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First Visit & Etiquette

  • To make the most of your sauna session, we recommend bringing:

    • Swimwear

    • A towel to sit on in the sauna

    • A second towel to dry off

    • Pool sliders or flip-flops

    • A water bottle

    • A plastic bag for wet items

    • A sauna hat (optional but very chic)

    More First Time details

  • Sauna Etiquette:

    To keep the space calm and respectful for everyone:

    • Sit on a towel inside the sauna

      Please bring two towels with you. One to sit on and one to dry yourself with.

    • One ladle at a time

      Ask others before adding water to the stones and pause between ladles. It takes time for the heat to have an effect and too much water kills the fire.

    • Be mindful of others' experiences 

      This is a community space. Please be mindful of your noise level within the sauna. Some sauna’s are quiet.

    • Shower before you plunge

      Please rinse off your sweat! It helps keep the plunges fresh for everyone.

    • Toplessness is optional for all genders at Hackney Wick

      Please be covered from the waist down at all other sites.

    • We are a neutral body space

      Please do not comment on people’s bodies or tattoos, even if you have positive intentions.

    • Essential oils guidance 

      Only put our aromatherapy ices on the rocks. Putting the wrong essential oils can affect the customers’ safety. Please ask our team for more info.

    • This is a sober space

      The closest we’ve got to alcohol here is the whisky barrel plunges

    • This is a phone-free zone

      Please do not bring your phone inside the sauna. You are welcome to take pictures outside, but please ask for consent in advance. 

  • We love a good scent session - but for the safety and comfort of everyone, we ask that you leave your essential oils at home.

    Why? Here’s the lowdown:

    • We can’t guarantee quality, and some oils can irritate others when heated.

    • Too much of a good thing becomes... a headache. Overuse can make the air overwhelming.

    • Allergies are real, and heat intensifies reactions.

    • Fire risk - oils on hot sauna stones are a no-no.

    That said, our trained facilitators may use essential oils during specific guided rituals where the vibes (and doses) are properly managed.

The Sauna Experience

  • Each session is 1h - 1.5h long, and you’re welcome to use the sauna for as much of that time as you'd like. We recommend doing a few rounds, cool off, sip some water, repeat. There’s no wrong way to warm up - just listen to your body.

  • Our saunas typically range from 70°C to 95°C depending on the type of sauna and the time of day. We love a bit of heat variety.

    Some are gently heated (ideal for families or first-timers), while others are hotter and more intense. You can find temperature details for each sauna on a sign posted near the sauna or ask a staff member onsite.

  • Not a chance. Some sites feature mobile barrel saunas, others have fixed wood-fired or electric saunas. Each one has a slightly different atmosphere and heat profile, but all offer a calm, restorative experience.

Cold Plunge & Safety

  • Not at all. It's completely optional. You’re welcome to enjoy the sauna without taking the plunge. However, it is amazing and cold plunge is included in the price.

  • Most people stay in for 10-60 seconds. Think of it as espresso for your nervous system. Get in, breathe deep, get out when your body says so.

  • While cold plunges are generally safe for most people, we encourage you to listen to your body and do what feels right for you. If you have heart conditions, are pregnant, or have concerns, consult a professional first.

Site Access & Arrival

  • Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for check-in, changing and settling in. Sessions begin promptly and late arrivals will lose sauna time.

  • We currently have saunas in Bermondsey, Camberwell, Hackney Wick, Peckam, Stratford and Walthamstow

    Peckham is temporarily closed. Walthamstow is opening soon! For site-specific info, visit each location’s page.

Lost Property

  • Each of our sites sees a lot of soggy towels, water bottles, flip-flops and forgotten jumpers every day, so tracking everything can be a bit like chasing steam. The best (and fastest) way to find your lost item is to pop down to the site and ask our crew - they’re happy to have a look for you.

    A few things to know:

    • If you left behind something like a towel, swimsuit or t-shirt, it probably took a trip to the laundry. That usually returns the following week.

    • For valuables (like headphones, wallets or jewellery), we recommend coming by sooner rather than later.

