Set deep below the old swimming baths are long, dark and eerie walkways; you know you are not alone upon entering. There have been numerous reports of strange unexplained happenings, from footsteps to dark apparitions being witnessed, along with many reports of poltergeist activity. The eerie baths are haunted by many different spirits, from a little girl known to let visitors know she is around to a male who is not pleasant; previous ghost hunters have reported him to be violent. The Tunnels were mainly used as Air raid shelters during the war, and many of the original drawings can still be seen to date on the walls here. On a Deeper Level, a medieval burial pit has also been discovered. Are you ready to join the Paranormal eye team as we invite you to investigate the pitch-black underground tunnels, World War II air-raid shelter, morgue and interrogation room, endless walkways and hidden rooms deep below the baths?

 

History Of Smethwick Baths 

 

 

Smethwick Swimming Centre, formerly known as Thimblemill Baths, has undergone several exciting changes over the years and has welcomed numerous famous faces through its doors. Remarkably, it also survived the Second World War.

Smethwick opened on March 30, 1933, and was designed by Chester Button and Roland Fletcher. The art deco features of the building were inspired by the high arched roof of aircraft hangers in France. These features were derived from the Scandinavian timber construction of the Breslau exhibition pavilion in the early 1920s. Similar designs can also be found at the Royal Horticultural Hall in London.

During World War II, the baths were used for different purposes than recreation. The subways and cellars were used as air-raid shelters. Even today, posters from the war can still be seen in the subways, along with drawings on the walls.

After World War II, the baths became more exciting. From April to September, the main pool was open for public swimming, while from October to March, the pool was emptied, taking two days to drain. Once unpacked, the area was boarded off with a sprung maple floor. Setting up the sprung maple floor would take two weeks to construct, but once completed, events such as hairdressing, dancing, and boxing took place. These activities invigorated the community and turned Thimble Mill Baths into a hub of activity.

You can now have exclusive access to this chilling location after dark, as part of a ghost hunt. You will be put into small groups at the start of the evening to investigate and explore the Former Mortuary World War air-raid shelters, the area above the medieval burial pit, the many long, dark walkways above the ground, the baths, and the stage area. Will you experience the many strange and unexplained happenings that occur here?

 

​