Art deco spa that’s ‘London’s oldest’ with Turkish baths, indoor pool and affordable day passes
LONDON’S oldest spa is considered a local landmark, with original features from when it first opened in 1929 and three Turkish bath rooms.
The Porchester Spa, located in Queensway, has been welcoming visitors for almost a century, offering an oasis of calm with a Victorian bath house feel.
It’s set within a Grade II listed building that was restored to its former Art Deco splendour in 2020.
Its traditional decor includes green and white tiles, marble and wood, a gold ceiling, and original lamps, mirrors and hooks.
Among its facilities are two steam rooms, a sauna, Turkish bath rooms, small and large swimming pools, a plunge pool, and chill out room.
Turkish baths include a series of rooms with different temperatures and humidity levels, and The Porchester Spa has three.
There’s the Tepidarium, a warm room, Caldarium, a hot room, and Laconium, the hottest room.
Roman-style Turkish baths were reintroduced to the UK in the mid 19th century by MP and diplomat, David Urquhart, who promoted the health benefits of hydrotherapy and thermal treatments after travelling Russia, the Ottoman Empire and Moorish Spain.
There are sessions for just men to use the spa, sessions for just women, as well as mixed sessions.
On top of relaxing at the spa, you can opt for one of a range of treatments, including wraps, scrubs, facials, waxing, and aromatherapy massages.
And there’s also a cafe serving hot and cold beverages, sandwiches and snacks.
The spa offers affordable prices – day passes for non-members to the spa are £29.70.
Treatments start from just £36, including a 30 minute back, neck and shoulder massage, and an Indian head massage.
People who have visited the spa have been amazed as its luxury-feel decor and cheap prices.
One person, who gave the spa five stars on Tripadvisor said: “Wow; a fabulous find here in London. A nice traditional Turkish style baths; but Art Deco!”
Another penned: “I love this place. I come here often. An oasis in the city.”
And someone commented on the spa having a great pool and good customer service, and said they couldn’t fault it.
They added: “Lovely facility for a fraction of the price that luxury spas are charging.”
Winners of The Good Spa Guide Awards 2024
Best Boutique Spa – Yorkshire Spa Retreat
Best Hotel Spa – The Woodland Spa
Best Destination Spa – Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
Best Spa for Sustainability – Hoar Cross Hall
Best Day Spa – The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village
Best City Spa – Maya Blue Wellness at The Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Best Spa for Wellness – Champneys Forest Mere
Day passes and treatments at The Porchester Spa should be booked in advance, either online or through the Everyone Active app.
Casual bookings are only available five days in advance.