FAQs

Absolutely. Whether you have never been to a Sauna before, or you are a seasoned heat lover. We are creating an inclusive, community-oriented space. This is truly a no-judgement zone. Our focus groups and community feedback are helping us shape a space that welcomes everyone. And we’ll continue listening to you to make the sauna experience as open as possible!

A typical sauna session is a relaxed, self-paced experience. You’ll alternate between time in the wood-fired sauna and cooling off outdoors or in the cold plunge pools. You’re welcome to chat with other sauna goers or sit in silence and enjoy bringing your attention to the present moment. Sessions will last around 1hr 15 minutes, and you can take it at your own pace. Most people stay in the sauna for 10-15 minutes at a time before cooling down in the plunge pool. This alternating hot-cold is amazing for the body and mind! In the future, we’ll also offer themed sessions like silent, LGBT+, POC, and women's sessions, sound baths, and seasonal rituals.

We currently have one saunas, a cold plunge pool, changing rooms + cubby holes for stuff, cold shower, outdoor seating and a toilet. In the glade, next to the sauna site, we have a free-to-use community garden and picnic area. Please come and check it out, even if you aren't planning on going to the sauna! We have big future plans for an outdoor dancefloor and yoga space in the Glade, another 6-person sauna, and more plunge options.

We have had to update our disabled parking access for safety purposes. Parking will be available on-site for those with accessibility needs only on thursdays between 12 and 6pm. You will no longer need to check a box on booking, the gate will be left open. Only those blue-badge holders are able to use the on-site parking. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer parking on-site for other users. There is nearby, on-street parking on Kirkstall Road and Burley Wood Mount.

Please bring: - 2 Towels (one to sit on, and one to dry off) - Swimwear - Crocs / Flip-flops - A water bottle

Our first sauna has step access and a banister to hold onto. The ground is uneven and laid with woodchip, and there is some rubber matting around the changing area. We provide parking directly next to the site on Thursdays between 6 and 12pm for those with blue-badges. If you have any more questions, please email us at info@leedscommunitysauna.com. (info@leedscommunitysauna.com.) Accessibility is one of our core values. We’ve run focus groups in the past on accessibility and will continue to listen to the community about this. We plan on building a wheelchair accessible sauna in the future. Please see our accessibility page for more information.

Whilst the day-to-day offer will be for public sauna sessions, we do offer to book out one our sauna occasionally. Get in touch for more information on prices and availability.

Saunas expose you to high heat, but when used mindfully, they can be incredibly beneficial for your physical and mental health. Staying hydrated, taking breaks, and listening to your body are key to enjoying the experience safely. Our trained staff will be on hand during every session to support you, answer questions, and help you feel at ease. We’ve developed our Sauna Etiquette Guide which sits within our terms and conditions (https://tinyurl.com/LCSTnCs)to help everyone feel respected and comfortable. Please read this before you come for a sauna. If you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable, please speak to a member of staff in confidence. We won’t tolerate harassment, discrimination, or any form of harmful behaviour.

There are loads of ways to get involved: • Sign up for a volunteer day • Donate useful materials — see our list of things we need • Spread the word with friends, family, and your community

We know that sauna culture in other countries comes with nudity, and for many, it is strange or uncomfortable to wear swimwear in the sauna. However, responding to both the U.K. culture and also a need for the sauna to be as accessible to all people as possible: Swimwear from the hips down will be compulsory in the sauna during all of our normal sessions. We do, however, have some non-clothed sessions, and we are monitoring the popularity of these.

You may change the time of your session, or cancel and receive a refund up to 4 days before the time of your session. Following this, we are unable to give refunds for sessions booked. To request a refund, please first cancel your booking on Acuity, and then email info@leedscommunitysauna, with the subject ‘Session Cancellation’