A staple of the Scandinavian lifestyle, saunas are now more popular in the UK than ever. 'Wild' or mobile wood-fired Finnish-style saunas are popping up at the seaside, on campsites and on the festival circuit. The first ever public floating sauna opened on the River Mersey at the end of 2024 and the UK’s largest sauna, seating 65 people, recently opened at Arc, the UK's first 'contrast therapy club' in Canary Wharf, London. The UK saw its first ever Sauna Summit in 2024, hosted by the British Sauna Society, with another planned for 2025. British people seem to be wholeheartedly embracing sweating in temperatures from 70-90°C - although for now, unlike the Scandinavians, we're keeping some clothes on.
Saunas are now also making a luxurious, spa-like addition to our gardens, too. Many companies now offer off-the-peg or bespoke versions. Shepherd’s hut maker Plankbridge launched the Sauna Snug last year, available in a range of heritage colours.
‘Wellness at home has been gaining in popularity over recent years so it is wonderful to be able to create a beautiful, calm space in which our customers can soothe away aches and pains and feel connected to nature just a stone’s throw from their door," says founder Richard Lee. "While the Sauna Snug was created in response to the wellness-at-home trend, the roots of it started a long time ago when I worked for Log House Holidays in the Cotswolds, alongside two Finnish log house builders, Kim and Timmo. It gave me a deep respect for Finnish traditions, which continues to this day, with our huts crafted from genuine aspen, alder and spruce for a deeply immersive and authentic sauna experience."
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Are saunas good for you?
The modern sauna experience is a far cry from the isolated hot, dry box we may have sat in after a workout or swim in a hotel or sports centre. Today, saunas are all about the shared experience, wellbeing, engaging the senses and being in nature.
Studies have suggested that saunas can boost metabolism, circulation and immunity. Many people also say time spent in the sauna can improve your sleep, skin and mood, as well as alleviate stress, and even help with pain relief. The heat of the sauna is particularly good when combined with a dip in very cold water - the sea, a river, or a natural swimming pond.
One thing that is undeniable is that saunas are great for relaxing and warming up after spending time outside on a cold winter’s day. A sauna provides a sanctuary and a place to retreat to, particularly in winter, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
How to choose a sauna for the garden
Prices for a garden sauna range from around £4,000 to £40,000. If a ready-made version is out of your price range, kits for DIY wood-fired, electric or infrared saunas are available from a range of suppliers. If you have good DIY skills, you could have go at building your own from scratch.
A sauna will need a solid concrete base somewhere flat and a dedicated power supply, fitted by an electrician. Most saunas are under 2.5 metres high and are therefore seen as portable buildings, so planning permission isn’t generally required. They are powered by electric or wood-fired stoves - if you opt for the latter, check that you're not in a smoke-controlled zone or too close to neighbours.
We’ve selected some of the best saunas on the market so that you can create your own wellness haven in the garden at home.
The best places to browse saunas
- Simply Log Cabins
- Garden Chic
- B&Q
- Wayfair
- The Range
- Iglucraft
- Plankbridge
- Finnmark Sauna
- Wildhut
- Arctic cabins
- The Cedar Sauna Company
- Heartwood Saunas
Best garden saunas to buy this year
Stjarna Sauna Pod 300
Buy from Garden Chic (£4,189)
- Seats up to four
For an unusually shaped sauna with the feeling of a smart glamping pod, consider this striking choice. The shingled roof extends all the way to the ground, and is available in five colours: grey, black, green, red and brick.
The heat comes from a sleek stainless steel stove inside with a flue, chimney and stones.
Dharani Mini Outdoor Steam Sauna
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- Seats two
The Dharani Mini Outdoor Sauna is a compact, steam sauna combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. This elegant wood-finished unit is crafted for durability and aesthetic appeal, seamlessly blending into natural surroundings like gardens or terraces.
Made from classic spruce and including ambient lighting, it’s the perfect garden getaway. It features a built-in electric stove for efficient and consistent steam generation, ensuring a relaxing and rejuvenating sauna experience.
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Stjarna Oval Sauna
Buy from Garden Chic (£5,619), Simply Log Cabins (£5,619)
- Seats up to seven
With its curved shape and timber front, this sauna should blend in nicely amongst trees and shrubs. The small seating area is a handy bonus for relaxing before or after your session, and works as a useful place to pop drinks and extra towels as you head in.
FinVision Wood-Fired Nordic Misty Sauna
Buy from John Lewis & Partners (£14,000)
- Seats up to three
The Kirami FinVision Wood-Fired Nordic Misty Sauna is a compact, stylish, and functional sauna designed to bring a luxurious Nordic spa experience to your home. Finished in a sleek black exterior, this small yet sophisticated sauna combines timeless Scandinavian design with modern functionality, making it a striking addition to any outdoor space.
