Who is sauna for?

Barriers to overcome

We want sauna to be as widely accessible as possible. But practical barriers can get in the way including:

age restrictions – children aren’t often allowed in saunas in the UK, but this is not the case in other sauna cultures especially across the Nordic countries.
some people want a different kind of sauna – quiet and meditative, less busy.
not everyone is comfortable in their own skin, and find the idea of sauna bathing daunting.
trailer sauna limitations – it is tricky to create an accessible mobile sauna for all health conditions or impairments.
health conditions preclude some from enjoying sauna – and you have to go with your doctor’s guidance.
not enough saunas nearby that are affordable.

Making sauna accessible

We would love to help more people enjoy the benefits of sauna. In the short term, we are trialling different kinds of sauna sessions – let us know what you think:

Child-friendly sessions. We are testing designated sauna sessions for families. Our older children love the sauna, and I think it does them good – relaxing, a great place for a blether, maybe better sleep? So, let’s see. More information provided on children and saunas below.
Quiet saunas. These are available now and promote a meditative atmosphere and might also be nice for those feeling a bit shy.
Same sex sessions. In Finland, it is traditional for the women to go first, and then men. We will look at holding dedicated same sex sessions in the coming months to see if this might encourage new faces to brave and perhaps love sauna.
Sauna club. For those who want to sauna regularly, we have a great deal available.

Longer term, we are working on a permanent sauna on our farm which will be more accessible to those with limited mobility, and I hope that this will increase accessibility. Meantime, if you think we can support you to enjoy sauna in any way, please let us know and we will try to help.

More information on child-friendly sauna sessions

Children and heat

Young children are more sensitive to heat than adults. Their bodies regulate temperature differently, as they don’t sweat as efficiently, and their circulatory systems are still developing. Additionally, fluctuations in blood pressure when cooling down between or after sauna sessions may cause dizziness or unsteadiness. While these effects are not dangerous for healthy children, close supervision is essential. Young children may not always communicate discomfort, so it’s important to watch for signs of distress. Most children find the sauna experience enjoyable.

Looking after children and adults

Children often don’t always sit still for long and need shorter bursts in the sauna. To accommodate this, there are dedicated child-friendly sessions where children must be fully supported by an attentive adult. We know adults enjoy a peaceful sauna and many also enjoy a break from caring duties, so unless you have booked a private sauna, children should stick to dedicated child-friendly sessions.

Sauna Visit Rules

• Children must be supervised at all times, both inside and outside the sauna. The car park and nearby areas pose safety risks eg working farmyard or open water.

• Children are not allowed to pour water on the stove due to the risk of burns from rising steam.

• Children 8 years and over are welcome to enjoy the sauna in designated child-friendly sessions.

• Children can only attend private sessions or designated child-friendly sessions.

• Running inside or near the sauna or changing area is prohibited.

• The supervising adult must closely monitor the child’s reactions and exit the sauna immediately if any signs of discomfort appear.

• Children with an infection or fever should not enter the sauna