Warwickshire &amp; West Midlands


<p>Haven&#8217;t you heard? Sauna and cold dips are having a seriously hot moment, with the UK taking a leaf straight out of the Scandi wellness playbook. Naturally,  we had to dive in (quite literally ) and see what the fuss is about. Hidden away in the Cotswolds countryside, just a stone&#8217;s throw from Stratford-upon-Avon, <a href="https://www.whichfordmill.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wild Sauna </a>&#8211; recently crowned Best UK Nature Sauna 2025 by the British Sauna Society &#8211; is the ultimate switch-off spot, complete with postcard-worthy green views and an instant sense of calm. </p>



<p>What started as a lockdown passion project in a converted 1960s horsebox soon snowballed into a communal sauna space on the Sussex coast. Fast forward a few years, and The Wild Sauna has arrived in the Cotswolds – and honestly, if wellness heaven exists, this might just be it. Muddy caught up with founders Lucy Gill-Keeling and Tom Keeling to chat celeb fans, health benefits, and why communal saunas might just be the new pub. Here&#8217;s what they had to say. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1200" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-owners-2.jpg" alt="The Wild Sauna owners " class="wp-image-71491" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-owners-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-owners-2-667x800.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-owners-2-833x1000.jpg 833w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-owners-2-768x922.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lucy Gill-Keeling and Tom Keeling</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-has-everyone-fallen-in-love-with-saunas">Why has everyone fallen in love with saunas?</h2>



<p>Saunas have become the ultimate escape hatch &#8211; neutral spaces where people can properly switch off. No phones, no distractions, just heat, conversation and a healthy, sociable environment that leaves you feeling genuinely good. The rise of wild saunas across the UK has helped too. Once people have tried one, they realise how varied and welcoming they can be. There’s so much creativity poured into them that it quickly becomes something people want to keep exploring.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-saunas-becoming-the-new-pub">Are saunas becoming the new pub?</h2>



<p>Yes and no. They share the same appeal &#8211; community vibes, conversations with friends, and that feel-good buzz when you leave. The big difference is how you feel the next morning. Saunas also have a way of forging friendships that might not naturally blossom in a pub environment. In the sauna, everyone&#8217;s just in a bathing suit, so there’s less judgement around appearance or status. It’s a more intimate space, which naturally makes people more open with one another – and the pub doesn’t always have that.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-science-behind-sauna-and-cold-dipping">What’s the science behind sauna and cold dipping?</h2>



<p>Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, meaning the heart has to pump harder to circulate blood &#8211; similar to what happens during exercise, except you&#8217;re sweating it out instead. With regular sauna use, studies have shown there can be a lower risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Cold exposure does the opposite: blood vessels constrict, which can help reduce inflammation, boost circulation, support immunity, and trigger the release endorphins. By alternating between the two, you’re essentially giving your circulatory system a workout. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-you-were-awarded-best-uk-nature-sauna-2025-by-british-sauna-society-how-did-this-come-about-and-how-did-it-feel-to-win">You were awarded best UK Nature Sauna 2025 by British Sauna Society – how did this come about and how did it feel to win?</h2>



<p>Amazing. It felt incredibly validating because nature has always been at the centre of everything we do. Our aim has never simply been to build a sauna, but to create an experience rooted in landscape, water, plants, and seasonal rituals. To be recognised for that approach by the British Sauna Society felt really special.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-would-you-describe-your-typical-clientele-do-you-tend-to-attract-yummy-mummies-or-gen-z-fitness-enthusiasts-more">How would you describe your typical clientele? Do you tend to attract yummy mummies or Gen Z fitness enthusiasts more?</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s incredibly mixed. Families, older regulars, influencers, campers, actors, locals, tourists — everyone turns up. That variety is one of the best things about sauna culture. You can have someone arriving in a campervan and someone else pulling up in a Lamborghini in the very same session – you never quite know who&#8217;s going to walk through the door.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-any-famous-visitors-swing-by">Do any famous visitors swing by?</h2>



<p>Occasionally. Being tucked between the Cotswolds and Stratford-Upon-Avon means we have our fair share of actors from The RSC rolling through. Mark Rylance once tried to visit, but sadly he arrived too late for the session &#8211; so we had to turn him away. Even Oscar winners aren&#8217;t above the sauna schedule. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-2.jpg" alt="The Wild Sauna exterior" class="wp-image-71434" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-you-hear-all-the-hot-goss-in-a-sauna-or-do-you-tend-to-attract-a-quieter-cotswolds-crowd">Do you hear all the hot goss in a sauna or do you tend to attract a quieter Cotswolds crowd?</h2>



<p>We hear all sorts – from doctor’s discussing the regeneration of cancer cells to someone chatting about deep-sea fishing. It tends to be more fascinating conversation than full-blown gossip. Some people come for the social side, while others prefer peace and quiet, which is why we also run silent sauna sessions for anyone craving a bit of calm and stillness. We&#8217;ve even joked about keeping a logbook of the most interesting snippets overheard. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-first-sparked-your-own-love-for-saunas-and-cold-dips">What first sparked your own love for saunas and cold dips?</h2>



