The Best Beach Saunas in the UK: Where to Warm Up After a Wild Swim

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of following a character-building swim in the sea with a relaxing session in the steaming warmth of a beach sauna. As the popularity of wild swimming continues to grow in the UK (our wild swimming safety trips are essential reading for all experience levels), outdoor saunas are popping up all along the coastline, offering swimmers and wellness-lovers alike, the chance to warm up, chill out, chat with like-minded folks, and come together to soak in stunning sea views. 

Whether you're a committed cold water swimmer or simply looking to reap the health benefits of taking time to unwind in nature, a dip in the sea combined with a sauna sesh feels like smoothing on a healing balm onto our weary, overstimulated modern souls. 

If you’re keen to jump on board the bustling sauna bandwagon and wondering where to find an outdoor sauna in the UK, this guide has you covered. From traditional Finnish-style wood-fired saunas to glass-fronted saunas with ocean views, social hubs, and pop-up saunas in stunning remote locations, we've uncovered ten of the very best beach saunas in the UK - designed to invigorate, heal and promote mental and physical well-being. 

Grab your cozzie, flip flops, and a changing robe - it's time to hit the beach!

Why Use a Beach Sauna After a Wild Swim

Wild swimming is literally the coolest activity around right now. If you're wondering what all the hype is about then hop on over to our comprehensive guide to wild swimming for a deep dive (pun intended) into the activity, including tips on how to get started and how to stay safe.

After you emerge from your uber-trendy wild swim, you're guaranteed to be feeling invigorated, but also pretty chilly! Jumping inside a beach sauna provides the perfect remedy, offering a warm, soothing environment that helps your muscles relax as your core temperature steadily rises. The heat from the sauna stimulates circulation, helping to relieve any aches and pains built up during your swim, while also promoting recovery. Put simply, it’s a super-natural way to rejuvenate after a swim, helping to reduce muscle soreness and restore balance to your body, all while enjoying the calming, peaceful atmosphere of hanging out by the beach.

In addition to the physical benefits, saunas are great for our mental health and well-being. The gentle sound of the waves, the fresh sea breeze, and the wide open beach views all enhance the calming effects of the sauna experience. It’s the ideal place to reconnect with nature, clear your mind, and unwind after the adrenaline rush of a freezing swim in the sea. Whether you’re enjoying a solo 'me-time' moment of peace or socialising with fellow swimmers, the combination of the heat from the sauna and the tranquillity of the seaside offers a holistic, restorative experience for both body and mind.

Recent research suggests that even just 57 minutes of weekly sauna exposure can lead to improved metabolism, enhanced well-being, and increased performance - it's time to get involved!

What to Expect from a Beach Sauna Experience

When visiting a beach sauna, you can expect a range of experiences depending on whether the sauna is public or private. Public saunas often operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with some requiring booking in advance, especially during peak times. Many pop-up saunas along the coast are set up seasonally, offering a more spontaneous option for those looking to enjoy the sauna by the sea without much notice. Private saunas, on the other hand, tend to offer more exclusivity, often with pre-booking systems and reserved slots. Be sure to check the booking details ahead of time to secure your spot, especially on weekends and in popular areas.

In terms of what to bring, make sure you pack towels, a swimsuit, and flip-flops to keep comfortable before and after your swim. It’s also essential to bring your own drinking water, as staying hydrated is key when using a sauna. As for sauna etiquette, it’s important to respect the quiet spaces of the sauna to ensure a calming atmosphere for all guests. Many beachside saunas encourage guests to cool off between sessions - either by taking a dip in the sea or using a cold plunge pool if available - before returning to the heat to maximise the health benefits. If you’re new to sauna traditions, remember to always sit on a towel, keep conversation to a minimum, and allow others the space they need to relax.

Kiln Community Sauna, Falmouth, Cornwall, England

Recognised as the UK's Best Community Sauna by the British Sauna Society in 2024, Kiln provides a genuinely inclusive space for relaxation and community connection.

Located on Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, both saunas - Kiln Quay and Gylly Beach - are modern, beautifully built saunas with panoramic windows overlooking the sea. Dreamy.

Highlight: Reduced rate packages for locals designed to make the sauna as affordable 

The Beach Box Sauna Spa, Brighton, East Sussex, England

One of the original beachside saunas in the UK, the award-winning Beach Box Sauna Spa in Brighton is widely considered to be the go-to destination for folks looking to combine the healing benefits of sauna with the invigorating effects of wild swimming in the English Channel.

Just steps from the sea, there's three saunas to choose from here. Lotta - the largest of the beachside bunch - is a cedar-clad 9-12 person sauna, the aspen-clad Loyla is ideal for groups from 8-10, and the smallest is Leil (6 person).

Highlight: Cool off between visits in the steel tub, plunge pool and slipper bath, take a cold freshwater shower, or run and jump into the sea for the ultimate invigoration!

The Saltwater Sauna, Poole, Dorset, England

Founded by a couple of cold water immersion experts with a passion for Nordic bathing, social belonging and everyday wellness, The Saltwater Sauna is tucked away in the dunes on Sandbanks beach, near Poole.

