150 yrs of Swimming and Fitness at the Promenade
Central Promenade, Opposite the Marine Lake Bridge at the top of Neville street, Southport, Merseyside, PR90DS
This tour will show visitors how the this section of the building was, and is today following the evolution of time.
There will be some audio to listen to at the exhibition stand. See the Architects drawings from the late 1800's, specifying all the original pools, and a very special piece of memorabelia from over 100 years ago.
From the closure of the baths building around 1978, to the reopening of the left hand section of the building to form the Southport Squash club in the 80's. The Southport Squash Club then needed a new lease of life as squash was on the decline, as the beginning of the 'gym and work out' sector was emerging in the UK. This we now know, was the forerunner to the explosion in the mid 90's and into the millenium, as the fitness and healthy lifestyle sector took hold.
Timings & Tours
- Wednesday 17 September:
- Between 2pm & 4pm
- Thursday 18 September:
- Between 2pm & 4pm
- Friday 19 September:
- Between 2pm & 4pm
- Sunday 21 September:
- Between 1pm & 3pm
Location & directions
Central Promenade, Opposite the Marine Lake Bridge at the top of Neville street, Southport, Merseyside, PR90DS
- Directions:
- If on foot from Lord Street, head up Neville street opposite the Cenotaph. At the lights on the Promenade, on your right is the start of the original Victoria Baths Building. Walk along 30 meters and you will see the section of the building and entrance to Victoria Leisure Club. Please register at reception BUT DO NOTE the time slot across just 4 days for the available tours. If in the car, there is 2 hrs Free parking over the bridge by Matalan. Pay and display also, on the Promenade but NO PARKING is available on the frontage of Victoria Leisure.
- Contact on day:
- Duty Manager
- Telephone number:
- +441704541220
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Tours cannot be guaranteed if you haven't Pre-booked by phone. Should you need to alter a booking please call us back. It is a working members environment so please wait at Reception, to then sign in for the standard Fire & Health & Safety Regulations procedure. However 01704 541220, is the number to call if email request not possible.
- Booking contact name:
- Duty Manager
- Booking telephone number:
- +441704541220
- Booking opens:
- 28 Aug 2025 08:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 20 Sep 2025 03:00 PM
Accessibility details
3 Stair sections are a key apect of the tour as the main areas to see are below street level. (Key section has stair 26 steps + 2 minor sections of 6 steps) Not suitable for individuals who currently have impaired mobility.
Additional information
The history & legacy of the baths from the Victorian age. We will be launching a competition, collecting people’s written submission of their memories of swimming and 'learning to swim' at the original Victoria Baths. The tour around is 15 > 20 minutes, however visitors can sit and relax in the Cafe & TV lounge area afterwards to see more details, and the history content in a Heritage week display. Hot or cold drinks and light snacks are available for members or non-members to purchase in cash or card.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 4
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 20 minute(s)