<p>It all started with sea swimming and regular trips to the local leisure centre sauna while living on our houseboat in Shoreham-by-Sea. During lockdown, we converted a horsebox into a sauna and asked the council if we could park it on the beach afterwards. To our surpise, they said yes &#8211; and from there, things just snowballed. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-you-describe-the-location-almost-romantically-spring-river-meanders-nature-how-much-does-the-environment-play-a-role-in-shaping-one-s-wellbeing">You describe the location almost romantically – spring, river meanders, nature – how much does the environment play a role in shaping one’s wellbeing?</h2>



<p>Huge. We&#8217;ve deliberately allowed everything to grow quite wild &#8211; partly because who has time to manicure it all? &#8211; but also because that sense of immersion in nature is such a big part of our sauna too – hearing the birds sing, the abundance of nature, and the open space, it <em>makes</em> the experience. &nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-1.jpg" alt="Hot tub at The Wild Sauna" class="wp-image-71435" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-the-perfect-sauna-experience-look-like-to-you">What does the perfect sauna experience look like to you?</h2>



<p>It’s the combination of beautiful surroundings, a great sauna with plenty of steam, cold water, and &#8211; most importantly &#8211; good company. As hosts, we love seeing people leave feeling relaxed and happy after arriving stressed or nervous – that’s how you know they’ve had the perfect sauna experience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-has-been-your-most-rewarding-moment-since-launching-the-wild-sauna">What has been your most rewarding moment since launching The Wild Sauna?</h2>



<p>Seeing people arrive convinced they could never attempt the cold plunge — and then eventually giving it a go. As hosts, there’s something really rewarding about watching people push themselves out of their comfort zone and come away feeling exhilarated by it. It&#8217;s also been amazing to watch friendships form. People meet during sessions, swap numbers, and start coming back together regularly. Seeing a real community grow around the sauna has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-most-bizarre-thing-to-have-happened-during-a-sauna-session">What’s the most bizarre thing to have happened during a sauna session?</h2>



<p>Our cat, Shakti, absolutely loves the sauna. Every now and then, when guests head out for a cold dip, she&#8217;ll dart inside and curl up in the back corner, basking in the sauna glory – it tends to freak out some of the guests to spot a cat emerging through the steam (rightly so).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-have-you-got-any-other-big-ideas-in-store-for-the-wild-sauna-or-is-it-all-hush-hush">Have you got any other big ideas in store for The Wild Sauna, or is it all hush hush?</h2>



<p>We&#8217;re currently building a larger sauna for events and community sessions, which means we&#8217;ll be able to welcome even more sauna hosts from around the world. Think special experiences ranging from sauna rituals and storytelling to towel waving and traditional leaf whisking.</p>



<p>We’re also working with Seven Rivers Trust to bring as much wetland as possible into the new space, including more natural cold dipping areas. Expect green roofs, a sun-drenched deck, and plenty more ways to feel immersed in nature. We build all our saunas ourselves though, so exactly <em>when</em> it&#8217;ll be finished is another question entirely. We like to take a slower approach to things – so watch this space.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1200" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-3.jpg" alt="Inside the Wild Sauna" class="wp-image-71437" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-3-667x800.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-3-833x1000.jpg 833w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/The-Wild-Sauna-3-768x922.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-most-memorable-sauna-experience-you-ve-had">What’s the most memorable sauna experience you’ve had?</h2>



<p>Last year we went to Hammam in Morocco with our kids – that was especially memorable because it showed sauna culture in a completely different way. We all had massages and it became a really special bonding moment as a family.</p>



<p>But our absolute best sauna experience came just after we opened on the beach in Sussex. Our friends, who own Beach Box Sauna, invited us to one of their summer parties and it completely blew our minds. There was aufguss (a traditional German sauna ritual), alongside leaf whisking, and suddenly the doors to a whole new sauna world were flung open. We realised just how much you can do within one little box.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-there-any-other-health-hacks-you-swear-by">Are there any other health hacks you swear by?</h2>



<p>Good food, growing vegetables, and staying active – that’s our simple recipe for healthy living.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-now-for-the-important-part-what-actually-is-sauna-etiquette">Now for the important part – what actually is sauna etiquette?</h2>



<p>Sit on a towel, <em>of course</em> &#8211; largely for hygiene purposes &#8211; and listen to your body. Forget what everyone else is doing – sauna and cold dips aren&#8217;t a competition. The best sauna experience comes from paying attention to what feels right for you – rather than trying to outlast everyone else or forcing yourself into the cold.&nbsp;Other than that, there aren&#8217;t any hardcore rules – just switch off, kick back, and relax.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.whichfordmill.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wild Sauna</a>, Whichford Mill, Shipston-on-Stour CV36 5JB</em></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/travel-guides/rivals-style-cotswolds-travel-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Live the <em>Rivals</em> life in The Cotswolds: Where to eat, stay &amp; play</a></li>



<li><a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/7-wild-sauna-and-swim-spots-in-warks-and-the-west-mids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">7 wild sauna-and-swim spots in Warks and the West Mids</a></li>



<li><a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/foraging-warks-and-the-west-mids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Into the wild: Where to go foraging in Warks and the West Mids</a></li>
</ul>


Muddy talks all things hot and steamy with The Wild Sauna

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