Made of surface-treated spruce panels and heat-treated hardwood with a modern interior, the dark colour and scent of the heat-treated aspen create a gentle and inviting atmosphere. Made in Finland, this Nordic Misty Sauna comfortably seats up to three people and would be a welcome addition to any modern garden.
Sauna Timo
Buy from Polhus (from £4,629)
- Seats up to eight
The Polhus Sauna Timo is a compact and stylish outdoor sauna, perfect for enhancing your relaxation routine. Designed with simplicity in mind, it features high-quality wood construction for durability and excellent heat insulation.
Its cozy interior accommodates 7-8 people, while the large glass door and window create an inviting, light-filled ambiance and make it perfect for placing somewhere with a great view. Easy to assemble, the Timo sauna is an ideal addition to your garden, offering a serene escape and authentic sauna experience from the comfort of your home.
Mini-Cube 2-Person Sauna
Buy from Redwood Outdoors ($5,699)
- Seats two
If you're working with minimal space, or you don't want to draw the eye away from the rest of your garden, why not choose a small, two-person sauna? This one is beautifully designed, and stands on a footprint of just 2.1m by 1.3m.
It's made from heat-treated thermowood, and comes with wall-mounted backrests, a towel peg and even a traditional felt sauna hat.
Hideout 6 Person Traditional Sauna
Buy from Nuovo (£19,999)
- Seats up to six
The Halo Saunas Hideout Traditional Sauna is a luxurious outdoor retreat, crafted for those seeking an authentic sauna experience with a contemporary twist. Its spacious design accommodates multiple people, making it perfect for social or family use.
The sauna features large glass windows that bring in natural light and connect you with the outdoors, while its sleek, modern aesthetic complements any outdoor setting. Ideal for elevating your wellness routine, this sauna combines relaxation, style, and functionality.
Sauna Snug
Order from Plankbridge (from £37,700)
- Seats up to four
The Plankbridge Sauna Snug is a charming, handcrafted outdoor sauna. Inspired by traditional Victorian shepherd's huts, its unique design blends rustic elegance with modern functionality. Fusing British heritage and Nordic cool, it features a cozy, well-insulated interior with a wood-fired stove for an authentic sauna experience.
The compact yet inviting space is perfect for private use or small gatherings, offering a serene retreat in your garden. Combining timeless craftsmanship with luxurious comfort, the Sauna Snug is an exquisite addition to any outdoor space, but would especially complement a more traditional garden.
Custom-Built Garden Sauna
Find out more at Black Oak Wood (POE)
- Custom size
The Blackoak Wood Custom-Built Garden Sauna offers a tailored relaxation experience, crafted to fit your unique style and space. Designed with premium materials and expert craftsmanship, these saunas blend seamlessly into any outdoor setting while providing exceptional longevity.
With customisable features, including size, layout, and heating options, you can create the perfect personalised sanctuary for wellness and rejuvenation. Whether sleek and modern or rustic and traditional, a Blackoak Wood sauna transforms your garden into a luxurious escape.
Large Barrel Sauna with Terrace
Buy from Summerhouse24 (£5,575)
- Seats up to six
The Large Barrel Sauna with Terrace from Summerhouse24 combines functionality with striking design. Its barrel shape enhances heat circulation for an efficient and authentic sauna experience, while the attached terrace provides a relaxing space to cool off and enjoy the outdoors.
Spacious enough for group use, it features high-quality wood construction for durability and natural charm. This sauna is a stylish and practical addition to any garden, offering a lush retreat for wellness and socialising.
Camilla Traditional Outdoor Sauna
Buy from Heracles Wellness (£3,999)
- Seats up to three
The Camilla Traditional Outdoor Sauna by Heracles Wellness is a cozy and elegant retreat designed for up to three people. Crafted from high-quality wood, it ensures excellent heat retention while blending beautifully into any outdoor space.
The traditional design features a wood-fired stove for an authentic sauna experience, complemented by a glass door and window to create a light, airy atmosphere. Perfect for relaxing, the Camilla sauna brings a touch of luxury to any garden.
Mira L Sauna
Find out more at Wellness One (POE)
- Seats up to five
The Wellness One Outdoor Sauna offers a tranquil wellness experience, seamlessly combining style and functionality. Designed to suit any outdoor setting, this sauna features high-quality wood construction to keep the heat in, making for a toasty sauna experience.
Its spacious interior provides comfort for relaxation, while its sleek, modern design enhances any garden or terrace. With efficient heating options and thoughtful craftsmanship, it’s the perfect addition for those seeking to elevate their wellness routine with an authentic sauna experience.
Why not browse our round-up of fun garden pods and offices to create a cosy escape in your own garden?
