If you’re looking to try a unique wellness activity in Dorset, why not visit one of the fantastic beach saunas dotted along the Jurassic Coast? Beach saunas have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, with many wanting to experience this traditional Nordic past time paired with a cold-water dip.
We’re fortunate to have a selection of beach saunas just a stone’s throw from our Swanage Holiday Park. Here’s our pick of the best beach saunas in Dorset to try during your camping or caravan break
East Dorset
Swanage Beach, Swanage
Swanage Bay Sauna
Swanage Bay Sauna is situated in an idyllic location, right on the water’s edge. It has floor to ceiling windows, boasting beautiful views across Swanage Bay.
The sauna is open from sunrise to sunset daily for pre-booked sessions and walk-ins ranging from 15 minutes to an hour. Join a communal session for 5 people, or book a private session for your family and friends (up to 10 people).
After your visit, we recommend a visit to neighbouring Carve Coffee Roasters for a delicious specialty coffee and sweet treat.
Knoll Beach, Studland
Studland Sauna Hut
There are two sauna huts to choose from at Knoll Beach on the Studland Peninsula. The ‘Little’ Hut can accommodate up to 6 people and The ‘Large Hut’ welcomes groups of up to 10.
If you don’t mind an early wakeup, we encourage you to book a sunrise session for the perfect start to the day. You’ll be treated to magnificent views towards Old Harry Rocks and if you’re lucky, pretty colours in the sky.
Both huts are open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and both days of the weekend 7am – 7pm for exclusive bookings only. The team are happy to open on other days by appointment.
Sandbanks Beach, Poole
The Saltwater Sauna
Sandbanks is an iconic location, known for having some of the most expensive real estate in the world! What better place to escape the hustle and bustle and spend some ‘me time’ whilst taking in the views.
One of the things that sets this sauna apart from the rest, is the range of experiences on offer. In addition to standard communal and private sessions, you can book a 90-minute guided ritual designed to take you through the elements of air, water, fire and earth to maximise the saunas health benefits.
The ritual includes scrubs, aromatherapy and moisturising masks – an unbeatable wellness experience!
Lulworth Cove, Lulworth
The Saltwater Sauna
A brand-new beach sauna will be coming to Lulworth Cove in the near future! This new venture is part of the established Saltwater Sauna group. It promises a unique location to immerse yourself in hot and cold water therapy at one of the best-loved natural beauty spots on the Jurassic Coast.
Whilst an opening date has yet to be confirmed, it is anticipated that the sauna will operate year-round.
Avon Beach, Christchurch
The Saltwater Sauna
If you’re heading to the Christchurch area – we recommend a visit to the Avon Beach sauna. Like the rest of the saunas on this list, the Avon Beach Sauna benefits from a waterfront location – the perfect place to warm up post cold-water swim.
We particularly like visiting on a cold and blustery day. There’s something quite special about watching the wet and windy conditions from the warmth of the sauna!
South Dorset
Weymouth Beach, Weymouth
Revive Wild Saunas
Experience an authentic wood-fired sauna on Weymouth Beach this summer. Enjoy the heat as you admire the views across Weymouth Bay!
The team at Revive Saunas regularly host guided experiences, which offer an insight into sauna culture and how to benefit from cold water therapy.
Combine your trip to Weymouth with a walk along the historic harbour and a meal in one of the tasty restaurants.
This sauna is open on Tuesdays and weekends.
Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth
Revive Wild Saunas
The Bowleaze Cove sauna is one of two beach saunas in Weymouth. It offers a unique viewpoint from which to soak up the scenery with views across Weymouth Bay and towards the Isle of Portland in the distance.
This is a ‘wild sauna’ without facilities, so you are encouraged to arrive in your swimwear, ready to go. Booking online is encouraged – the saunas is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and both days of the weekend.
Portland Marina, Isle of Portland
Revive Wild Saunas
Whilst the Portland Marina sauna is not technically a ‘beach sauna’, we had to include it on the list. This floating sauna was the first of its kind in the UK and occupies a unique pontoon location, with views of the boats moored nearby!
Like the rest of the saunas in the Revive Wild Saunas group, it is available to book for private and group sessions. Access the sea via a ladder before rinsing off in one of the fresh water showers.
The Portland Marina sauna is open on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Black Barge Beach, Portland
The Island Sauna
The Island Sauna is located next to the historic Portland Castle, providing a quiet and secluded place to relax on the Dorset coast. From the sauna you can enjoy uninterrupted views across Portland Harbour where a variety of seabirds and even dolphins can often be seen!
One of the stand out features of the Island Sauna is the variety of sessions available. Combine your sauna visit with a guided Piritis ritual or a breathwork, mindfulness and meditation class.
The sauna can accommodate up to 8 people as part of a private or communal booking.
West Dorset
Seatown Beach, Seatown
Seaside Sauna Haus
Treat yourself to some well-earned R&R at the Seaside Sauna Haus on Seatown Beach. This traditional wood-fired sauna was one of the first beach saunas in Dorset and has earned an excellent reputation among visitors and locals.
The sauna has tiered L-shaped seating, providing a comfortable place to sit and socialise. Private and communal sessions are available. The full moon sauna is well worth a visit!
Sandy Beach, Lyme Regis
Shoreline Sauna
Sit back and relax in the Shoreline Sauna in Lyme Regis – the pearl of the Jurassic Coast. This colourful beach front sauna is open Thursday to Sunday for online bookings and walk in’s on the day.
When you need to cool off, take a tip in the outdoor bath or make a quick dash to the sea. Select essential oils to pour over the hot stones to further enhance your experience.
There is a small changing room on site, but you are advised to arrive ‘swim ready’ to maximise time in the sauna. There are no toilets or showers, but there are public facilities nearby.
The sauna accommodates up to 6 people. Private sessions can be booked online.
East Pier, West Bay
The Bayside Sauna
This authentic woodfired sauna is situated on the East Pier at West Bay. The panoramic windows provide unbeatable views of East Cliff – one of the best loved vistas on the Jurassic Coast. On a clear day you can even see the Isle of Portland in the distance.
Where to stay
Ulwell Holiday Park is the ideal base for exploring beach saunas across Dorset. Choose from a range of accommodation, including luxury holiday homes, scenic touring and camping pitches and quirky glamping accommodation.
