool, which is often cited as the biggest in town. Reddit

This traditional approach to wellness offers a stark contrast to modern spa treatments. The combination of heat, steam, and the invigorating cold plunge is a time-honored method for detoxification and muscle recovery. Visitors often highlight the 'buzz' they get after a session, underscoring the unique therapeutic benefits. Reddit

While the rest of the facility undergoes refurbishment, the Turkish baths remain a key attraction that many eagerly anticipate returning to. Their enduring popularity speaks to the timeless appeal of these historic wellness practices. Reddit

Refurbishment and Future

The Health Hydro is currently undergoing a major refurbishment, with an estimated closure period of about 18 months. This extensive project aims to modernize the facilities while preserving the building's historic character. InstagramReddit

During this closure, patrons are advised to utilize other GLL centers in Swindon, such as the Dorcan or Linc centers. The refurbishment is highly anticipated by long-time visitors who have been frequenting the baths for decades and are looking forward to seeing the updated amenities. Reddit+1

Upon reopening, the Health Hydro is expected to offer an enhanced experience, blending its historical charm with modern comforts and functionality. This upgrade is seen as a positive step towards ensuring the longevity and continued appeal of this beloved Swindon landmark. Instagram

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