The Arlington Baths Club in Woodlands opens its doors to share 156 years of swimming history

Tucked away on Arlington Street in Glasgow's West End is a club with a remarkable claim. The Arlington Baths Club describes itself as Europe's oldest member-owned and run swimming club, and in 2026 it has been inviting the wider city to discover its story.

In September, the club took part in Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival, offering guided tours of its building. Led by volunteer member guides, the tours explored why the club was formed, the history of the building and the lives of some of the members and visitors who have passed through its doors over the last 156 years, as well as how members use the club today.

The tours were of the building only rather than a chance to use the facilities, and some areas remained private while members were changing, but they offered a rare look inside one of Glasgow's best-loved sporting institutions.

Earlier in the summer, the club joined in the Commonwealth Games celebrations with a Commonwealth Gala Day. The family afternoon featured live music, street theatre, workshops, sports and arts activities, along with chilled poolside music.

The highlight of the gala day was a water polo match from Western Baths Water Polo Club, a fitting nod to the long tradition of private swimming clubs in the city. Of the five private baths clubs built in Glasgow in the Victorian era, only the Arlington and the Western Baths in Hillhead survive.

For members, the club remains a place to swim, relax and meet friends, but events like the gala day and Doors Open Days show how keen it is to share its heritage with the community around it.

The building is spread over two levels, with a short set of steps from the street and stairways inside, so anyone planning a visit is advised to check access details in advance.

Whether you are a keen swimmer or simply curious about Glasgow's Victorian heritage, the Arlington is a reminder that some of the city's most fascinating places are hidden in plain sight.

The Arlington Baths Club is at 61 Arlington Street, Glasgow, G3 6DT. Membership information and events are on the club's website, arlingtonbaths.co.uk.