If you are seeking rest, relaxation and recalibration whilst immersed in nature, then these wild saunas in Sussex might just be your answer.
Wild saunas have captivated Sussex, and it’s no surprise why. With more and more people dodging the pub and more invested in their health, saunas have popped up all over Sussex, many along the coastline and some inland too.
Saunas are traditionally a vital part of Finnish culture, rooted in health, well-being and socialisation. Saunas originate back thousands of years in Finnish culture, having evolved from simple earth dug pits to what we know today with sleek wooden structures.
I, for one, am a massive fan of contrast therapy. My favourite type of sea swim is when the sea is at its coldest. Having the benefits of a sauna directly before and after my sea swim does wonders for my mental health and I know many others are feeling the benefits too.
Sussex makes the perfect backdrop for a wild sauna, whether it is along our pebbled beaches or tucked away by a natural pool.
Saunas in Sussex
Sauna Yoku, Cuckfield
Sauna Yoku has created a beautiful community surrounding its hand-crafted, wood-fired sauna. The sauna is available for private hire, community sauna sessions or as part of local wellbeing events.
This wild sauna is located on a hilltop at Holmstead Farm, overlooking the ancient woodlands of West Sussex. Take a refreshing dip in the wild swimming pond to alternate the hot/cold therapy. Alternatively, there is also a cold shower on site if you prefer.
Where: Staplefield Rd, Haywards Heath RH17 5JT
Wild Spa Wowo, Uckfield
Wild Spa Wowo lives up to its mission as a retreat spa in a magical forest glade. It aims to provide a therapeutic wellbeing experience whilst immersed in nature.
Offering three unique saunas in Sussex year-round, you can choose from the following:
- The Wild Sauna, an original hot nordic style sauna trailer for an intense steam.
- The Cosy Woodland Sauna, a clay-lined silent sauna and a wood-fired hot tub (for winter only)
- The Forest Room, a relaxing, warm greenhouse with a forest view to stay warm.
There are a variety of cool-down options, including an invigorating cold plunge pool that leaves you feeling truly revitalised. There are hammocks and chill-out areas where you can gaze up into the trees.
Treat yourself to some body pampering with clay masks, body scrubs and more from our natural spa treatment menu.
Wellbeing curator and creator, Katie has years of experience setting up saunas along the South East coast, making it a truly considered wellbeing space. You can book into a stretchy, nature yoga class or a healing massage whilst on site.
Where: Wapsbourne Manor, Uckfield TN22 3QT
Kindred Sauna, Horsham
Kindred Sauna is located in the iconic Knepp re-wilded estate. Sink into this Nordic-style wood-fired sauna. Embrace the elements by cooling off in the natural pond. Kindred Sauna is available for community bookings, private hire and a range of events.
Aptly named after Mother Earth, Gaia is Kindred’s 8-seater sauna, which is a hand-built cedar-clad sauna, rooted in nature. It is spacious enough for the communal sessions and offers a little slice of luxury surrounded by nature.
Kindred’s owners actually travelled to Finland for some in-depth research on how to build this authentic, wild sauna.
Tara is the cosier, 5-6 seated sauna, lovingly transformed from a former horse box. Crafted with Siberian larch and powered by a volcanic rock stove, you can unwind with some of the finest sauna steam, also known as “löyly”.
Cosy, characterful, and full of charm, this smaller sauna is perfect for a private session with a partner, a small group of friends, or a quiet catch-up with someone special.
On site is The Yoga Garden, a handcrafted yurt set within a wild-flower meadow, where you can enjoy the chorus of birdsong whilst sinking deep into a nurturing yoga class. There are a range of luscious, restorative treatments and massages you can choose from additionally.
Where: Knepp Safaris, Yoga Garden, Swallows Lane, Dial Post, Horsham RH13 8NN
Fire, Sea, Salt, Worthing
Encompassing the elements along Worthing seafront, Fire, Salt & Sea is a personal favourite of mine as it is my local. This Finnish-style sauna is converted from a vintage horse box and offers visitors panoramic views out to sea through the full-width window.
Whatever the weather, you’ll be truly surrounded by the elements in this wild sauna along Worthing’s pebbled beach. If the tide is out, there are buckets of water to cool down.
You truly feel immersed in nature with spectacular views of the beach and sea from the full-width window.
Sauna hats are provided, alongside refreshing cups of water to cool down, and Dave provides delicious chopped oranges, which feel like the ultimate addition to this experience.
This is one of my favourite Things to do in Worthing.
Where: Fire Salt Sea, Worthing Seafront, Opposite Heene Terrace, BN11 3FN
Glo Sauna, Goring
Glo Sauna is located in Goring-by-Sea, right on the seafront, enabling guests to alternate from the hot, cosy sauna to the biting cold sea. Like many other saunas, Glo Sauna was born out of a deep appreciation of Finnish sauna rituals.
Hosted by the wonderful Andi, this is a truly relaxing experience. With gentle music humming in the background, you can also avail of the wonderful clay mask for peak relaxation and self-care.
With a large glass door and landscape-shaped window, you can appreciate the stunning sea views along the coast.
Just a stones throw from Sea Lane cafe – you can stop off for a nice bit of lunch, coffee or cake afterwards.
Where: One groyne west of Sea Lane Cafe, Goring by Sea, Worthing BN12 4HR
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