Right now, the hottest trend in the UK wellness world is “Sauna”. Believe it or not, just two years ago in 2024, there were only about 40 sauna facilities in the country. Today, in 2026, that number has jumped to over 650—and new ones are opening every single week!
Since the pandemic, people in the UK have become much more focused on their health. For a long time, the traditional place to hang out with friends was the “pub,” but now saunas are taking over that role. It is becoming the new favourite spot for people to meet and chat.
As the UK grows into a true sauna nation, we are seeing so many unique events that mix saunas with music, the sea, and beautiful nature. In this guide, we will introduce the most exciting sauna events you should definitely check out in 2026!
Sauna Festivals
The Saunaverse 2026
- When: 23 May 2026
- Where: Hackney, London (Community Sauna Baths Hackney)
- What to expect: Located right in the heart of London’s coolest sauna hub, this is a high-energy, urban sauna festival you don’t want to miss. Imagine a “Sauna Disco” where you can dance and sweat to great music, followed by amazing Aufguss rituals, freezing ice baths, and a cosy bonfire to sit around under the city stars. It is the perfect place to feel connected to the London community.
- More details; https://www.saunaverse.co.uk/
Brighton Sauna Festival 2026
- When: 29–31 May 2026
- Where: Brighton Beach, East Sussex
- What to expect: This is the UK’s biggest outdoor sauna event, where more than 20 portable saunas from all over the country gather right on the pebbles of Brighton beach. You can bake in a super-hot wood-fired sauna, run out the door, and dive straight into the freezing cold English Channel. It is the ultimate natural ice bath experience!
- More details; https://www.britishsaunasociety.org.uk/brighton-sauna-festival-26
Music Festival × Sauna
Great Estate Festival Pool Garden 2026
- When: 31 May 2026
- Where: Scorrier House, Cornwall
- What to expect: Hidden inside one of Cornwall’s favourite music festivals is a secret, beautiful pool garden—and it’s a complete sauna paradise. You can listen to live music echoing through the trees while relaxing in authentic wood-burning saunas. They also offer refreshing cold plunges and special sauna rituals led by wellness experts to wash away all your festival tiredness. It is pure bliss.
- More details; https://www.scorrierhouse.co.uk/events_scorrier/swim-sauna-great-estate-festival-2026/
Sauna Competitions & Summits
UK Aufguss Championships 2026
- When: 20–22 April 2026
- Where: Galgorm Resort, Northern Ireland
- What to expect: This is the highest level of sauna entertainment in the UK. The country’s top Sauna “Aufguss masters” come together to compete. They use incredible towel-waving techniques, beautiful essential oils, and dramatic storytelling to move the hot steam around the room. It is a 3-day show of pure skill and artistry that will completely change how you view a sauna.
- More details; https://www.britishsaunasociety.org.uk/events/2026-uk-aufguss-championships
British Sauna Society Sauna Summit 2026
- When: 1 June 2026
- Where: Brighton Dome, Brighton
- What to expect: This is the big annual meetup for sauna owners, builders, and wellness experts from all over the UK. While it is an industry event, it is also the best place to see the future of British sauna culture. If you want to know what the next big health trend will be, or see the newest sauna designs, this summit is incredibly inspiring
- More details; https://www.britishsaunasociety.org.uk/saunasummit-26
Make Saunas Your New Weekend Plan
Beyond these big events, the British Sauna Society constantly posts about local pop-ups, community sweats, and new openings across the country. Some of these events need tickets well in advance, so make sure to check their official event page regularly to stay in the loop; British Sauna Society Events
At the end of the day, saunas do so much more than just make your body feel good—they truly nourish your mind and soul. Whether you want to go solo for a quiet mental reset, catch up with a group of friends for a laugh, or even take your partner on a unique, relaxing date—there is a sauna space in the UK waiting for you.
Why not swap your usual weekend pub trip or coffee date for a proper steam? Trust us, your body and mind will thank you for it.
