United Kingdom·June - September
Sauna Saturday at the river near Whitby
A slower Saturday by the river — longer sessions, deeper heat, more time to unwind.
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Overview
Tucked away by the river is our little hidden sauna spot — wood-fired heat, rolling steam, and the gentle sound of the water right beside you. This is Whitby Wellbeing’s wild spa. Fire, water, fresh air, and the simple rhythm of heat up… cool down… breathe… repeat. As the sauna warms your bones and the steam fills the space, the week begins to melt away. When you’re ready, step out for a dip in the cool, clear river or sit quietly on the pontoon and watch the world slow down. These sessions run for 1.5 hours, so there’s no rush. Take your time. Warm up, cool off, sit by the river, chat, breathe, or just stare at the trees for a bit. You’ll leave feeling lighter, calmer, and properly reset — that deep glow you only get from fire, cold water, and a bit of time outside.
Highlights
Physical Health
Sauna use lowers the risk of stroke and high blood pressure, supports a healthy heart, eases chronic pain and fatigue, enhances exercise performance, speeds up muscle recovery, and reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Mental Health
Sauna use lowers depression and lifts mood — studies show the effect can last for up to 14 days after a single session. It reduces stress levels, promotes deep relaxation, and helps you achieve a better, more restorative sleep.
Community
Sharing the space with like-minded people seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and a moment of calm, the sauna becomes a place of connection. Stories are shared, laughter flows easily, and genuine bonds are formed — many lasting friendships have begun in the warmth of the sauna.
Sauna by a beautiful river!
One of the true highlights of this sauna is its setting — right beside a beautiful, clean, cold river. After the deep warmth of the wood-fired heat, you can step straight into the crystal-clear water for an invigorating plunge that takes your breath away in the best possible way.
Schedule
Have a look at our schedule below!
Previous
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Wild Sauna In A Horse Box!
We start with a gentle 10-15 minutes in the sauna, gradually increasing the heat. As your core temperature rises and you begin to sweat, we take a refreshing break to cool off.
After cooling for a few minutes, we dive back into the sauna. We repeat this for as many cycles as you want in the time we have!
Your safety and comfort are our priority, as our experienced team carefully monitors the heat.
In just one hour, you'll experience three invigorating sauna rounds, interspersed with two or three revitalizing breaks.
Cool down.
To cool down, you have two options: Either relax outside the sauna or take a invigorating cold water plunge.
If you choose the plunge, we recommend a gradual approach to help your body adjust. Start by wading into the water gently, allowing your body to acclimate. Once up to your waist, take a deep breath through your nose, exhale slowly through your mouth, and gently submerge your body, sitting on the floor. Remember, there's no need to go beyond your depth for the full plunge experience.
However, please note that entering the water is at your own risk. ⚠️💧
Tickets
7-8.45 AM
These longer river sessions are about slowing right down — proper unrushed sauna, sitting by the water with a tea, watching the river drift past and letting your nervous system finally catch up with itself.
9-10.45 AM
No rushing between rounds. No pressure to be anywhere. Just heat, cold water, birdsong, drifting clouds and a couple of hours to properly breathe again.
11AM - 12.45 PM
More time to warm through deeply, stretch out on the pontoon, watch for kingfishers and actually settle into the experience.
1PM-2.45PM
You stop clock-watching and start noticing the trees, the light on the water and how relaxed your body feels.
3PM-4.45PM
This isn’t the quick in-and-out kind of sauna. It’s slow heat, slow conversation, cold river dips and enough time to properly unwind beside the water.
5-6.45PM
Sit in the sauna until your muscles soften. Cool off by the river. Then just stay awhile. Watch the herons. Listen to the wind in the trees. Take your time.
7-8.45PM
The longer river sessions give you space to actually relax into the process instead of squeezing wellness into another busy hour of life.
Gallery
Hidden among towering trees and wild greenery, this riverside sauna feels like stepping into another world.
Vines hang down from the branches, sunlight filters through the canopy, and the air hums with birdsong and the flutter of dragonflies.
Every so often, a fish might jump or a cormorant might come in for landing! — a reminder of just how alive this place is. Only five minutes south of Whitby, it feels a world away from everything. Step straight from the sauna onto the wooden deck and into the river, where the water shifts from waist to shoulder depth — perfect for dipping, floating, or a slow, mindful swim. The surroundings are lush, ancient, and deeply peaceful, a hidden sanctuary that feels more like a tropical forest than North Yorkshire — until that first cold plunge reminds you exactly where you are.
FAQs
What Should I Do in a Sauna?
We recommend simply doing the sauna what traditional sauna-ers have long done: nothing. Just sit there. Let your mind go. Do some reflecting while your thinking is still sharp; meditate when your mind starts going blank. Just be.
It is also Ok to chat- this is your session and gift to yourself.
What Should I Do After I Sauna?
During your sauna session, you’ll lose a lot of water through your sweat — up to four cups during a twenty-minute session! Be sure to rehydrate with plenty of water afterward. Supplement with electrolytes as needed.
We would also recommend to just go easy on yourself. You will be in a state of high vibration and relaxation. You want to be in that state as long as possible so stay away from stressful or negative situations, people or media.
I do not want to go in the river
That is absolutely fine there is no pressure at all to go in the river! You can stay in the sauna as long as is comfortable and just take breaks out in the air.
Is there somewhere to change?
Yes, we’ve got a small changing area next to the sauna, so you can get in and out of your swim gear comfortably.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes please! Numbers are limited, so booking mens we don;t need to turn you away if we are full. .
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel (two if you like one dry after), water to drink, and maybe flip-flops for the walk between the river and sauna.
Dates
13 June 2026
FROM$34/pp
20 June 2026
FROM$34/pp
27 June 2026
FROM$34/pp
4 July 2026
FROM$34/pp
11 July 2026
FROM$34/pp
18 July 2026
FROM$34/pp
25 July 2026
FROM$34/pp
1 August 2026
FROM$34/pp
8 August 2026
FROM$34/pp
15 August 2026
FROM$34/pp
22 August 2026
FROM$34/pp
29 August 2026
FROM$34/pp
5 September 2026
FROM$34/pp