Blending traditional sauna rituals with the refreshing contrasts of cold water immersion, this unique beachside retreat features two beautifully crafted contemporary saunas (6 and 8-10 person), where folks can unwind, detoxify, and rejuvenate while soaking in breathtaking views of the sea.

Highlight: Guided rituals, salt inhalations, and optional sea dips ensure a holistic wellness journey with a focus on community, connection, and self-care. 

Elie Seaside Sauna, Anstruther, Fife, Scotland

Nestled in the dunes on the stunning East Neuk of Fife, just a short stroll from Woodhaven Bay and Elie Beach, the Elie Seaside Sauna provides a peaceful haven to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. 

There are two saunas available: the Dune Sauna, a cozy space for 6-8 people, perfect for private bookings, and the Shore Sauna, which can accommodate up to 10 sauna-goers and is available for individual bookings. Both saunas offer floor-to-ceiling windows and have been thoughtfully positioned to ensure uninterrupted views of the dunes, beach and North Sea beyond.

Highlight: The saunas' full-length, heat-tempered, glass windows that look out over the beach

Escape Sauna, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland

Perched on the dunes overlooking the sea, this contemporary sauna and plunge pool is located at Drift - an award-winning coffeehouse with views of the Firth of Forth and East Lothian's iconic Bass Rock.

With space for 5 people max, the Escape Sauna is perfect for small groups or individuals looking for an intimate coastal sauna experience.

Highlight: A stunning seaside sauna with coffee and cake on site - what's not to like?!?!

Watershed Sauna, Findhorn, Moray, Scotland

This wonderful wood-fired, Nordic-style mobile sauna is situated on Findhorn East Beach in Moray - a stunning and too often overlooked area of Scotland.

Thoughtfully constructed within a vintage horsebox, The Watershed Sauna is meticulously designed, comes with sauna-grade Alder timber benches and cladding, and is heated by an authentic Finnish wood-fired stove. Opt for communal sessions, if you're looking to meet new people, or a private group booking for a more personalised experience. 

Highlight: The combination of the superb location and the stunning sauna itself - it's truly special stuff.

HotBox Sea Sauna, Benone Strand, Limavady, Northern Ireland

Located right on the shores of Bernone Strand - a 7 mile white sandy beach on the wild Causeway Coast - the HotBox is Northern Ireland's original sea sauna. 

The perfect place to retreat after an adrenaline-inducing dip in the icy Atlantic Ocean, this cosy Finnish wood-fired sauna accommodates 6 adventurous souls and can be booked for shared or private sessions.

Highlight: The unbeatable oceanfront setting - watch the waves roll in through the sauna window while enjoying the deep, dry heat of the wood burner. Mega bliss after a bracing cold-water swim!

The Sea Sauna, Portrane, Co. Dublin, Ireland

Perched on the scenic Tower Bay Beach in Portrane, Co. Dublin, The Sea Sauna is made up of three authentic Finnish-style, wood-fired saunas - all with stunning panoramic views of the Irish Sea.

Each sauna offers a different kind of experience so there's something for all levels of user. Sauna connoisseurs will want to embrace the intense heat of The Snug, while those seeking a more versatile experience - or newcomers to the whole sauna scene - may prefer The Barrel or The Box.

Highlight: A range of saunas catering for different users really makes these guys stand out!

Ty Sawna, Gower, Swansea, Wales

Based on Oxwich Bay Beach, Ty Sawna was established by Harri - a travelling yogi who experienced the life-changing benefits of sauna therapy in Ireland and felt compelled to return home to Wales to share her passion for seaside saunas with others.

There's two beautifully crafted saunas to choose from here - Ty Bach Twt (8 person) and the larger Ty Mawr (10 person). Both are powered by wood-burning stoves and come with cleverly-designed half-moon panoramic windows and awesome ocean views.

Highlight: The Thursday Club Sauna Sessions provide a refreshing alternative to typical pub socialising, offering a healthy, mindful space where folks can unwind and connect with others.

Wildwater Sauna, Various Locations, Pembrokeshire, Wales

There's so many breathtaking beaches in Pembrokeshire - the UK's only completely coastal national park - it would be a shame to limit your sauna experience to just one spot. Enter Wildwater Sauna – the mobile sauna that brings the warmth wherever your seaside adventures take you!

Regularly parked up at the stunning Porthclais Harbour and nearby Whitesands Beach, this contemporary black timber-clad wood-fired sauna was handmade in Denmark and recently featured in The Times Newspaper as one of the UK's best saunas by the sea.

If you're planning a visit to the area, then hop on over to our Insider's Guide to Pembrokeshire for adventure inspiration!

Highlight: The ever-changing beachside location means no two sessions are quite the same - plus, it’s a great excuse to explore more of the rugged and dramatic Pembrokeshire coast

Looking for more opportunities to unwind by the sea? Our guide to the Best Remote Beaches in the UK is guaranteed to get those sandy seclusion vibes going!