Britain Experiences Sauna Boom: A Guide to the UK's Best Spots

Britain is experiencing a significant surge in sauna popularity, with the number of locations more than tripling in just six months, according to the British Sauna Society. This trend, described by some as 'sauna mania,' has prompted a deep dive into the country's best sauna offerings, blending traditional heat therapy with natural settings.

Health and Social Benefits

The appeal of saunas extends beyond mere relaxation for aching muscles. They are recognized for boosting blood circulation and supporting the immune system. Furthermore, saunas are increasingly seen as communal spaces that foster new friendships and enhance social lives.

A Nationwide Exploration

A month-long quest to document this growing obsession led to an exploration of 60 saunas across the United Kingdom, from the Scottish Highlands to the Cornish coast, the fields of Norfolk, and the wilds of Anglesey. The findings reveal a nationwide embrace of sauna culture as a way to prioritize health and connect with others.

Featured Sauna Locations

Cambridgeshire Calm

PAUS, a family-run outdoor spa near Cambridge, offers a tranquil experience with two red cedar wood barrel saunas and a larger square sauna set amidst rolling hillsides. Visitors can cool off in cold water tubs or enjoy hot tubs after their sauna sessions. The venue also features a barefoot sensory trail.

Naturally Norwich

The Lions Den, with two locations in Norwich, offers a secluded urban retreat. The River Wensum site, recommended by one visitor, features two barrel saunas by the riverbank, surrounded by wicker walls. This community-focused spot offers affordable sessions, including community sessions for £5 on Mondays.

Healthy in Hackney

Community Sauna Baths in Hackney, London, is a non-profit organization with seven saunas located in the back garden of a 1930s public baths building. Founded in 2021, it has become a popular and welcoming space for Londoners seeking warmth and cold-water immersion.

Margate Marvel

Sea Scrub Sauna in Margate is situated directly on the sand, offering ocean views. This compact site features two saunas, an outdoor shower, and cold-water barrels, providing an invigorating experience combined with the option of a sea dip.

Brighton Shock

Beach Box Brighton, established in 2018, is located on Brighton Beach. This unique setup uses repurposed horse boxes, shipping containers, and wooden sheds to form a circle of saunas. Guests can cool off in a cold-water tub or brave a dip in the nearby sea.

Dreamy in Dorset

Saltwater Sauna operates three branches in Dorset, including locations in Lulworth and Sandbanks. Emphasizing a Nordic approach, these wood-fired saunas are designed to help visitors reconnect with nature, offering an ideal spot to watch the sunset.

Hot Stuff in Cornwall

Saunassa, located in Newquay, has become a community hub with hot tubs, cold baths, and a large wood-fired sauna. The venue also offers yoga classes, focusing on providing moments of calm and prioritizing mental well-being.

Lolling in the Lakes

Fellside Sauna, situated on the banks of Ullswater in the Lake District, offers what are described as some of the most stunning views of any sauna in the country, with a backdrop of Arthur's Pike. The experience encourages cold-water swimming in the lake.

Corker Near York

Pool Bridge Farm, just outside York, offers five saunas, many in repurposed shepherd's huts, built around former fishery lakes. The farm's waters are popular for cold-water swimming, with saunas featuring steps for easy access to the water.

Scottish and Sassy

Hot Tottie in Luss, by Loch Lomond, is described as a quaint barrel sauna perfectly positioned to frame the view of Ben Lomond. This location offers a serene setting for relaxation, followed by a swim in the loch.

These locations represent a fraction of the growing number of saunas available across Britain, each offering a unique way to experience the benefits of heat therapy and cold-water immersion.