Moseley Rd Baths

Moseley Baths is a popular landmark with local Moseley and Balsall Heath residents. It’s a Grade II listed Victorian building — so immediately you get the sense of history and culture of the 19^th Century this place is imbued with. There are constant plans to scrap it/​change it/​save it — at the moment it is still being used as swimming baths, albeit slightly rough-​around-​the-​edges swimming baths. Only the small pool is usable; which is a shame.
The Moseley Baths, restored to their former glory, would be most impressive. As they stand now, from the outside they look impressive, but inside the effects of neglect are fairly clear — there are none of the mod cons of normal, modern baths. An atmospheric sense of decaying grandeur is prevalent — which you either like or don’t like. Personally, I love a bit of atmosphere, but also I think it needs some TLC — in keeping with its historical and aesthetic elements.

I first learnt how to swim at Moseley Road Swimming Baths when I was at school. In that respect, these baths have some sentimental value.
Other than that, it’s an impressive Victorian building that has been maintained both externally and internally to its historic detail. It’s one of three Grade II listed swimming baths open to the public in the entire country — so it’s quite a treasure for Birmingham.
However, besides my respect for this historic landmark and sentiment associated with childhood, my compliments end there. Once inside, the building is dark and daunting. The dated décor gives it an unclean look and the cubicles have cracks between the walls that I dreaded during swimming lessons.
It lacks the modern features of other swimming baths in the city but I suppose this is understandable to preserve the archaic look of the baths. However, these limited resources are reflected in the very reasonable prices.

Moseley Rd Baths is a truly historic building and one that has been fought for by local residents in recent times.
Still popular with families and young people alike, I myself have a real sentimentality for the place being as it was where I learnt to swim.
With architectural charm and original Victorian features, including now outdated separate sex entrances and wash baths, this is a piece of living history.
The pools themselves lie beneath huge arched ceilings which does wonders for the acoustics and it is a testament to the campaign work of local people that these baths are still functioning as they were intended to and not fallen victim to budget cuts.
If you fancy a splash with young family members then it’s more than welcoming, if however you would prefer to swim some quiet lengths then my advice would be to arrive early to avoid the screams and chaos of younger pool users.