Sauna by the River
Whitby’s Hidden Wild Sauna.
Tucked away on the banks of the river lies a sauna you won’t quite believe the setup until you get here!
Located just South of Whitby at This has to be one of the greatest locations for a sauna in the UK! Come and get it!
Wood-fired heat, cold dips straight into the river, and a forest canopy that feels worlds away from Whitby — even though it’s just minutes from town. It’s a little wild sauna, right on the river.
Thursday Afternoons/Evenings
Thursdays at the river sauna are all about unwinding and getting ready for the weekend — gentle heat, calm water, and a pace that carries you softly into the weekend ahead. A quiet, wild pause
All Day Fridays
Fridays at the river sauna are a perfect reset — fire on, steam rising, and the river ready for a cold dip. It’s a simple, wild way to shake off the week and ease yourself into the weekend.
All Day Saturdays (special extended sessions)
Saturdays at the river sauna feel slow, warm, and unhurried — long steams, lazy dips in the river, and that weekend energy where everyone settles in a little deeper. It’s a different approach to our usual sessions. 1.45 hours to soak, steam and chill.
Bank Holiday Monday (2 hr sessions)
There’s nothing quite like the river and the sauna on a Bank Holiday Monday. No rushing about. No clock watching. Just take your time, soak up the heat, jump in the river, sit by the water, and properly slow down for a bit.
Sunday Afternoons/ Evenings
Finish the weekend with uber chill sesh at the river!
Faqs
If there’s anything we haven’t covered here, just get in touch — we’re always happy to help.
Do I need to bring anything?
Yes:
A towel to sit on
A second towel if you plan to get in the river
Swimwear
Flip-flops or river shoes are handy but not essential
Water to stay hydrated
What about parking?
We have limited space: Parking is tight, so:
Please car share if you can
Park efficiently with minimal gaps
Enter via the orange cone, exit by the garage
This helps us protect the space and keep everything running smoothly.
Are there changing facilities?
Yes — this sauna is wild, but we do have private changing facilities on-site.
How deep is the river?
It shifts from knee- to shoulder-depth depending on where you step in. We’ll show you the safe entry points.
Can I come alone?
Yes — many people do. It’s a peaceful, welcoming space, and you’ll be looked after.
Can I swim properly in the river?
Yes — absolutely. People have been swimming the Esk for generations. The river undulates between shallow and deeper sections, and it’s entirely possible to swim from Sleights to Ruswarp if you know the route and the water. At our sauna spot, the depth shifts from waist to shoulder height, and you can definitely enjoy a real, refreshing swim as well as gentle dipping and floating. We’ll point out the safest entry and exit spots when you arrive.
Where is the sauna?
A few minutes south of Whitby on the river. You will get full details when you sign up.
