Outdoor saunas in Cornwall 

With countless merits, the gentle heat of saunas helps to soothe muscles, improve circulation, and detoxify the body, making it an ideal wellness activity in any season. For an even greater boost, pairing a sauna session with a cold water dip can intensify the benefits, combining heat and cold therapy for maximum revitalisation. 

When looking for the perfect location, Cornwall’s beautiful coastline offers the perfect backdrop. Join us as we explore the origins of sauna culture, the health benefits, and the best outdoor saunas in Cornwall. 

Why Cornwall?

Cornwall, with its mild southern climate and diverse natural landscapes, is an idyllic destination for outdoor sauna experiences. Whether it’s gazing at the waves crashing against the cliffs, watching clouds drift by, or observing wildlife, the natural beauty of Cornwall deepens the sense of relaxation and wellbeing. Outdoor saunas in this setting offer not just physical rejuvenation but also soothing relief from the rhythm of the everyday. The serene environment helps to lower stress levels and boost overall mood, making the sauna experience even more enriching.

Our hideaways in Cornwall are designed to offer the ultimate blend of comfort and natural immersion. Each luxury glamping retreat provides a peaceful escape, allowing you to explore the region’s landscapes and indulge in the restorative benefits of spending time outdoors.

The history of sauna culture

There is evidence of sauna culture around the globe. In the West in particular, the tradition is believed to have originated in the Nordic country of Finland. With deep roots in Finnish history, saunas serve as a ritual for cleansing, relaxation, and connecting with nature. Dating back to around 7,000 BC, they are considered crucial for both physical and mental wellbeing and remain an intrinsic part of local culture to this day. 

The health benefits of hot and cold therapy

Hot and cold therapy, which involves alternating between heated and cold environments, offers a wide range of health benefits. Whilst the activities are often considered very different, they can have similar effects on the body. Both a sauna session and a cold water dip can mimic many of the benefits of cardiovascular exercise, making them excellent wellness activities for people of all ages.

One of the primary benefits of this therapy is improved circulation, which enhances recovery after exercise and promotes healing in the body’s tissues. This can help to alleviate pain and stiffness in muscles and joints, especially suited to those with aches and active lifestyles.

Studies have also shown that regular swimming and sauna use can lower blood pressure, boost immunity, and lead to a reduction in viral infections. Sweating in a sauna also aids in detoxification, helping to eliminate toxins from the body. Furthermore, the stimulation of hormones during a sauna session or a cold water swim can improve sleep, elevate mood, and enhance overall wellbeing. 

One of the many benefits of outdoor saunas in Cornwall is how easily they can be paired with cold water sea swims. With close proximity to the coast, many of the county’s outdoor saunas play an important role in mindfulness routines for locals and visitors alike; encouraging taking time out for yourself, slowing down and relaxing.

What about hot tubs?

Hot tubs have a wide range of health benefits, including muscle healing, cardiovascular health, and social togetherness. With less intense heat, they can be a great option for those who find sauna temperatures overwhelming, for children, or people with underlying health conditions. Many of our hideaways feature outdoor hot tubs, so you can experience ultimate relaxation in nature from the comfort of your own private idyll.

The best outdoor sauna experiences in Cornwall

Discover our favourite outdoor saunas in Cornwall to experience the benefits of hot and cold therapy.

Ocean Soul Sauna, Bude

Rated by The Times as one of the UK’s ‘top seven saunas by the sea’, Ocean Soul Sauna welcomes you to indulge in the ultimate seaside relaxation. Its beach side location is unrivalled, allowing you to relax with views over the ocean and a wide sandy beach. After warming up in the sauna, seek your dose of cold refreshment with a sea dip, cold bucket, or by simply standing in the cool sea breeze. If you opt for an evening session, you can also enjoy a stunning Cornish sunset and watch the sun sink into the sea.

Where to stay: Henrosa | A cedar-clad cabin just a stone’s throw from the north coast beaches. Complete with a hot tub with views over the Cornish countryside, this hideaway truly lives up to its name, which translates as ‘to dream’ in Cornish.

Kiln, near Falmouth

Drawing inspiration from traditional sauna practices across the globe, Kiln is a community sauna offering both social and private sessions. Their mobile saunas are award-winning and appear at various stunning locations throughout Cornwall, always positioned by the water. With a panoramic viewing window, you can relish breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes while staying immersed in nature. Be sure to experience Kiln’s unique sauna rituals, which offer a true introduction to sauna culture, complete with the option to cool off with a refreshing dip between sessions.

Where to stay: Anella | This quaint cottage is found near the Helford River, just a few miles from Falmouth. Expect fresh air, tranquil countryside, plus an outdoor bath and hot tub for ultimate relaxation in nature.

Rising Embers Sauna, Newlyn

Founded by forager and herbalist Jenny, Rising Embers is all about being able to experience the natural environment throughout the seasons. She describes her pop-up wagon as a “sanctuary of peace away from technology and the stresses of life”. Found on the west coast of Cornwall next to Newlyn Green Beach, Rising Embers is perfectly positioned to savour the combination of hot and cold therapy. Keep an eye out for collaborations with local practitioners for special sauna experiences which align with the seasons.

Where to stay: Mount View Retreat | A shepherd’s hut set within a wildflower meadow, with stunning views across the ocean and St Michael’s Mount.

Mor Holan Sauna & Wild Spa, Porthleven 

Perched high above Porthleven’s harbour and iconic clock tower, Mor Holan stands out as a top choice for winter sauna visits. Affording incredible vistas, it offers a cosy refuge where you can observe the dramatic Atlantic storms from the warmth inside. And, with its own cold plunge tub on site, you can enjoy the hot-cold experience without venturing far. The surrounding cliffs act as a natural windbreak, providing extra protection when the weather turns. Bliss.

Where to stay:  Teg | A charming shepherd's hut surrounded by tranquil countryside. Near some of Cornwall’s best beaches and the harbour town of Porthleven, it is an idyllic retreat perfect for exploring the area.

Saunas by the sea, Polzeath and Harlyn

With a mantra of ‘relax, recharge and refresh’, Saunas by the sea offer pop up sessions in a range of locations across the spectacular North Cornish coast. Their wood-fired saunas are designed to promote good health, balance and tranquillity whilst encouraging you to take a moment of stillness. Their two eco-friendly pop-up saunas and plunge pools can be found in Polzeath and Harlyn. They also have a Wild Spa sauna and plunge pool at their Wellness Gardens (also in Polzeath) where they offer a variety of Fitness, Yoga and Wellness classes.

Where to stay: Koes Cabin | This off-grid eco escape can be found in a beautiful abandoned quarry on the coast. Discover sea views, 43 acres of woodland and magical waterfalls, plus stargazing from a wood-fired hot tub.

Escape Sauna, various locations

If you're looking for a guided introduction to hot and cold therapy, Escape Sauna’s Thermalism Workshops offer the perfect opportunity. These workshops combine the intense heat of a wood-fired sauna with the invigorating chill of cold water swimming, whilst tapping into the body’s natural healing abilities. Led by experienced instructors, each session guides participants through breathwork, mental preparation, and techniques for safely transitioning between hot and cold. Workshops take place in three stunning coastal locations, including Hayle, Falmouth, and Carlyon Bay.

For the ultimate retreat in nature, check out our unique hideaways in Cornwall. Whether you’re seeking impressive sea views or rural havens with bubbling hot tubs, we guarantee a relaxing break surrounded by beautiful scenery.