Half term family fun at Victoria Baths

Victoria Baths is planning a day of half term holiday fun on Wednesday 26 October, when Welcome Wednesday will be given a Family Friendly transformation. A range of free activities are on offer to entertain families throughout the day (11am to 3pm); including fun ways to explore the building. Entry is free, but donations are welcome, which all help to maintain the building for the community.

Running from 12noon to 2pm there will be a Stained Glass Window Workshop, which is inspired by all the brightly-coloured patterned windows that are one of the amazing features of Victoria Baths. As well as finding out more about the different designs and mosaics, you can have a go at making your own stained glass style window decoration to take home. This activity is suitable for children over four years old and is free.

In the Sports Hall there will be a colouring station full of everything that you need to do some creative drawing – perhaps even of a beautiful swimming pool! This will also be the location of a toy station for little ones to spend time playing.

You can use the family explorer trail to find your way around the building and learn more about some of its quirky features, or join the guided tour at 1pm. The tour is the perfect way to hear some of the fascinating stories about Victoria Baths; how it was once used and how it has become such a loved place for so many people. It’s advisable to book in advance which you can do here vbtour-wed.eventbrite.com (or limited tickets are available on the day), priced at £8 for adults and free for under 16s.

Ella Walker, Engagement Officer for Victoria Baths, says, “Whatever the weather outside, during October half term we’ll be having fun inside at Victoria Baths. As well as activities to enjoy there is also plenty of space for families to roam and explore.”

The volunteer run Tea Room will be open serving hot and cold drinks and snacks, plus a scrumptious Cream Tea (which must be booked in advance). As it only opens for Welcome Wednesdays the Tea Room doesn’t serve sandwiches, but you’re welcome to bring your own and buy an accompanying drink / snack.

Entry to Victoria Baths on Wednesday 26 October is ”Pay What You Can”, with donations encouraged. All the activities are free, except the £8 Guided Tour cost for adults. All proceeds help to support the work of Victoria Baths Trust, which oversees the upkeep of the Grade II* listed building and ensures that it remains open as a cultural venue and community resource. For further information on Victoria Baths visit www.victoriabaths.org.uk