Why aren't public spas/baths not common at all in the UK?

Posted by fishmiloo@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 276 comments

Just been to the south of France where it seems every other tiny rural town has a magnificent spa, with pools, jacuzzis, saunas, hamams, fountains etc. across several floors, all for the public to use for as little as 1 euro per day if you get the yearly, or 30 euros if you use it monthly. It was in an historic building but the interiors were finished to a modern standard. Why don't we have big spas in the UK? I'm not talking about little shops where people go have facial massages, I'm talking about large, warm baths. Seems like our cold weather and indoors culture would suit it completely. ​