    • Clothes, towels, and water bottles are donated to charity after 1 month

    • Valuables are held for 3 months

    We do our best to reunite lost items with their owners, but with so many bodies in and out each day, it’s not always possible. Thanks for understanding and we hope your things find their way back to you soon.

Accessibility

  • Accessibility info can be found on our Accessibility page

Booking & Cancellations

  • Yes, but not essential - we reserve a small number of spots for walk-ins. Please note we have limited space, so we strongly suggest booking your session in advance to avoid any disappointment. Your future self will thank you.

  • Use our app or booking page. Select your preferred location on first login; other sites can be chosen from the dropdown.

    • Open the app and cancel the session

    • You must cancel your current session before rescheduling

    • Cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund

    • No refunds/reschedules within 24 hours - the steam waits for no one

    • Refunds take up to 5 working days

  • Yes, up to 15 bookings under one name. After one booking, select 'Additional Booking' to repeat.

  • Each booking must be cancelled individually.

Waitlist

  • When a session is full, select 'Join Waitlist.' It’s free and easy.

  • You'll receive an email with a booking link. All spots are first come, first served. The sauna’s hot but spots are hotter.

  • We understand delays happen so you are more than welcome to still join us if you are running late. Please note that your time in the heat will be shorter as your session time cannot be extended.

  • Sessions go ahead in all weather. We may use infrared heaters outdoors, but please bring warm, dry clothes.

Gift Cards

  • Gift cards can be used at any site and used only when booking sessions online. Check our Gift Card page for more information.

Regulars Club & Concessions

  • Regulars Club is a membership for £23/month that gives you:

    • 50%+ off sauna sessions

    • £5 Off-Peak / £8 Peak sessions

    • £93 private hire (normally £110)

    • Members-only peak-time slots

    • Walk-in discounts

    Not valid for events/treatments. Join us.

  • Simply email support@community-sauna.co.uk. You’ll remain active for the rest of your billing cycle. Cancelling within the first month triggers one more billing cycle.

  • Absolutely, we believe that access to warm, rest and meaningful connection shouldn’t depend on your financial situation. We offer discounted rates from just £5 and free sauna access for those who need it most. Check out our concession membership for more details. It’s worth noting that concession prices aren’t available for walk-ins.

    We also provide 10 free sessions for those socially prescribed via the NHS & selected charities. We support over 10 charities and their members in attending our saunas on either a weekly or a bi-weekly basis. This includes complimentary sauna sessions, assistance with transportation costs, swimwear, and sauna facilitation. For more questions on our award-winning social prescribing and outreach scheme, email polly@community-sauna.co.uk.

Private Hire

  • Book a private 5-person sauna via the app or booking page.

    • Price: £110 (or £93 if you’re a Regulars Club member)

    • Facilities are shared; the sauna is all yours

    • You can cancel your booking at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund - refunds take up to 5 working days

  • Lunar Lodge

    • Tues–Thurs: £450 (£382.50 for members)

    • Fri–Sun: £500 (£425 for members)

    • Max 22 (20 for comfort)

    • Private showers and 8 person plunge

    • You can cancel your booking up to a week in advance for a full refund - refunds take up to 5 working days

Children, Families & Pets

  • Children 6+ are welcome with an adult, inside and outside the sauna, but please note that no childcare is provided. Unfortunately, concession rates do not apply to children.

  • Two grown-ups can tag-team sauna time on one ticket while caring for a baby in our garden space. Only one guardian in the sauna at a time. Please kindly let the staff know at check-in.

    • Mamma Swim (Wed 11–1, Hackney Wick): mums + baby swap support

    • Mothers Recharge (Thurs 10–11, Camberwell): sauna, cold plunge and connection

    • Family Sauna (Weds AM in Camberwell & Bermondsey): gentle saunas for kids + hotter sauna for adults (this is only for the summer)

  • Guide/assistance dogs are welcome. Other pets? Best to leave them at home.

Massage & Treatments

Health & Safety

  • If you’re pregnant, have a heart condition, or a medical concern, check with your GP before using the sauna or plunge.

If you still have questions, drop us a line - we’re happy to help. support@community-sauna.co.uk