Little Shiplake Sauna Near In Sussex

The sauna is located on a beautiful side near Laughton in Sussex, close to our Sussex cabins Blackthorn and Hawthorn. It’s tucked away for privacy and serenity – just a short walk from the parking area and the cabins.

Please feel free take the towels provided in your cabin with you to the sauna. We are working to add towels at the sauna itself for you.

Just bring swimwear or something you’re comfortable in, flip-flops or sandals for around the sauna and water, a torch or headlamp (in case your visit starts/end in dark) and some extra layers (season dependent) for before/after your sauna session.

Yes – our sauna features a traditional wood-fired stove. You can control the temperature by adding more water to the hot stones for humidity and pouring more logs onto the fire for higher heat. There are detailed instructions on site on how to operate everything safely.

Our sauna is heated by a wood-burning stove – adding logs stokes the fire and pouring water on the stones kicks up the steam. We’ll provide firewood and safety instructions. Each slot is three hours so you have plenty of time to use the sauna and enjoy the experience. Typical heat up time is around 40 minutes. 

The sauna seats up to six adults. It’s perfect for couples or small groups.

Your session is private and exclusive to your booking. It won’t be shared with other guests.

The sauna is located within the grounds where the cabins are located – so you may simply remain parked where your vehicle is for your cabin stay.

Yes – children are welcome but must be supervised at all times. In all cases we’d recommend using the sauna at all lower temperatures and limiting time to ensure safety and well-being of children.

Generally the following guidance applies:

Under 5 Years – Sauna use is not recommended due to infants immature ability to thermoregulate and therefore an increased risk of over-heating
5 Years – 12 Years – May use the sauna but with strict adult supervision and adequate hydration.
12+ Years – May be able to tolerate more standard sauna conditions but with strict adult supervision and adequate hydration

Absolutely! Whether you’re in it alone or with company, you’re welcome to use the sauna solo. Just choose your own slot.

Yes, you can! Simply book a slot in the morning and another in the afternoon to enjoy extended use.

Sauna sessions either be added online after booking your stay or at the time of booking a Shacks stay at one of our Shacks or charged to your stay upon arrival. We accept card and bank transfer payments. All bookings are made using the booking form above.

Each session is allocated three hours. This gives enough time for it to heat up and for you to make use of the space around the sauna to walk and relax.

Currently, we only offer the wood-fired sauna and the cold plunge pool.

Blackthorn and Hawthorn are only around a 2-3 mintue walk from the sauna, there is then a separate parking area for sauna use where you can park up and then walk 2-3 mins to the private sauna area.

Cancellations made 48 hours or more in advance are fully refundable. Within 48 hours, we’ll do our best to reschedule you, but refunds may not be guaranteed due to preparation costs and limited slots.

Yes! The sauna is open in every season – from misty mornings in spring to snowy winter nights. It’s an especially magical experience during colder months. We recommend dressing appropriately for the walk to and from the sauna – including solid footwear suitable for an off-grid path.

Yes, there is a cold water plunge bath at the sauna – to help you cool down and benefit from hot and cold therapy.

If you have any underlying health concerns (e.g. cardiovascular conditions, respiratory issues, pregnancy), we recommend speaking to a healthcare provider before using the sauna. Sessions are at your own discretion and risk.

There’s a small porch outside the sauna where smaller breeds of dogs can relax while you enjoy your session. Please be sure to follow on-site guidance and secure dogs with a lead. While the sauna heats up, feel free to make use of the surrounding space and go for a walk.

The Sauna does have lighting inside and some limited lighting immediately outside. In order to limit light pollution and conserve the environmentally friendly solar energy we use for the sauna – the area around and in the vicinity of the sauna is not lit up.

We’d suggest using and bringing a torch with them for the journey to/from the sauna – if using the sauna in the evening and/or in darker winter afternoons/evenings.

To maintain the off-grid ambience and reduce light pollution – the path to the sauna is not itself lit up. There is a path to the sauna to guide you in finding it. Guests will also find additional information and directions for access within their confirmation email and TouchStay guide (for guests staying with us). We’d suggest using and bringing a torch for the journey to/from the sauna – if using the sauna in the evening and/or in darker winter afternoons/evenings.

Yes – we welcome small group bookings for retreats, celebrations and special occasions. Let us know your group size and we’ll help tailor a session (or series of sessions) to your needs. Advance booking is essential for groups – to ensure the sauna is available for everyone’s sessions. A stay at Blackthorn or Hawthorn would also be required.

Absolutely. The sauna is fully sheltered and can be enjoyed in all weathers—even rain or snow. In fact, wild weather often makes the experience more special. We only cancel in extreme conditions where access may be unsafe and will offer to reschedule if that ever happens.