Govanhill Baths

Guided tours of Govanhill Baths, Glasgow’s last surviving Edwardian bathhouse. Govanhill Baths is a Category B Listed Edwardian Baths and Washhouse in Govanhill. Completed in 1917, it is the only surviving building of its type in Glasgow. The building was designed by A.B. McDonald and housed three swimming pools, a Turkish Suite, slipper baths, and a large steamie. In 2001, we were faced with the imminent closure of the baths by the council, local people occupied the building in what became the longest continual occupation of a civic building in British history. This historic campaign saw the baths saved for future generations, and the creation of a Trust to oversee a complete refurbishment of the building. This work is currently ongoing, and the building is due to reopen as a community wellbeing centre sometime in 2026. The Doors Open Days tours are a chance to see behind-the-scenes of this hugely ambitious refurbishment, and get a sneak peek at this beloved building as it is restored to its former glory. Complimenting the tours will be David Baumann with a display of material from the Zenith Amateur Swimming Club which was based at the baths from the 1950s to the 1970s.