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Introducing Moseley Road Baths - A Birmingham Gem!

Moseley Road Baths in Balsall Heath is the oldest of three Grade II* Listed swimming pools in Britain and is a magnificent example of Birmingham's great history & heritage.

Where is Moseley Road Baths?

Moseley Road Baths is at 497 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9BX.

In brief

Moseley Road Baths is located on the Moseley Road in Balsall Heath, Birmingham.

Made of red brick and terracotta in Edwardian style, the structure is one of only three swimming pools in the country listed at Grade II* status.

Moseley Road Baths

Exterior of Moseley Road Baths (March 2020). Photography by Elliott Brown

The Public Library and Baths on Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, form one of many pairings of baths and libraries in Birmingham.

Moseley Road Baths are the only baths in the country built before 1914 to have continuously hosted swimming.

Restrictions permitting, there is a swimming pool that is open 7 days a week with sessions that include adult lane, women only, men only and family splash.

The Baths runs Be Active discounted (or even free) sessions, a variety of fitness classes and swimming lessons.

See website for all details and time-table.

For many years Moseley Road Baths was under threat of closure. However with the local community coming together to keep their pool open and as a result of campaigning by Friends of Moseley Road Baths, the Baths have secured the interest of World Monuments Fund and it is now a heritage site of international and historical significance with contemporary social impact. It is also featured on Historic England's 'at risk' Register.

The Moseley Road Baths Vision

"Our vision for Moseley Baths is as a vibrant, sustainable community asset and heritage venue running as a community business offering a range of health, wellbeing and community facilities including swimming"

Restrictions permitting, there is a swimming pool that is open 7 days a week with sessions that include adult lane, women only, men only and family splash.

The Baths runs Be Active discounted (or even free) sessions, a variety of fitness classes and swimming lessons.

See website for all details and time-table.

History of the building and baths

The baths first opened in 1907.

The baths are significant due to the architectural quality and remarkably complete interior.

There are many rare fixtures and fittings still intact, including an almost complete set of 46 private washing rooms known as the ‘slipper baths’.

The Baths are considered a 'real and rare time capsule' with oak ticket offices, marble water fountains and attendants’ kiosks, and possibly the only surviving steam-heated drying racks in a British swimming pool, also remain in place, making this space a real time capsule.