York Hall Baths

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Opened in 1929 by King George VI and recently renovated to the tune of £4.5 million the Victorian baths at York Hall provide a taste of luxury in London's East End. Primarily known to pack a punch as one of world's top class boxing venues the rejuvenation of York Hall and its new state-of-the-art spa means you are more likely to be lulled to sleep than you are to be knocked out with a widow-maker punch.

Despite the desperately needed face lift that took place in 2007 York Hall has retained a substantial amount of its classic Victorian charm; with a domed glass roof, chandeliers and iron staircases that make its alternative use as a boxing centre seem paradoxical. To this day York Hall, where boxing legends like Lennox Lewis and Audley Harrison honed their craft, hosts regular boxing matches and tournaments with the cream of Britain's boxing talent. For the schedule of upcoming fights in October click here.

Of course if the prospect of seeing grown men beat each other to a pulp doesn't titillate you, it is possible to take advantage of York Hall's original conception as a bath house and more recently the countries first ever public-sector spa. There are four treatment rooms that offer over fifty different treatments and massages for your face, body and general beauty needs and they boast that their prices are among the cheapest in the city price list.

If you want to find a middle ground between fighting and relaxing York Baths offers a 33 meter swimming pool (free on Fridays) a fully equipped gymnasium, and courts for a wide variety of ball games. There are also of course the baths and a sauna if you want a deep cleanse or just to sweat a little more.

You will find an eclectic mix of punters at the bath house ranging from Hoxton Hipsters to pensioners and prize fighters - it is almost worth heading down for the crowd alone. Entry is from £21.60 for the spa (with treatments priced separately) and £4.20 to swim (peak time). If you want to relax the spa opening hours are here or, alternatively if you want to use the gym and swim you can find the slightly earlier opening times listed here.

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