BMEYS BT ORITAF BINRITIS: HAHRROGATE
64 • DECEMBER 2021
I was born in Harrogate and lived
here all my life. When my husband
got a job opportunity in York, we
moved away for a while but came
straight back as soon as we were able
to. I just love it here, Harrogate is full of
amazing history. It all started with the
spa waters. In 1571 the springs were
found to be medicinal, and some
contained magnesium and iron. Then
the hotels and railways came about,
and eventually, the Royal Baths
hydrotherapy centre was created. I
love the fact that the Turkish Baths [the
only remaining spa facility of the
centre] are still used for their original
intention. They comprise three heat
rooms, a steam room, a cold plunge
pool and a relaxation area. The idea is
that you alternate between the hot and
cold. The experience is exhilarating
and you feel clean and refreshed at the
end. Over the years, our menu has
developed to include beauty
treatments and body treatments. Most
of our clients are tourists looking to
experience the baths, but many people
come for the guided tours, so they can
go inside and admire the beauty inside
the baths.Katie Summersall
Katie Summersall, 35, is the assistant
manager at the Turkish Baths and was
born and raised in Harrogate. Visit
turkishbathsharrogate.co.uk for
more information