The Porchester Spa

Steam Away Your Stress

In recent years, London has been rediscovering its Victorian and Edwardian baths, built in the years when a Turkish-style steam was all the rage. One of the best and most authentic locations remains The Porchester Spa in Royal Oak in west London, where you can cook up a nice sweat in glorious art deco surroundings, then go for an invigorating swim, for a very reasonable £25 for the day (massages and other treatments are also available in addition). For other historic spas, try Ironmonger Row in Islington and York Hall in Bethnal Green.