London’s best saunas are stunning, unique and feel a million miles from the bustling streets. Forget expensive luxurious spas, these places take the sauna experience seriously. Here’s our guide to the best saunas and steam rooms in London, so you can sit back and relax.
Benefits of saunas
Spending time in a sauna promotes a deep sense of relaxation. But saunas are more than just a place to let off steam – many studies suggest they improve your wellbeing.
Some of the best health benefits of saunas:
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lowered blood pressure,
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improved heart health
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reduced inflammation
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improve stress levels
Benefits can be short term or long term, depending on the person and the sauna. Always be aware of potential risks, how long it’s safe to stay inside and check with your doctor if you have any health concerns.
The Finnish Church, Rotherhithe
The Finnish Church in Rotherhithe brings Finland’s famous sauna culture to the capital. Here, you can get yourself some löyly (the steam created by pouring water over hot rocks). At first glance, the basement of a church may not seem the most obvious place for a sauna, but many Finns consider the sauna a church of nature.
This authentic Finnish sauna in London offers public and private sessions, including separate group sessions for men and women. Bring a towel and be prepared for nudity if you’re using the public sauna.
Banya No.1, Chiswick
If your idea of a sauna is inside a log cabin, then Banya No. 1 is perfect for you. This Russian-style bath house offers more than just relaxing sauna experiences. You can enjoy a sound bath inside, get an Aroma Steam, or have a parenie and be vigorously massaged using birch or oak twigs. Cool off in a freezing plunge pool afterwards.
The private Banya Taiga steam room for up to 8 people is an oak cabin made of 150- to 200-year-old Karelian pine with an incredible rustic scent. Enjoy Eastern European refreshments and a vodka shot to complete your Russian Banya London experience.
Porchester Spa
Porchester Spa is perfect if you want a Turkish sauna in London without the luxury price tags common in London. Thought to be London’s oldest spa, Porchester saunas are in an art deco building, which also has a library and is home to the West London Buddhist Centre.
There’s a vintage vibe here, with a cold plunge pool, a Turkish bath and two hot sauna rooms: the dry Laconium sauna and the Calidarium steam room. This isn’t the place for hen-do pampering, and there are no big fluffy towels or relaxing music. But what it lacks in luxury, it makes up for in character.
Yue Float, Wandsworth
For a sauna experience with red-light therapy, head to Yue Float. Its full-spectrum infrared sauna in London’s Wandsworth uses light as a natural heat source, designed to ease muscle aches and post-workout pains. Unlike a traditional sauna, you can control the temperature, lighting and audio to create your perfect ambiance.
For an extra dose of relaxation, follow your sauna session with an hour in the float pod, letting your mind drift as your body floats free from gravity in Epsom salted water. The hard bit is getting yourself awake enough at the end to make it back to your hotel.
We recommend you continue pampering yourself with a stay at The Clermont, Victoria or The Clermont, Charing Cross. Here, you can choose from rooms and suites with relaxing bathtubs or walk-in showers for a luxury stay that refreshes you, body and soul.
