Victoria Baths in Manchester to host Big Splash swimming event as part of Heritage Open Days

Manchester’s Victoria Baths will be open to swimmers over this weekend as part of the Heritage Open Days scheme.

The historic Chorlton pool, which is now a heritage site, will be filled with water for swim sessions on Friday 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September.

It will also help raise funds for the Grade II Edwardian pool’s restoration.

Tickets for the swimming have already sold out but there will be lots of other free activities for visitors, including guided building tours from 11am to 4pm, a team room and hot food from the popular Hip Hop chip shop on site.

In keeping with Heritage Open Days’ theme of Astounding Inventions there will also be a talk on Saturday 10 September at 12.30pm called The Astounding Aeratone, which will blow some myths about this mysterious device.

Fun for families includes a free Kids’ Art Trail throughout the building, a play area for little ones in the Tea Room and a Make, Do and Disco event run by Our Kids Social on Sunday 11 September. Non-swimmers are welcome to enjoy all of the activities, with entry to the building throughout the weekend free of charge.

For more information on The Big Splash see the Victoria Baths website and for other great locations you can visit in Greater Manchester on Heritage Open Days, see our guide here.