10 Saunas You Need to Visit in the UK
Embracing the Heat: The Rise of Sauna Culture in the UK
Imagine this: A crisp morning, the sea breeze tangling in your hair, and the soothing embrace of sauna heat melting away the chill. There's something deeply restorative about that contrast—the sharp, invigorating bite of cold followed by the enveloping warmth of a sauna.
While Scandinavians have long mastered the art of sauna culture, the UK is catching up fast. In recent years, there's been a surge in wellness spaces offering everything from traditional wood-fired saunas by the coast to sleek, design-led retreats in the heart of the city. Whether you're looking for a post-hike wind-down, a wild swim warm-up, or simply a moment of stillness in the midst of a busy week, we've rounded up the best saunas in the UK for every kind of Gutsy Girl.
Why Saunas Are Worth the Hype
More than just a luxury, saunas offer a host of benefits that make them worth incorporating into your wellness routine. Here's why they're not just about sweating it out:
Physical Health – Saunas improve circulation, aid muscle recovery, and even boost immunity. A session in the heat helps flush out toxins, soothe sore muscles, and leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Mental Wellbeing – The deep warmth of a sauna reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and can even improve sleep. That post-sauna glow? It's real.
A Social Ritual – Sauna culture has long been about community. Whether it's a solo moment of mindfulness or a post-adventure catch-up with friends, it's a tradition that brings people together.
Post-Adventure Bliss – Few things feel better than stepping into a sauna after an ice-cold dip, a long hike, or a day of skiing. It's the ultimate reset for body and mind.
What to Consider When Choosing a Sauna
Not all saunas are created equal, and finding the right one for you depends on what you’re looking for. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Location & Setting – Do you want a sauna by the sea, deep in nature, or conveniently in the city? Some of the best saunas take a little effort to reach, but the experience is worth it.
Type & Experience – Wood-fired saunas offer a rustic, authentic heat, while infrared saunas provide a gentler warmth. Some saunas include rituals like Aufguss (aromatic steam sessions) or cold plunges.
Affordability – A great sauna experience doesn’t need to break the bank. Some community saunas offer budget-friendly options, while others provide high-end spa-like luxury.
Extras & Facilities – Are there cold plunge pools, ice baths, or access to wild swimming? Sometimes, it’s the extras that make the experience unforgettable.
The 10 Best Saunas in the UK
We’ve scoured the country to bring you the best of the best—each one offering something unique, from breathtaking locations to authentic Nordic traditions. So grab your swimsuit, get ready to sweat, and let’s dive into the UK’s hottest sauna experiences.
1. Beach Box Spa – Brighton
What it offers: A cosy, wood-fired saunas set right on Brighton Beach. Expect salt scrubs, aromatherapy Aufguss sessions, and the chance to jump straight into the sea after a steamy session.
Why it’s amazing: Rustic, eco-friendly, and with that unbeatable beachfront location, it’s the perfect blend of warmth and wild wellness.
Selling point: A laid-back, no-fuss sauna with unbeatable sea views.
- Images by Beach Box Sauna Spa
2. Community Sauna Baths – Hackney Wick, London
What it offers: A welcoming, community-run sauna space with 90-minute sessions, whisky barrel ice baths, and a strong social vibe.
Why it’s amazing: It’s affordable, inclusive, and designed to bring people together—think of it as sauna culture at its most authentic.
Selling point: Best for a friendly, community-led experience.
- Images by Community Sauna Baths
3. The Finnish Church – Rotherhithe, London
What it offers: A slice of Finland in London, this sauna is as traditional as it gets—wood-lined interiors, intense heat, and a no-frills, deeply authentic experience.
Why it’s amazing: If you want a truly Finnish sauna without leaving the UK, this is the place to go.
Selling point: The most authentic Nordic sauna in the city.
- Images by Finnish Church
4. Seaside Sauna Haus – Dorset
What it offers: A dreamy, wood-fired sauna perched on Seatown Beach, with breathtaking coastal views and full-moon sauna nights.
Why it’s amazing: The combination of wild nature, crashing waves, and steamy heat makes for a magical experience.
Selling point: Best for a truly scenic, nature-immersed sauna session.
- Images by Seaside Sauna Haus
5. Sea Scrub Sauna – Margate & Whitstable, Kent
What it offers: A pop-up sauna experience featuring wood-fired heat, sea salt scrubs, and guided sauna sessions right on the beach.
Why it’s amazing: Wild swimming meets deep relaxation in this coastal retreat.
Selling point: Perfect for those who love the sea and a good detox.
- Images by Sea Scrub Sauna
6. Sauna Social Club – London
What it offers: A mobile sauna that appears in different scenic spots, offering guided rituals and unique experiences.
Why it’s amazing: It keeps sauna culture fresh and exciting by popping up in unexpected places.
Selling point: Ideal for those who love variety and spontaneous adventures.
- Images by Sauna Social Club
7. Steam Punk Sauna – Dover, Kent
What it offers: A quirky, steampunk-inspired sauna with a wood-burning stove and dramatic coastal views.
Why it’s amazing: It’s unlike any other sauna you’ll find—bold, creative, and full of character.
Selling point: The most unique and artistic sauna experience.
- Images by Steampunk Sauna
8. Brockwell Lido – London
What it offers: A newly designed sauna space at one of London’s most iconic lidos, perfect for contrast therapy.
Why it’s amazing: The combination of sauna heat and the icy outdoor pool is the ultimate wellness boost.
Selling point: Best for those who love a good cold plunge.
- Images by Brockwell Lido
9. Still London – Dalston, London
What it offers: A sleek, minimalist wellness retreat with infrared sauna treatments in a serene setting.
Why it’s amazing: The perfect escape for city dwellers looking for a moment of calm.
Selling point: A beautifully designed, modern take on sauna culture.
- Images by Still London
10. Banya No.1 – Hoxton, London
What it offers: A traditional Russian banya experience with intense steam, plunge pools, and invigorating Parenie leaf massages.
Why it’s amazing: For those who like their sauna experience intense and invigorating.
Selling point: The best spot for a hardcore, traditional Russian banya session.
- Images by Banya No.1
The UK has no shortage of incredible saunas, whether you're after an urban retreat, a wild coastal escape, or a deep, detoxifying heat. Saunas offer a moment to unwind, reconnect, and embrace the heat—perhaps even with an icy plunge for good measure. Which sauna will you be trying first? Let us know!
