The rise of outdoor saunas - and the spas where you can find them

Sauna culture has been on the rise in the UK, but as more of us discover the combined benefits of holistic wellbeing, including thermal experiences, cold water swimming, and being out and about in nature, it's outdoor saunas that are the UK’s latest (and enduring) wellness trend.

For a little context, the British Sauna Society said that "the number of Finnish-style public saunas in the UK doubled between early 2023 and 2024, jumping from 45 to 90, a figure that’s predicted to exceed 200 in 2025", according to Vogue.

Most of us in the UK associate saunas with going to the gym, the swimming pool, or perhaps to a spa on luxury occasions, and very much as an addendum to the main activity. However, in other countries, especially Scandinavian regions, sauna culture is deeply rooted in the way of life and wellbeing. It's that mindset that the UK is beginning to borrow from, as more of us embrace the merits of looking after our health on a holistic level.

Quoting Emma O'Kelly, author of Sauna – The Power of Deep Heat, the BBC writes:

"every culture, through every age, has enjoyed its own form of sweat bathing. From the Ottoman hammam and Mayan temazcal to the Japanese mushi-buro and kama-buro, from the banyas of Russia to the saunas of Finland, heat therapy has stood the test of time, waxing and waning in popularity, and crossing continents in various iterations".

Anyone who has spent any time in thermal suites will know at least some of the health benefits of saunas - anecdotally or otherwise. Aside from being the ideal antidote to a cold water plunge, they can be deeply soothing for aching muscles, and restorative in the winter months. A catalogue of other benefits are recorded, both for saunas in their own right, and as part of a wider thermal experience. For example, Portsmouth Hospital writes:

"Sauna heat can help increase blood flow in the body and deliver oxygen to muscles to aid in the recovery process. Sauna bathing can also improve sleep by triggering the release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins help reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation and regulate circadian rhythms."

Spas with outdoor saunas

While some choose to go to the effort of building their own sauna as part of a wellness retreat at home, perhaps one of the most inspiring places in which we can find the best outdoor sauna designs and experiences, are at the innovative spas that are incorporating them into their offering. From luxury spa destinations to unique eco-friendly wellness retreats, it's an opportunity to blend sauna benefits with the power of nature. Here are a few favourite spas with outdoor saunas you have to try:

Open-air wellness experiences at Wild Spa Wowo

A unique, open-air spa experience that changes with the seasons and is designed to help you reconnect with nature, Wild Spa Wowo is a wellbeing experience like nothing you've ever seen before. Amongst other things, it features three outdoor heat experiences: The Wild Sauna - an intense, Nordic-style sauna; The Cosy Woodland Sauna - a clay-lined silent sauna; and The Forest Room - a relaxing, steamy warm greenhouse with a forest view.

A sauna with a view at Rockliffe Hall

Rockliffe Hall is known for being a luxury destination. The spectacular manor house sits in 375 acres on the banks of the River Tees, and features an exquisite hotel alongside the spa. The spa is an experience in its own right, with 50,000 square feet of facilities. A world of indoor experiences is accompanied by an outdoor hot tub, decking and lounging areas. There's also a dedicated spa garden, which is an exclusive space comprising an outdoor infinity edge pool, warmed loungers, glass fronted sauna and sumptuous daybeds. It is run in pre-booked sessions throughout the day.

Spa garden at The Spa at Carden

The Spa at Carden is part of a vast Cheshire estate, set in 1000 acres, and complete with a decadent hotel, its own vineyard, and of course its own Carden Park Estate Reserve sparkling wine. The spa is spectacular - a two-storey building with a wide range of pools and thermal facilities. It is accompanied by a 2,500 square metre spa garden. Providing the opportunity to experience both the indoors and outdoors all year round, not least a sauna with a floor-to-ceiling window and a view of the grounds.

Rooftop wellness at Rudding Park

The hotel at Rudding Park has a reputation that precedes it, making you feel as though you've stepped into a Jane Austin novel with a modern upgrade. The spa is a contemporary world all of its own however. Vast swathes of glass allow you to enjoy the view of the grounds come rain or shine, and facilities glide from inside out offering a range of all-weather experiences. The adult-only spa has multiple floors with different pools, relaxation lounges and treatment rooms, as well as experiences including the sunlight therapy room, which safely replicates natural sunlight in relaxing 20-minute sessions. At the top you will find the rooftop spa garden. Here you can relax in the infinity pool on cool, sunny days or under sultry grey clouds or saunas and steam rooms with a view.

An outdoor spa terrace at Hoar Cross Hall

Hoar Cross Hall has always been known for decadent escapes - perfect for a romantic getaway, but with the space to enjoy time with friends as well. Facilities including a 26-metre saltwater vitality pool and Kneipp pools, heated loungers, a Snooze Room, and a Slumber Lounge are all part of it. More recently however, they have added the spectacular Spa Terrace, complete with three 15-metre thermal pools, Brass Monkey Cold Barrels for cold water immersion therapy, a glass-fronted juniper log sauna, and cabanas with 'room service'. There’s also a Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge and fire pits surrounded by comfy seating so you can cosy up under the stars late into the evening.